Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
[hak-on-eh-KLO-ah MAK-rah]

Deciduous Perennial in the Poaceae Family
Soft green leaves that grow in a spreading clump.

Hakonechloa macra is a lovely, low-growing ornamental grass native to the forests of central Japan. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is the sole species in the Hakonechloa genus.

This perennial grass forms dense, cascading mounds 12-18 inches tall and wide. The foliage consists of long, slender leaf blades that arch and cascade gracefully, creating a lush, fountain-like appearance. The leaves are medium to dark green in color, with a subtle, striped or ribbed texture.

In late spring to early summer, Hakonechloa macra produces delicate, bronze-colored flower panicles that rise above the foliage, adding an extra layer of movement and interest. As the seasons progress, the leaf color may develop rich hues of orange, red, and purple, especially in cooler climates.

Preferring partial to full shade and moist, well-drained, organically rich soil, Japanese Forest Grass thrives in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and container plantings. Its graceful, cascading habit makes it well-suited for slopes, rock gardens, and spilling over walls or the edges of raised beds.

Hakonechloa macra is a slow-growing but long-lived perennial, known for its low-maintenance nature. It requires little pruning or care beyond occasional division to maintain its vigor and shape. This shade-loving grass also makes an excellent companion plant for ferns, hostas, and other woodland-style perennials.

With its elegant, flowing form and seasonal color changes, Hakonechloa macra is a popular choice for adding a touch of softness and movement to shaded garden areas. Its versatility and adaptability make it a valuable asset to many types of ornamental plantings.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 12 - 18 inches tall. 12 - 18 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Sun - Full Shade
Moisture Tolerance Medium : Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil - weekly, or more often in excessive heat.
Zones 4a - 7b (Usually hardy to -30° F)
Tags Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Full Shade, Grasses, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Medium, Native to Asia, Partial Sun, Perennial, Popular For Fall, Shade Tolerant
Bloom Period July - August
Flower Color Bronze-Yellow
Foliage Color Bright, rich green
 

Awards
 

More Info from Experts

Commonly Planted with...

Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle), Heuchera (Coral Bells), Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (Black Mondo Grass), Ferns with their graceful fronds, Hostas with their smooth leaves, Carex (Sedges) and Polygonatum (Solomons' Seal),
Japanese Forest Grass
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


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Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!