Austrostipa muelleri

Wiry Spear-grass

Bright green wiry perennial grass branching at nodes of flowering stems to form dense tangles. Spreads from underground stems.

Additional information

• SynonymStipa muelleri
• FamilyPoaceae
• StoreyLower storey
• Sizestems to 1 m long
• Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
• LeavesStrongly inrolled leaves to 25 cm x 1 mm, becoming deciduous.
• Flower colourPurple or green, becoming straw-coloured
• Flowering timeOctober to December
• FlowersSparse flowerhead 2-5 cm long with 1-4 single florets. Floral bract brown, 13-20 mm, evenly covered in short white hairs, pair of lobes at top; bristle once or twice bent, 5-10 cm long.
• Bird attractingSeeds
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsWell drained infertile soils of heathy woodland. Full sun, semi shade.
• Garden useExcellent habitat plant for small animals. Establishes under trees. Tip of florets can be sharp, penetrating skin of people, pets and stock.
• Commercially availableNo information available
• Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions

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