Golden Top Grass (Lamarckia aurea)

Golden Top Grass

Lamarckia aurea

Delicate golden plumes sway gently in breezes, a soft accent to meadows. Annual ornamental grass; common name: Golden Top Grass.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes the brightest golden plume color and compact growth
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Thrives in 15–28°C; tolerates light frost but prefers warm growing conditions for optimal flowering
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear green leaves, 10–20 cm long, forming dense basal clumps
  • Flower: Showy, drooping golden-yellow panicles, 5–10 cm long, with feathery seed heads
  • Stem: Slender, upright green stems that bend slightly under the weight of plumes
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Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly to establish young plants; reduce frequency once mature and drought-tolerant

Fertilization

Lightly feed at planting with a balanced, low-strength fertilizer. Over-fertilization can lead to leggy growth and reduced plume production

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface once every two months to add calcium without overfeeding
Pruning
  • Cut back dead foliage and spent plumes after flowering to tidy planting areas
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and light penetration
  • Remove spent seed heads if self-seeding is not desired to prevent unintended spread
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-confirmed non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental grass for borders, dried flower arrangements, and meadow plantings