Rytidosperma pallidum
Silvertop or Red Anther Wallaby-grass
Dense clumping perennial, sometimes spreading through underground or prostrate rooting stems.
Additional information
- SynonymJoycea pallida, Danthonia pallida
- FamilyPoaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 0.3 m x 0.5-1 m, stems to 1.8 m high
- Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
- LeavesFine rough bluish-green leaves, margins inrolled, to 40 cm x 0.5-6 mm. Dense line of hairs projecting from the leaf sheath.
- Flower colourStraw-coloured
- Flowering timeOctober to January
- FlowersLoose slender flowerhead to 35 cm long, 3-6-flowered spikelets. Lower floral bracts evenly covered with silky hairs, lying flat, almost to pointed, shortly-bristled lobes; central bristle twisted at base. Anthers red.
- Bird attractingGeneral - food and habitat
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsDry, well drained soils in drier forests and woodlands. Often the dominant ground layer species. Frost tolerant. Full sun, partial to semi shade.
- Garden useAn attractive grass for rockeries, cottage gardens and underplanting. The red anthers are prominent when in flower. Clumps weep, providing a soft edging for paths, embankments and retaining walls.
- Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 3 Peter Kinchington ©
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