Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus' is a finely textured slow spreading ornamental grass like perennial with golden yellow narrow foliage that forms compact tufts. Ideal for edging water features or shaded paths, its evergreen leaves add year round color and movement to woodland or moist border gardens.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Spring (inconspicuous)
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, rich, humusy soils; tolerates occasional standing water
Watering Needs: Keep evenly moist; thrives near water gardens or rain gardens
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
Acorus gramineus is native to East Asia and is well suited for cultivation in North American shade and wet soil gardens. The 'Minimus Aureus' cultivar was selected for its compact size and vibrant foliage.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Beneficial Insects
- Provides habitat for beneficial insects including ground beetles and spiders which help control garden pests.
Amphibians
- Low foliage offers shelter for frogs and toads near water features or rain gardens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 8 - 12 inches apart to allow mats to slowly spread and fill ground space.
Landscape Placement:
- Use in the front of shaded borders, around pond edges, in containers, or as a low accent plant for moist woodland paths.
Companion Plants
- Primula japonica (Japanese Primrose) - Bold rosettes and tall candelabra blooms add seasonal color in moisture rich environments.
- Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' - This cascading golden Japanese forest grass complements the vertical tufts of Acorus with graceful texture and matching tones.
- Iris ensata (Japanese Iris) - Vertical bladed foliage and large flowers create structural and seasonal contrast near water.
- Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' - Rounded blue foliage adds bold contrast and thrives in similar shade moisture zones.
- Mazus reptans - Low growing groundcover with purple blooms that carpets wet soils and flows around tufts of Acorus.