Yarra Ranges Shire Council

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Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides

Common Name: Weeping Grass
Synonym:
Family: Poaceae
Size: 2-20cm x spreading; stems to 1m high
Description: Tufting or matting perennial herb spreading from underground stems. Size variable depending on conditions and usage. Flower stems taller when plants amongst undergrowth.
Leaves: Fine flat bright green to dark green, weeping leaves 1-12mm wide, smooth or rough, hairless to hairy.
Flowering: 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
Flowering 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.
Garden Use: An excellent lawn alternative tolerating consistent usage and mowing. Needs to be prevented from moving into garden beds.
Related Species:
Plant Communities: 1, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
Conservation Status: Widespread within the Shire
Aboriginal Use:
Commercially available: Australian plant & indigenous nurseries; specialist grass suppliers.
Bird Attracting: Seeds
Butterfly Attracting: Food plant for caterpillars
Frog Habitat: No
Photographer: 1 Jean Edwards ©, 2-5 Marilyn Gray ©
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Last Updated: 30/06/2010
Yarra Ranges Shire Council © 2009
P O Box 105, Anderson Street, Lilydale, VIC 3140
Tel: 1300 368 333 Fax: 9735 4249
mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au