Rytidosperma setaceum
Small-flowered or Bristly Wallaby-grass
Slender erect tufted perennial grass.
Additional information
- SynonymAustrodanthonia setacea, Danthonia setacea
- FamilyPoaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 30 cm x 40 cm, stems to 0.6 m
- Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
- LeavesSparse to moderately dense spreading hairs on fine, inrolled leaves to 25 cm x 1 mm.
- Flower colourGreen or purplish
- Flowering timeOctober to January
- FlowersDense, silvery lance-shaped flowerhead 4-8 cm long, with 4-10-flowered spikelets. Lower floral bract tiny, 2 complete rows of hairs, some hairs scattered between rows; lobe base short, bristles long; central bristle longer, bent, tightly twisted at base.
- Bird attractingSeeds, habitat
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsDry to moist well drained soils in a range of habitats. Full sun, semi shade.
- Garden useGrow with other grasses in rough lawns or underplanting trees and shrubs.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries. Specialist grass suppliers
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Related speciesSimilar to R. caespitosum with which it often occurs. Differs in its finer foliage and smaller bracts and bristles.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Richard Hartland ©; 2, 4, 5 Marilyn Bull ©; 3 Greg Jordan © University of Tasmania
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