412B-3-Dryopoa-dives-fl3-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Dryopoa dives ssp. dives

Giant Mountain Grass

Annual or biennial large loosely tufted grass. Flowering stems reed or cane like.

Additional information

  • FamilyPoaceae
  • StoreyMiddle storey
  • Sizeto 0.5 m x 0.5 m, stems to 3 m high
  • Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
  • LeavesBright green flat leaves to 50 cm x 2 cm, arching. Slightly rough.
  • Flower colourGreen or tinged purple
  • Flowering timeOctober to March
  • FlowersBroad, open branched flowerhead, 15-50 cm long, lower branches often drooping. Spikelets 3-7-flowered, lower pair of bracts 3-ribbed, lower floral bract 5-ribbed, rough, not keeled.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist disturbed soils in tall mountain forests. Dappled shade.
  • Garden useA tall short-lived grass for moist shaded areas.
  • Commercially availableNo information available
  • Conservation statusScattered to common in its preferred habitat.
  • Related speciesPoa species can be distinguished by the keeled lower floral bract (lemma) which often has a tuft of short cottony hairs at the base.
Photographer/s: 1 Yarra Ranges Council photo library; 2-6 Marilyn Bull ©

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