Austrostipa rudis ssp. australis

Veined Spear-grass

Spreading tufted perennial grass.

SynonymStipa rudis
FamilyPoaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 40 cm high, stems to 1.3 m high
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesRough, sometimes densely woolly, flat, folded or inrolled leaves to 40 cm x 5 mm.
Flower colourPurple or green
Flowering timeNovember to January
FlowersLoose flowerhead to 50 cm long. Base of bracts below each floret rounded, tip irregularly lobed, membranous. Floral bract to 11.5 mm, brown, rough, flat, white to tawny hairs on lower half; bristle twice bent, 6-9 cm, column twisted for 32-45 mm.
Bird attractingSeeds
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to dry soils in open forests. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden useDrift through trees or use as accent plants in garden beds. Tip of florets can be sharp, penetrating skin of people, pets and stock.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Few known sites locally.
Related speciesAustrostipa rudis ssp. rudis and Austrostipa rudis ssp. nervosa differ in having less hairy leaves & smaller flower parts. The bristle is less than 65 mm and the twisted column less than 30 mm. The base of the lower bract is straighter. The latter is smaller than ssp. rudis.