Austrostipa semibarbata

Fibrous Spear-grass

Erect tufted perennial grass. Nodes on flowering stem downy.

SynonymStipa semibarbata
FamilyPoaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 30 cm high, stems 0.3-0.9 m high
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesUsually hairless, sometimes rough, inrolled leaves to 30 cm x 3 mm, becoming torn as they age.
Flower colourPurple or green, becoming straw-coloured
Flowering timeSeptember to December
FlowersErect, dense flowerhead to 20 cm, florets single. Floral bract to 13 mm, reddish brown to black, fine grained, flattened white to yellow hairs except at top; bristle twice bent, 6-11 cm, twisted column covered in short downy hairs.
Bird attractingSeeds
Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsDry soils in woodland and grassland. 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 availableNo information available
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites.
Related speciesSimilar to Austrostipa mollis which has longer hairs spiralling in a single row on the column and smaller bracts at the base of each floret (16-22 mm).