Toetoe - Imposter

Toetoe (Cortaderia) is an iconic grassy feature of the New Zealand landscape. It can be rather too bulky for a small border, and its leaves have cutting edges, but the flowering plumes are magnificent.

Toetoe in the Summer of 2003

The specimen Toetoe in the middle of the Island Border was here when we arrived. I was always caught trying to weed underneath it without gloves on, ending up with cut fingers. One spring it seemed to suddenly divide in two and died in the middle. It was hard work cleaning the mess, but well worth the effort - the following season it flowered more than ever.

Pampas Grass - Argentinean or New Zealand?

The New Zealand variety has soft plumes which can be tinged pink. It is smaller and more refined than the Argentinean Pampas Grass (a coarse, agressive plant which is gaining pest status in many areas). We have Toetoe on our fence-lines, which were here when we first arrived. This is a typical New Zealand farm planting, and the grass is often alternated with species Phormium Tenax (New Zealand flax).

In the new native border over the water race I've recently planted two new Toetoes. I needed quick bulk in the middle, and there were big tree stumps which needed disguising. These new plants have leaves which cascade outwards like fountains, and so far there's been little need to go near them, so my fingers are intact.

Toetoe in the Summer of 1998 - An Archive Photograph

Confession - Moosey Pampas Grass Identified as Non Native!

I have suspected for some time that the Toetoe in these photographs is not the real thing. I've been confused by its discrete growth habit. Alas, it is definitely an imposter - simply not a New Zealand native. Sorry!