Poa ensiformis
Purple-sheath or Sword Tussock-grass
Strong dense tufted perennial, spreading outwards on underground stems. Flowering stems erect, sometimes flattened below the flowerhead.
Additional information
- FamilyPoaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.3-0.5 m high, stems to 1.2 m high
- Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
- LeavesRough dark green leaves, mostly flat, to 5 mm wide. Sheath purple. Old leaves inrolled.
- Flower colourGreen to purplish
- Flowering timeOctober to March
- FlowersErect, spreading pyramidal flowerhead to 30 cm x 18 cm, 3-8-flowered spikelets; lower bracts 3-veined, lower floral bract 5-veined, fine hairs on veins, webby hairs on basal tip.
- Bird attractingGeneral - food and habitat
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsMoist soils in mountain forests. Semi shade to full shade.
- Garden useA vigorous grass, useful for embankments and erosion control.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Aboriginal Use Leaves - string and basket-making
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Yarra Ranges Council photo library; 2, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 3 Ian Clarke, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©
Plant Communities