Scientific Name: Poa costiniana

Common Name: prickly snowgrass

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Poaceae

Form Description: Erect, tufted perennial grass with smooth stems and rolled, 45cm-long leaves which narrow to a stiff sharp tip.

Height (m): 0.2 – 0.5

Flowers: In flower heads of green or purplish spikelets, up to 15cm long.

Fruit: Caryopsis

Municipality
Break O’DayCentral HighlandsDerwent ValleyDorsetHuon ValleyLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern Midlands
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

Above the tree line, in grassland, heathland and open areas. Mostly over 1000m in the north-east, Ben Lomond, Central Highlands and south-west.

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Cut back in autumn to promote new growth. Bird attracting: attracts seed-eating birds. Provides cover for small lizards.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed, Division

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Small seed in tall, finely branched seed heads. As seed matures, seed heads change from green to light brown. Seed is released within 3-14 days of seed maturity. When the seed is ripe, it will fall when the seed heads are rubbed between your fingers. Cut stalks with secateurs to collect.

Seed Storage Life

Several years at room temp.

Seed Treatment Notes

May have 2-3 month after ripening period. Surface sow. Optimum temp 15-25°C. Water well. Suitable for direct seeding.

Cutting & Division Information

Propagates easily by division of large plants.