About

Corynephorus canescens is an uncommon native grass that develops dense tufts of rigid, tightly coiled, bristle-like leaves with a silvery blue-green hue. In summer, it produces slender stems that bear delicate clusters of silvery spikelets, often accented with a hint of purple.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sand
Soil pH
Acid
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Grass Like
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Found on coastal sand dunes, and requiring very well-drained, acid soil in full sun; tolerates poor soil, drought and salt-laden wind
Pruning
No pruning required; can cut back old growth in early spring to maintain appearance
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free