All Gold Japanese Forest Grass

All Gold Japanese forest grass is the bright yellow-leaved form of Hakonechloa macra, with an arching, slowly spreading clump. Walters Gardens lists it at 9–14 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide in USDA zones 5–9; foliage reads more chartreuse in deeper shade and brighter gold with more light. ## Garden placement Use it as a low edging, container accent, or flowing groundcover at the front of a shaded border. The narrow leaves ripple over rocks and wall edges, while the compact clump adds warm color beside green hostas and ferns. Small tan flower spikelets appear in airy clusters from late summer into early fall. ## Growing conditions Choose partial to full shade and fertile, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. The grass spreads slowly by rhizomes and will not quickly crowd neighboring plants, but it performs poorly in dry or waterlogged soil. In warmer shade, its foliage is more chartreuse; stronger filtered light brings out a clearer gold. ## Maintenance In early spring, cut last year's foliage back to leave room for new growth. Division is possible in spring or fall, though a slow-growing clump may remain in place for years. Keep the crown at soil level and avoid letting the root zone remain saturated. Sources: [Walters Gardens: Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=HAKAG); [Wasson Nursery: All Gold Japanese Forest Grass](https://shop.wassonnursery.com/collections/perennials/products/1-grass-japanese-forest-all-gold).