Wallaby-grass
Kangaroo Grass
Rytidosperma setaceum Poaceae
Themeda triandra Poaceae
Photo: Frances Cincotta
Photos: Ern Perkins
Description
Description
Erect perennial grass to 50cm high. Narrow leaves form tussocks. Flower heads 6-8cm long, with a silvery sheen, often with a purplish tinge. Flowers October-February.
Dense tussocky perennial. Foliage 30cm tall. Decorative purple and green flowerheads held above the foliage in early summer, changing to red-brown in autumn.
Cultivation note
Cultivation note
Adapts to most soils. Part to full sun.
Adaptable to any soil except water-logged. Drought resistant. Part-full sun. Fast growing. Rejuvenate old tussocks by pruning severely in winter.
Special note Interplant with lilies, small daisies and herbs. Suitable for rockeries and wildflower areas. Attractive to butterflies and other insects. The Kneed Wallaby-grass (Rytidosperma geniculatum) and Hill Wallaby-grass (Rytidosperma erianthum) are two other small attractive adaptable tussock grasses. The small Wallaby-grasses were formerly classified as Austrodanthonia.
Special note Useful in rockery or amongst established plants. Stems and leaves used for string by Aboriginal people to make nets.
Grasses
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