Poa helmsii
Tall Mountain Tussock-grass
Large, densely tufted perennial. Flowering stems erect, strongly compressed below flowerhead.
Additional information
- FamilyPoaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size15-80 cm high, stems to 1.5 m high
- Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
- LeavesRough, flat or slightly folded prominently veined leaves, 15-80 cm x 3-8 mm. Sheath pale green.
- Flower colourLight green
- Flowering timeNovember to March
- FlowersContracted pyramidal flowerhead, to 35 cm x 15 cm, 3-8-flowered spikelets, lower bracts 3-veined, narrowly pointed; lower floral bract oblong, 5-veined, hairy on lower part of keel and outer veins only, webby basal hairs.
- Bird attractingSeeds, habitat - nesting materials
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist to wet soils along creeks and in swamps usually above 1000 m. Semi shade.
- Garden useA strong tussock for moist cool gardens.
- Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. A rare plant for the Shire, occuring commonly to the east of the boundary.
- Aboriginal Use Leaves - string and basket-making
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Geoff Lay, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©; 2, 3 Michael Mulvaney, Canberra Nature Map ©
Plant Communities