Also known as Golden Hakone Grass or Japanese Woodland Grass, this was selected in Japan many years ago from a species that grows wild on Honshu Island. How and when it arrived here in North America is not certain but it appears to have been first introduced in Japan in or around the 1930s.

There are several selections of Japanese Forest Grass, and all of them grow best in moist, humus-rich but well-drained soil. They dislike wet and soggy soils, heavy clay soils or overly dry conditions as might be found under large and thirsty maple or evergreen trees unless watered faithfully. This long-season ornamental grass may be used as a groundcover, a border-front specimen, in a mass planting or in a patio container. It offers vivid highlights in shaded areas or in evening gardens. This grass is also noted for its movement in breezes, providing a cascading or undulating motion.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 9 (survival in Zone 4 appears possible in regions with reliable winter snowcover).
• Mature size: 12 to 18 inches tall (30 to 45cm) and 18 to 24 inches wide (45 to 60cm).
• Light exposure: Partial shade is best in warm-summer regions. Direct sun is tolerated in cool-summer regions such as the Pacific Northwest. Also suitable for a morning sun/afternoon shade placement.
• Soil: Prefers a moist, humus-rich but well-drained soil. Dislikes dry shade.
• Maintenance: the dried and dead stems and leaves should be pruned back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth resumes. This spreads slowly by stolons but so slowly that it is not a threat to other companions. After a number of years it may be increased by lifting and dividing in spring. Watering regularly is advised, especially when grown under thirsty trees, in the rain shadow of buildings or in containers.
• Uses: Japanese Woodland Grass can be a bright and colourful focal point in a shady area. The colourful golden and green-striped leaves make it a fantastic companion to Hostas, especially selections with a golden edge or a bluish cast. It also looks smashing with ferns or any purple or dark-leaved plant such as Coral Bells or Bugbane. As a container plant, Japanese Woodland Grass adds a lot of charm to any pot when the foliage cascades gracefully over the sides like a waterfall. It is gorgeous as an edging plant where the leaves will cascade towards a path. Excellent for providing a somewhat tropical effect and especially suitable in an Asian-style design.
• Unique Qualities: the narrow leaves are striped lengthwise with green and bright golden yellow. Plants have a mounding form and distinctive cascading habit like a waterfall, but without looking floppy. In the cooler days of autumn the golden foliage becomes tinged with shades of pink and red. Small sprays of tiny, delicate flower spikes appear in late summer and fall. In late autumn the stems and leaves become a buff or straw colour and remain attractive until covered by snow.

-- adapted from the Perennial Plant Association