| Common Name: | Purple-sheath or Sword Tussock-grass |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Size: | 0.3-0.5m high, stems to 1.2m high |
| Description: | Strong dense tufted perennial, spreading outwards on underground stems. Flowering stems erect, sometimes flattened below the flowerhead. |
| Leaves: | Rough dark green leaves, mostly flat, to 5mm wide. Sheath purple. Old leaves inrolled. |
| Flowering: | Erect, spreading pyramidal flowerhead to 30cm x 18cm, 3-8-flowered spikelets; lower bracts 3-veined, lower floral bract 5-veined, fine hairs on veins, webby hairs on basal tip. |
| Flower Colour: | Green to purplish |
| Flowering Time: | October to March |
| Growing Conditions: | Moist soils in mountain forests. Semi shade to full shade. |
| Garden Use: | A vigorous grass, useful for embankments and erosion control. |
| Related Species: | |
| Plant Communities: | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 30, 33, 34, 36, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46 |
| Conservation Status: | Widespread within the Shire |
| Aboriginal Use: | Leaves - string and basket-making |
| Commercially available: | Australian plant & indigenous nurseries |
| Bird Attracting: | General - food and habitat |
| Butterfly Attracting: | Food plant for caterpillars |
| Frog Habitat: | Yes |
| Photographer: | 1 Shire of Yarra Ranges photo library; 2, 3 Marilyn Gray © |