Austrodanthonia caespitose
Common Wallaby Grass
Description: Perennial grass about 90cm high with clumping habit. Leaves fine and flat or rolled. Flowers in summer. Light green or pale seed heads. Individual plants may grow for up to six years. Slow growing.
Cultivation: Prefers sun or part shade. Tolerates most soil types. Hardy. Frost and drought tolerant.
Other:
- May be used as an alternative to lawn. Can be mown and will grow from seed after autumn rains.
- Attracts seed eating birds.
- Also known as White Top.
Ficinia nodosa
Knobby Club-rush
Description: Small hardy perennial sedge around 1m with characteristic knobby seed heads. Fast growing. Narrow dark green cylindrical leaves with sharp tips.
Cultivation: Prefers full sun or part shade. Damp to dry soil. Useful for boggy areas, but also tolerates extended dry periods. Great for difficult areas like slopes. Can be divided when mature to form new plants. Drought and frost tolerant.
Other:
- A reliable, sculptural plant.
- Attracts butterflies and seed eating birds.
- Aboriginal use: basket weaving.
Thermeda triandra
Kangaroo Grass
Description: Iconic and distinctive tall grass with clumping tussocky habit. Grows to 1.5m with long drooping green leaves turn to brown and purple with maturity. Distinct red-brown spikelets appearing in summer.
Cultivation: Prefers full sun or part shade. Will grow in most soils. Drought and frost tolerant.
Other:
- Attracts seed-eating birds.
- Aboriginal use: seeds were ground into flour, baked and eaten.