453B-3-Microlaena-stipoides-fl3-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides

Weeping Grass

Tufting or matting perennial herb spreading from underground stems. Size variable depending on conditions and usage. Flower stems taller when plants amongst undergrowth.

Additional information

  • FamilyPoaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size2-20 cm x spreading; stems to 1 m high
  • Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
  • LeavesFine flat bright green to dark green, weeping leaves 1-12 mm wide, smooth or rough, hairless to hairy.
  • Flower colourGreen to purplish
  • Flowering timeSeptember to March
  • FlowersNarrow weeping spike 5-18 cm long; 1-flowered spikelets to 40 mm long, small bracts at base of flower, 2 sterile floral bracts with long rough bristles, one longer than the other, bristly tuft at base.
  • Bird attractingSeeds
  • Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsVery 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 useAn excellent lawn alternative tolerating consistent usage and mowing. Needs to be prevented from moving into garden beds.
  • Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries; specialist grass suppliers.
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
Photographer/s: 1 Jean Edwards ©, 2-5 Marilyn Bull ©

Plant Communities

  • 13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
  • 11 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 18)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 42 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 47)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 34 Manna Gum Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)
  • 35 Floodplain Wetland Complex (EVC 172)
  • 40 Snow Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175/37)
  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 28 Red Box Grassy Dry Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 22)
  • 07 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 29)
  • 31 Candlebark Grassy Forest (EVC 128)
  • 41 Swamp Paperbark Riparian Thicket (EVC 59)
  • 20 Messmate Lowland Forest (EVC 16)
  • 33 Mountain Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 16 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest Central Highlands/UpperYarra (EVC 45)
  • 36 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket – Central Highlands (EVC 59)
  • 37 Yarra Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175)
  • 05 Mountain Ash Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 30)
  • 29 Green Scentbark Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 12 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 18)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 25 Long-leaf Box Grassy Dry Forest - Southern Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 39 Sedge Wetland Complex (EVC 136)
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