How to Grow Nēnē Grass

Wikimedia Commons

Nēnē Grass

Pseudelymus magnnusii

grass

Nēnē grass is a native Hawaiian bunchgrass endemic to the Big Island of Hawaii, characterized by its fine texture and adaptation to volcanic soils. This hardy perennial grass is culturally significant to Native Hawaiians and plays an important ecological role in native Hawaiian ecosystems. It is relatively rare in cultivation but gaining interest for native landscaping and habitat restoration projects.

When should you plant Nēnē Grass in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Nēnē Grass timeline →

Example Nēnē Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Nēnē Grass
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Nēnē Grass
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nēnē Grass dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily; prefers full sun for best growth

💧

Water: Moderate water needs once established; drought-tolerant but grows better with occasional supplemental watering during dry periods; reduce watering in winter months

📏

Spacing: 12-18 inches between plants for mature spread inches

📅

Days to maturity: 90-180 days to establish a visible plant from seed or division

🌱

Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or barely cover; transplant divisions at same depth as original soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining volcanic or sandy loam soil; tolerates poor, infertile soils

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Volcanic rock or pumice for drainage Compost for organic matter (minimal) Sand to improve drainage in clay soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 10-11 (tropical and subtropical); requires frost-free conditions year-round

10a 10b 11a 11b

Get my Nēnē Grass timeline →

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

3-4 weeks

Fine, hair-like seedlings emerge within 2-4 weeks; very small initial growth

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; protect from direct intense sun; maintain 65-75°F soil temperature; thin seedlings to prevent crowding

Establishment

6-10 weeks

Plant develops deeper root system and produces multiple shoots; gradually increases in height and density

Reduce watering frequency as roots establish; avoid disturbance; light feeding with balanced, slow-release fertilizer optional; mulch to retain moisture

Vegetative Growth

Ongoing throughout growing season

Bunchgrass becomes fuller with increased tiller production; fine, arching green foliage develops characteristic form

Minimal fertilizer needed; drought-tolerant once established; divide clumps if overcrowded (every 3-4 years); remove dead foliage as needed

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Tall inflorescences emerge above foliage; delicate panicles with fine spikelets appear

Allow flowering to complete for seed production; minimal intervention needed; flowering typically occurs in summer months

Seed Maturation & Dormancy

8-12 weeks

Seeds develop and mature on panicles; growth slows during winter or dry season; foliage may lighten in color

Reduce watering further; allow dried seed heads to remain for wildlife or seed collection; cut back dead foliage in early spring if desired

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

'Ōhi'a lehua Native Hawaiian ferns Santalum species Native sedges Hawaiian native wildflowers

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive invasive grasses Kikuyu grass Bermuda grass Competitive non-native plants Areas with heavy foot traffic

Common Pests

Monitor regularly; use horticultural oil spray if populations become heavy; encourage natural predators
Remove by hand for light infestations; use insecticidal soap for severe cases; maintain plant vigor
Remove by hand-picking; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects

Uses

🌿

Native Hawaiian Ecosystem Restoration

Habitat

Nēnē grass is invaluable for restoring native Hawaiian ecosystems and volcanic landscapes where it grows naturally. Its use in habitat restoration projects helps prevent erosion on volcanic slopes and supports native wildlife. [source]

🦋

Wildlife & Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The grass provides food and shelter for native Hawaiian birds and insects. Its flowering panicles attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the landscape. [source]

🏠

Ornamental Landscaping

Household

With its fine texture and attractive arching form, nēnē grass is suitable for drought-tolerant native gardens, xeriscape designs, and restoration landscapes in Hawaii. It adds visual interest with minimal maintenance requirements. [source]

🎨

Traditional Hawaiian Uses

Craft

Historically, native Hawaiian grasses held cultural significance in traditional Hawaiian landscapes and land management practices. Contemporary use honors these cultural traditions. [source]

Harvest Tips

Harvest seed heads when they turn golden-brown and panicles dry completely; cut entire inflorescence and allow to dry further indoors before collecting seeds; divide established clumps in spring or fall using sharp spades; replant divisions immediately at same soil depth with adequate water

Fun Facts

🌱 Nēnē grass is endemic to the Big Island of Hawaii and is found naturally only in specific volcanic habitats, making it a true Hawaiian treasure.
🌱 This species is named after the nēnē, Hawaii's state bird, and both species are symbols of Hawaiian natural heritage and conservation efforts.
🌱 Nēnē grass is exceptionally well-adapted to volcanic soils and harsh conditions, thriving where many other plants struggle, making it ideal for lava field restoration.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Perennial

Shop Nēnē Grass plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Nēnē Grass planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Nēnē Grass seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Nēnē Grass timeline →