413B-3-Echinopogon-ovatus-fl-Peter-Kinchington.jpg

Echinopogon ovatus

Forest or Common Hedgehog-grass

Slender ascending to erect perennial grass spreading from underground stems to form a clump. Flowering stems have 3-7 nodes, bent at base.

Additional information

  • FamilyPoaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Sizeto 10 cm high, stems 15-70 cm high
  • Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
  • LeavesFlat leaves to 20 cm x 10 mm, rough on back, sometimes hairy along margins.
  • Flower colourGreen
  • Flowering timeOctober to January
  • FlowersDense oval flowerhead 1-4 cm long, ringed by bristles. 1-flowered spikelets, paired basal bracts rough along the keel; lower floral bract 5-veined, small lobe at top, straight stout bristle from top, dense tuft of hairs at basal tip.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatYes
  • Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in moist forests of mountains and gullies. Dappled shade.
  • Garden useAn interesting grass for cool shady gardens under established trees.
  • Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Peter Kinchington ©; 2 Marilyn Bull ©

Plant Communities

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  • 03 Narrow-leaf Peppermint Montane damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 05 Mountain Ash Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 30)
  • 06 Mountain Ash Wet Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 30)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 11 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 18)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 34 Manna Gum Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56)
  • 13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
  • 01 Alpine Ash Montane Damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 07 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 29)
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