Golden Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola’) hak-on-eh-KLO-ah MAK-rah Genus:  Hakonechloa

Brightly variegated golden foliage with green stripes near the leaf margins give this Japanese forest grass its distinctive look. Too much shade can cause the golden portion to fade to lime green. This slow-growing may not reach a mature size for three years, but it is definitely worth the wait. -Matt Griswold, Regional Picks: Northeast, Fine Gardening issue #127

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Foliage tends to be mostly golden when grown in sun, with a sharp contrast between green and yellow if grown in shade. Use it to line pathways or waterways, or plant under trees and shrubs.

Care: 

Prefers uniformly moist, humus-rich soils and partial shade.

Propagation: 

Divide in spring.

Problems: 

Infrequent.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Characteristics Showy Foliage Flower Color Green Foliage Color Variegated Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Waterside Style Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Grasses