Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
An exquisite shade-loving ornamental grass with cascading golden-yellow leaves striped with green that brings luminous color to dark garden corners. This graceful Japanese native moves beautifully in the slightest breeze and turns bronze-pink in fall, making it one of the most sought-after ornamental grasses for shade gardens.
Sun
Partial shade
Zones
5–9
USDA hardiness
Height
12-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Japanese Forest Grass in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 grass →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Japanese Forest Grass · Zones 5–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day), Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Water: 'Alboaurea', 'Albostriata' or Albovariegata', 'All Gold', 'Aureola', 'Benikaze', 'Fubuki', 'Naomi', 'Nicolas', 'Samurai', 'Stripe It Rich'. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: 'Alboaurea', 'Albostriata' or Albovariegata', 'All Gold', 'Aureola', 'Benikaze', 'Fubuki', 'Naomi', 'Nicolas', 'Samurai', 'Stripe It Rich'. Propagation: Division. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Type: Caryopsis.
Bloom time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Japan
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Heavy Shade, Pollution
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Similar shade and moisture requirements, complementary foliage textures
Astilbe
Thrives in same moist, shaded conditions and provides colorful flower contrast
Heuchera
Compatible shade tolerance and adds colorful foliage variety
Ferns
Share preference for cool, moist, shaded woodland conditions
Caladium
Both prefer filtered light and consistent moisture, colorful leaf contrast
Begonia
Shade-loving with similar water needs, provides flowering interest
Japanese Painted Fern
Native habitat overlap with matching cultural requirements
Impatiens
Thrives in same shaded, moist conditions while adding seasonal color
Keep Apart
Lavender
Requires full sun and dry conditions, opposite of forest grass needs
Rosemary
Needs well-draining soil and full sun, incompatible with shade requirements
Sedum
Drought-tolerant succulent that cannot tolerate moist shade conditions
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can inhibit growth of many understory plants
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance in proper conditions
Common Pests
Slugs and snails in moist conditions
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soils, leaf scorch in too much sun