Austrostipa semibarbata
Fibrous Spear-grass
Erect tufted perennial grass. Nodes on flowering stem downy.
Additional information
- SynonymStipa semibarbata
- FamilyPoaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 30 cm high, stems 0.3-0.9 m high
- Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
- LeavesUsually hairless, sometimes rough, inrolled leaves to 30 cm x 3 mm, becoming torn as they age.
- Flower colourPurple or green, becoming straw-coloured
- Flowering timeSeptember to December
- FlowersErect, dense flowerhead to 20 cm, florets single. Floral bract to 13 mm, reddish brown to black, fine grained, flattened white to yellow hairs except at top; bristle twice bent, 6-11 cm, twisted column covered in short downy hairs.
- Bird attractingSeeds
- Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsDry soils in woodland and grassland. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
- Garden useDrift through trees or use as accent plants in garden beds. Tip of florets can be sharp, penetrating skin of people, pets and stock.
- Commercially availableNo information available
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites.
- Related speciesSimilar to Austrostipa mollis which has longer hairs spiralling in a single row on the column and smaller bracts at the base of each floret (16-22 mm).
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©
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