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Spaniard grass (Aciphylla)
Spaniard grass is a genus of about 40 species of plants in the family Apiaceae, endemic to New Zealand and Australia. They generally grow as tall spikes surrounded by rosettes of stiff, pointed leaves. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Spaniard grass
Feedback
Attributes of Spaniard grass
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Spaniard grass
Distribution of Spaniard grass
Feedback
Distribution Map of Spaniard grass
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Spaniard grass
Feedback
The genus spaniard grass encompasses robust, perennial plants, demanding minimal maintenance but specific conditions for optimal growth. They thrive in full sun exposure with well-draining soil and have low water requirements once established, reflecting their tolerance to drought. Cool temperatures mimic their native habitat. Spaniard grass faces challenges such as root rot from overwatering and potential pest infestations. Seasonally, protection from harsh winter conditions may be required, whereas during growth periods in spring and summer, consistent care should be maintained. In autumn, preparations for winter dormancy involve reducing water substantially.
How to Water Spaniard grass?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Spaniard grass?
How to Propagate Spaniard grass?
How to Plant Spaniard grass?
Exploring the Spaniard grass Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Golden spaniard
Golden spaniard(Aciphylla aurea) is a popular ornamental native to mountain and grassland habitats and used in rock or meadow-like gardens. The specific epithet, aurea, refers to the golden glow elicited by the plant. It is easily identifiable due to its tassel flowerheads and bright yellow blooms.
Spaniard
Spaniard is commonly found in dry, disturbed areas and on rocky outcrops, producing small flowers in the winter. Its Latin name, Aciphylla subflabellata, describes the plant's long needle-like leaves that are vaguely fan-shaped. Aciphylla translates to "needle leaf" and subflabellata translates to "fan-like."
Spaniard
Spaniard is a striking perennial herb known for its spiky foliage that resembles a sea urchin. Its sharp, needle-like leaves form dense, rounded clumps, deterring herbivores and conserving moisture in its native alpine and subalpine environments. Yellowish-green flowers grow on tall, slender stalks, rising boldly above the foliage in summer.
Giant spaniard
Giant spaniard is characterized by its robust, spiky foliage that forms in dense, spherical clumps. The sharp leaves serve as a deterrent to grazing animals, an adaptation to its native rugged alpine environments. This hardy perennial extends bold flower stalks above the foliage, carrying umbels of tiny blossoms, reflective of its resilience amidst harsh conditions.
Aciphylla horrida
Aciphylla horrida is a robust, spiky alpine perennial native to New Zealand. Its long, rigid leaves form dense, spherical clusters, resembling a natural barbed fortress. These leaves are sharply pointed, a characteristic deriving from aciphylla horrida's high-altitude home where fierce winds and low temperatures necessitate such formidable defenses. The plant thrives in gravelly soils, displaying resilience and a stark, green-gray beauty amid the rugged mountainous landscape.
Aciphylla kirkii
Aciphylla kirkii is a robust, spiky perennial known for its rigid, sword-like leaves that form dense, spherical rosettes. This sharply pointed foliage serves as a deterrent to grazing animals in its rugged alpine habitat. The tall, striking flower stalks emerge in summer, bearing clusters of small flowers that attract specific pollinators adapted to the harsh environment.
Chatham island speargrass
Chatham island speargrass is a striking, spiky alpine herb native to New Zealand's South Island high country. Its long, narrow leaves form dense, spherical tussocks up to a meter wide, providing protection from harsh mountain winds. The plant's distinctive stalks rise above the foliage, bearing clusters of flowers that appeal to local pollinators. Chatham island speargrass has evolved to thrive in rocky soils and cold climates, embodying resilience in rugged environments.
Aciphylla congesta
Aciphylla congesta is notable for its striking, spiky foliage, which forms dense tussocks. The long, slender leaves, adapting to high-altitude environments, converge into points sharp enough to deter grazing animals. Its robust nature is a testament to survival in rocky soils and harsh climates, where its clusters of yellow to cream flowers bloom prominently on tall, central stalks, providing a stark contrast to its alpine surroundings.
All Species of Spaniard grass
Golden spaniard
Golden spaniard
Golden spaniard(Aciphylla aurea) is a popular ornamental native to mountain and grassland habitats and used in rock or meadow-like gardens. The specific epithet, aurea, refers to the golden glow elicited by the plant. It is easily identifiable due to its tassel flowerheads and bright yellow blooms.
Spaniard
Spaniard
Spaniard is commonly found in dry, disturbed areas and on rocky outcrops, producing small flowers in the winter. Its Latin name, Aciphylla subflabellata, describes the plant's long needle-like leaves that are vaguely fan-shaped. Aciphylla translates to "needle leaf" and subflabellata translates to "fan-like."
Spaniard
Spaniard
Spaniard is a striking perennial herb known for its spiky foliage that resembles a sea urchin. Its sharp, needle-like leaves form dense, rounded clumps, deterring herbivores and conserving moisture in its native alpine and subalpine environments. Yellowish-green flowers grow on tall, slender stalks, rising boldly above the foliage in summer.
Giant spaniard
Giant spaniard
Giant spaniard is characterized by its robust, spiky foliage that forms in dense, spherical clumps. The sharp leaves serve as a deterrent to grazing animals, an adaptation to its native rugged alpine environments. This hardy perennial extends bold flower stalks above the foliage, carrying umbels of tiny blossoms, reflective of its resilience amidst harsh conditions.
Aciphylla horrida
Aciphylla horrida
Aciphylla horrida is a robust, spiky alpine perennial native to New Zealand. Its long, rigid leaves form dense, spherical clusters, resembling a natural barbed fortress. These leaves are sharply pointed, a characteristic deriving from aciphylla horrida's high-altitude home where fierce winds and low temperatures necessitate such formidable defenses. The plant thrives in gravelly soils, displaying resilience and a stark, green-gray beauty amid the rugged mountainous landscape.
Aciphylla kirkii
Aciphylla kirkii
Aciphylla kirkii is a robust, spiky perennial known for its rigid, sword-like leaves that form dense, spherical rosettes. This sharply pointed foliage serves as a deterrent to grazing animals in its rugged alpine habitat. The tall, striking flower stalks emerge in summer, bearing clusters of small flowers that attract specific pollinators adapted to the harsh environment.
Chatham island speargrass
Chatham island speargrass
Chatham island speargrass is a striking, spiky alpine herb native to New Zealand's South Island high country. Its long, narrow leaves form dense, spherical tussocks up to a meter wide, providing protection from harsh mountain winds. The plant's distinctive stalks rise above the foliage, bearing clusters of flowers that appeal to local pollinators. Chatham island speargrass has evolved to thrive in rocky soils and cold climates, embodying resilience in rugged environments.
Aciphylla congesta
Aciphylla congesta
Aciphylla congesta is notable for its striking, spiky foliage, which forms dense tussocks. The long, slender leaves, adapting to high-altitude environments, converge into points sharp enough to deter grazing animals. Its robust nature is a testament to survival in rocky soils and harsh climates, where its clusters of yellow to cream flowers bloom prominently on tall, central stalks, providing a stark contrast to its alpine surroundings.
Aciphylla simplex
Aciphylla simplex
Aciphylla simplex is a striking perennial herb known for its needle-like foliage that forms a dense, spherical bush. The plant's long, slender leaves are a defining characteristic, with a sharp tip that discourages grazing by animals. Native to rocky alpine regions, aciphylla simplex has adapted to survive harsh, wind-swept environments, its robust form minimizing water loss and providing protection against the cold.
Aciphylla spedenii
Aciphylla spedenii
Aciphylla spedenii stands out with its sharp, spear-like foliage arranged in dense rosettes. This striking perennial is adapted to rocky alpine environments, showcasing rigid leaves that deter herbivores and minimize moisture loss. Its bold structure, often crowned by a tall flowering stalk, embodies resilience amid the harsh mountain terrain.
Aciphylla montana
Aciphylla montana
Endemic to rocky alpine terrains, aciphylla montana boasts a distinctive silhouette with sharp, spikey foliage. Its stiff, needle-like leaves connote resilience, vital for withstanding harsh high-altitude weather. Clusters of yellowish flowers emerge in summer, adding a touch of color to austere mountain slopes. This plant's adaptive morphology exemplifies nature's tenacity in extreme environments.
Aciphylla crosby-smithii
Aciphylla crosby-smithii
Aciphylla crosby-smithii is a striking perennial herb notable for its fierce, spiky foliage. This plant presents a rosette of rigid, needle-like leaves that can deter grazing animals, adapting it well to rugged terrains. Its towering flower stalks, crowned with tiny blossoms, defy the winds, speaking to aciphylla crosby-smithii's resilience in its harsh alpine ecosystem.
Aciphylla polita
Aciphylla polita
Aciphylla polita is a resilient perennial herb with long, spear-like foliage that forms dense clumps, resembling a natural spiky armor that evolved to deter grazing animals. Its hardy nature allows it to thrive in rocky alpine settings, where it stands out against the rugged terrain with striking, yellowish flower umbels that attract pollinators amidst the harsh climate.
Aciphylla montana var. gracilis
Aciphylla montana var. gracilis
Aciphylla montana var. gracilis is a striking alpine perennial known for its spiky foliage that forms dense, spherical clumps. Its slender, erect flowering stems rise above the foliage, producing tiny, inconspicuous flowers adapted to high-altitude conditions. The plant's rigid leaves offer protection from cold winds, while its deep taproot system enables survival in rocky soils.
Colenso's spaniard
Colenso's spaniard
Colenso's spaniard is a robust, spiky perennial native to the alpine regions of New Zealand. It features sharp, sword-like foliage that forms dense, impenetrable tussocks. These leaf spears and the plant’s towering inflorescence help it endure the harsh, windy conditions of its mountainous habitat. Its blooms are small, yellowish, and grouped on tall stalks, a beacon to pollinators in a landscape with few such luxuries.
Mountain celery
Mountain celery
Mountain celery is a resilient alpine species with sword-like leaves forming dense, spiky rosettes. Its sharp foliage, a silver-blue hue, is adapted to withstand harsh, icy conditions and piercing winds. In summer, tall flowering stalks rise above the foliage, bearing umbels of tiny flowers, a stark contrast to the rugged mountain terrains it calls home.
Aciphylla lecomtei
Aciphylla lecomtei
Aciphylla lecomtei is a striking perennial known for its sharply pointed leaves that form dense, spherical rosettes. These spiky clusters serve as a deterrent to herbivory and reflect its adaptation to high-altitude habitats with harsh conditions. Its towering flower stalk, which emerges after several years, is a bold marker amid the rocky alpine landscapes it calls home.
Aciphylla traillii var. cartilaginea
Aciphylla traillii var. cartilaginea
Aciphylla traillii var. cartilaginea features robust, spiky foliage with a distinct architectural form that bristles against the alpine climate it thrives in. This variety of aciphylla traillii var. cartilaginea is characterized by its thicker, cartilage-like leaves that provide resilience to harsh winds and cold, while its inflorescence adds a unique touch to the rugged landscape where it is usually found.
Blue spaniard
Blue spaniard
Blue spaniard is a striking perennial with sword-like blue-green leaves that create a densely packed rosette. This sculptural plant bears the hallmarks of a survivor, thriving in the rocky alpine terrains of its native habitat. Its sharp foliage and towering flower spikes are not only visually impressive but also serve as a deterrent to grazing animals, showcasing blue spaniard's adaptation to rugged conditions.
Fierce spaniard
Fierce spaniard
Fierce spaniard is a robust, spiky plant with fierce, pointed leaves forming dense rosettes at its base. These hardened leaves, often with a silvery hue, provide both defense against herbivores and reduce moisture loss, a testament to its adaptation to rugged, alpine environments where it thrives. Its striking presence is accentuated by tall flower stalks that bloom above the foliage in the harsh mountain climate.
Aciphylla hookeri
Aciphylla hookeri
Aciphylla hookeri is a striking perennial herb with a rosette of long, spiky leaves. Their rigid structure and sharp tips deter herbivores, an adaptation to its rocky alpine habitat. In summer, it shoots up a tall flower stalk, bearing clusters of small, star-shaped blooms, reflecting a rugged beauty tailored to survive harsh high-altitude conditions.
Aciphylla monroi
Aciphylla monroi
Aciphylla monroi is a striking, spiky perennial native to New Zealand's rugged alpine regions. Its long, needle-like leaves form dense, spherical clumps that can deter herbivores, a testament to its adaptation to harsh environments. Small yellowish flowers bloom close to the foliage, a subtle contrast to the dominant green. This adaptive masterpiece thrives in poor soil and bracing winds, with a resilience as remarkable as its bold form.
Aciphylla dobsonii
Aciphylla dobsonii
Aciphylla dobsonii stands out with its spear-like leaves and striking yellowish-green flower spikes, adapted for its tough alpine habitat. This resilient plant's rigid, sharp foliage forms a protective barrier against herbivory, symbolizing its tenacity in the face of harsh high-altitude weather conditions.
Aciphylla pinnatifida
Aciphylla pinnatifida
Aciphylla pinnatifida is characterized by its sword-like foliage that arises in dense clusters, presenting a dramatic appearance. The leaves are sharply segmented, resembling pinwheels, which may serve to minimize water loss in its native dry environments. Its tall, slender flowering stems and small, yellowish flowers peak in summer, potentially an adaptation to seasonal pollinators. This plant's unique form is a testament to its resilience in rugged terrains.
Aciphylla dissecta
Aciphylla dissecta
Aciphylla dissecta is a distinctive perennial with sharply segmented, spear-like foliage that radiates strikingly from a central point. Its architecture is a direct response to its native rugged terrains, where tight clusters and stiff leaves minimize moisture loss and deter herbivores. This species typically bears small, inconspicuous flowers, with its form emphasizing survival in harsh environments.
Soft speargrass
Soft speargrass
Soft speargrass is characterized by its striking, spiky foliage which forms dense, spherical clumps. These rigid, needle-like leaves serve as a defense mechanism against grazing animals. It thrives in its native alpine environments, exhibiting resilience against harsh winds and cold temperatures. This perennial's robust silhouette is a distinctive marker of survival amidst rugged terrain.
Aciphylla intermedia
Aciphylla intermedia
Aciphylla intermedia is a herbaceous perennial notable for its sharp, sword-like foliage that forms dense, spiky rosettes. This adaptation allows it to thrive in its native rugged mountain terrains, resisting harsh winds and grazing. Tall flowering stems bear small, clustered flowers, signaling its readiness to pollinate amidst the sparse vegetation of its alpine home.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Spaniard grass
Aciphylla
Spaniard grass is a genus of about 40 species of plants in the family Apiaceae, endemic to New Zealand and Australia. They generally grow as tall spikes surrounded by rosettes of stiff, pointed leaves.
Lifespan
Perennial
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Key Facts About Spaniard grass
Feedback
Attributes of Spaniard grass
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Spaniard grass
Distribution of Spaniard grass
Feedback
Distribution Map of Spaniard grass
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Spaniard grass
Feedback
The genus spaniard grass encompasses robust, perennial plants, demanding minimal maintenance but specific conditions for optimal growth. They thrive in full sun exposure with well-draining soil and have low water requirements once established, reflecting their tolerance to drought. Cool temperatures mimic their native habitat. Spaniard grass faces challenges such as root rot from overwatering and potential pest infestations. Seasonally, protection from harsh winter conditions may be required, whereas during growth periods in spring and summer, consistent care should be maintained. In autumn, preparations for winter dormancy involve reducing water substantially.
How to Water Spaniard grass?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Spaniard grass?
How to Propagate Spaniard grass?
How to Plant Spaniard grass?
Exploring the Spaniard grass Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Golden spaniard
Golden spaniard(Aciphylla aurea) is a popular ornamental native to mountain and grassland habitats and used in rock or meadow-like gardens. The specific epithet, aurea, refers to the golden glow elicited by the plant. It is easily identifiable due to its tassel flowerheads and bright yellow blooms.
Spaniard
Spaniard is commonly found in dry, disturbed areas and on rocky outcrops, producing small flowers in the winter. Its Latin name, Aciphylla subflabellata, describes the plant's long needle-like leaves that are vaguely fan-shaped. Aciphylla translates to "needle leaf" and subflabellata translates to "fan-like."
Spaniard
Spaniard is a striking perennial herb known for its spiky foliage that resembles a sea urchin. Its sharp, needle-like leaves form dense, rounded clumps, deterring herbivores and conserving moisture in its native alpine and subalpine environments. Yellowish-green flowers grow on tall, slender stalks, rising boldly above the foliage in summer.
Giant spaniard
Giant spaniard is characterized by its robust, spiky foliage that forms in dense, spherical clumps. The sharp leaves serve as a deterrent to grazing animals, an adaptation to its native rugged alpine environments. This hardy perennial extends bold flower stalks above the foliage, carrying umbels of tiny blossoms, reflective of its resilience amidst harsh conditions.
Show More Species
All Species of Spaniard grass
Golden spaniard
Spaniard
Spaniard
Giant spaniard
Aciphylla horrida
Aciphylla kirkii
Chatham island speargrass
Aciphylla congesta
Aciphylla simplex
Aciphylla spedenii
Aciphylla montana
Aciphylla crosby-smithii
Aciphylla polita
Aciphylla montana var. gracilis
Colenso's spaniard
Mountain celery
Aciphylla lecomtei
Aciphylla traillii var. cartilaginea
Blue spaniard
Fierce spaniard
Aciphylla hookeri
Aciphylla monroi
Aciphylla dobsonii
Aciphylla pinnatifida
Aciphylla dissecta
Soft speargrass
Aciphylla intermedia
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
