Blue Grass-Lily

~ Caesia calliantha ~

ASPHODELACEAE

It spends half the year looking like a simple clump of grass but, when the warmer months roll round, clusters of metallic-like flowers spring from long stems, bringing scatterings of vibrant blue hues to the grasslands. With this summertime bloom come butterfly pollinators, both assisting each other in producing the next generation. After the season is done, the flowers begin to wither, presenting the signature Blue Grass-Lily twisting spirals, like little blue towels being wrung out.

WHERE TO LOOK

Found in grassy, dry forests in the company of hard-leaved shrubby vegetation such as Banksias, Grass Trees, Wattles and Eucalypts, the Blue Grass-Lily prefers temperate south-east regions, residing through South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and lutruwita (Tasmania). It grows in sandy or clay soil and can also be found along grassy roadsides.

Locations → Victoria: Brisbane Ranges National Park; Tasmania: along the Midland Highway between Powranna Road and Conara Road; SA: Headland Reserve in Hallett Cove Conservation Park.

FEATURES

This tufted, grass-like plant produces many flat leaves around 30cm tall and 9–15mm wide. Clusters of blue star-shaped flowers feature on stems 50–70cm long. Its fruit is a seed capsule containing many round black seeds.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring and summer → This tufted perennial blooms from September to January and dies down to tuberous roots in autumn and winter.

TRADITIONAL USES

Some First Nation communities in New South Wales and Victoria are known to eat the tubers of the Blue Grass-Lily.

PLANTING

This is a good-looking plant for rock gardens and is best planted in groups. The Grass-Lily is not too fussy on soil type as long as it’s well drained. Find it at specialty native nurseries.