Overview
Corynephorus canescens is a tufted grass like in the genus Corynephorus, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Corynephorus canescens grows best in full sun, and tolerates sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include coastal, gravel garden, rock garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.
About
Corynephorus canescens, common name grey hair-grass or gray clubawn grass, is a species of plants in the grass family, native to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa but widely naturalized in North America. In the United Kingdom it is rare. It can be found at sites such as Wangford Warren and Carr, a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the Breckland area of Suffolk. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and sand soil. It tolerates acid soils, well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Corynephorus canescens
About the genus
Corynephorus is a genus of European, North African, and Middle Eastern plants in the grass family.
Wikipedia contributors, "Corynephorus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Corynephorus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Corynephorus
- 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
Corynephorus canescens size, habit and characteristics
- 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
- Native to
- Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Corynephorus canescens
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Corynephorus canescens?
Corynephorus canescens prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Corynephorus canescens need?
Corynephorus canescens grows best in sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Corynephorus canescens grow?
Corynephorus canescens reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Corynephorus canescens hardy in the UK?
Corynephorus canescens has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Corynephorus canescens?
Seed, Division.