Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides|Weeping Grass
Cardinia indigenous plant guide
- Description
- Tufting or matting perennial herb spreading from underground stems. Size variable depending on conditions and usage. Flower stems taller when plants amongst undergrowth.
- Size (W x H)
- 2-20cm x spreading; stems to 1m high
- Leaves
- Fine flat bright green to dark green, weeping leaves 1-12mm wide, smooth or rough, hairless to hairy.
- Flowers
- Narrow weeping spike 5-18cm long; 1-flowered spikelets to 40mm long, small bracts at base of flower, 2 sterile floral bracts with long rough bristles, one longer than the other, bristly tuft at base.
- Flower colour
- Green to purplish
- Flower time
- September to March
- Growing conditions
- Very extensive in moist well drained soil in heathlands, woodlands and forests, dominant grass in some habitats. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi to dappled shade.
- Commonly used for
- An excellent lawn alternative tolerating consistent usage and mowing. Needs to be prevented from moving into garden beds.
- Available at indigenous nursery
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- Attracts birds
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- Attracts butterflies
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- Photo gallery
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- Acknowledgement
- Thank you to Shire of Yarra Ranges for assistance in compiling this directory
