Yarra Ranges Shire Council

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Poa labillardierei var. labillardierei

Common Name: Common Tussock-grass
Synonym:
Family: Poaceae
Size: 0.3-0.8cm high, stems to 1.3m high
Description: Large, coarse densely tufted perennial. Flowering stems rounded, erect.
Leaves: Rough, folded, if inrolled then loosely, green to greyish-green leaves, to 80cm x 3.5mm, tips sometimes ending in a prickly point. Sheath pale.
Flowering: Open pyramidal flowerhead, to 25cm x 15cm, 3-5-flowered spikelets; lower bracts 3-veined, lower floral bract very narrow, 5-veined, hairy on lower part of keel and outer veins only, webby basal hairs.
Flower Colour: Green or purplish
Flowering Time: October to February
Growing Conditions: Moist alluvial soils along watercourses and on flats. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden Use: A vigorous and tolerant grass that is commonly used in landscaping. Adds vertical interest. Plant in drifts. Dead leaves can be removed using a soft rake.
Related Species:
Plant Communities: 7, 8, 12, 17, 18 22, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44
Conservation Status: Widespread within the Shire
Aboriginal Use: Leaves - string and basket-making
Commercially available: Generally. Specialist grass suppliers
Bird Attracting: Seeds, habitat - nesting materials
Butterfly Attracting: Food plant for caterpillars
Frog Habitat: Yes
Photographer: 1 Marilyn Gray ©; 2-4 Peter Kinchington ©
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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