Although a monotypic (only containing one species) genus, this is an indispensable Japanese grass, for a shadier spot, or one with reasonable moisture. Hakone grass (named after a mountainous area south west of the Tokyo megalopolis) is deciduous, with stems are arching and small sprays of fine flowers. The various forms of foliage, green to yellow and variegated, are a highlight, with over 20 cultivated forms available in the UK. When settled and making a low rounded mound, a little wind rippling through them is quite a sight.
If not cut back in autumn, even though the leaves die off, the clumped structure of these grasses gives shelter for overwintering beneficial insects such as ladybirds.