Hypolaena fastigiata

Tassel Rope-rush

Perennial sedge spreading by underground stems to form open colonies. Plants are male or female. Grey-green erect, branching stems are ridged, covered in tiny white woolly hairs, especially when young.

Additional information

FamilyRestionaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size20-50 cm x 20-50 cm
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesLeaves reduced to mid to dark brown sheathing bracts 3-15 mm long scattered along and pressed against stems.
Flower colourReddish-brown
Flowering timemost of the year, especially August to December
FlowersSingle or 2-3 1-flowered stalkless female spikelets to 10 mm long at the ends of stems are surrounded by tightly inrolled bracts similar to sheathing leaves. Male flowers in branched flowerhead with weeping, stalked, many-flowered spikelets to 8 mm long.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsMoist sandy soil in heathy woodland. Semi shade.
Garden useA most attractive sedge for areas around pools and creek beds or in rockeries. Will tolerate some drying out.
Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. More common in southern and western Victoria.