Astelia nervosa aka Mountain Astelia

Astelia nervosa is an evergreen perennial in the Asteliaceae family. It comes from New Zealand, including North, South and Stewart islands. It grows in forests and grasslands, from mountain to subalpine sites. Its native range lies within a temperate climate. Garden plants reach about 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) tall. Their spread can reach 4.9 feet (1.5 metres). This gives the plant a much broader footprint than its height.

The leaves stay on the plant throughout the year. They also yield a soft, brown fibre with several uses. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Both sexes must grow together for seed to form. A lone plant cannot set seed through self-fertilisation. Plants rarely bear fruit in gardens, even though the fruit is edible. The raw fruit has sweet, juicy flesh. The supplied species evidence gives no flower colour or bloom season.

Choose moist, fertile soil with plenty of humus. The plant accepts sandy soil, loam and clay, including heavy clay. Good drainage remains important despite its need for damp soil. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline ground. Grow it in sun or partial shade. In full sun, do not let the soil dry out. Shelter it from cold winds that dry the leaves. Moist coastal gardens offer conditions that suit it well.

Its low height and broad spread suit a woodland garden. Dappled shade provides another supported planting setting. PFAF reports cold tolerance down to about 14°F (−10°C). It also lists USDA hardiness zones 8–11. Keep its need for shelter in mind when choosing a site. Divide established plants in spring, or raise new plants from seed. Sow seed under glass in late winter. Germination can take more than a year. Keep young plants in light shade through their first winter under glass.

Plant seedlings outdoors in late spring or early summer. Wait until they stand at least 0.5 feet (0.15 metres) tall. Besides its garden use, the plant provides fruit and leaf fibre. PFAF lists no known medicinal use and no known hazards. That does not establish safety for every pet or person. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases. PFAF does not flag the species as weedy.