Scientific Name: Poa labillardierei var. labillardierei

Common Name: silver tussockgrass

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Poaceae

Form Description: Perennial grass with green to blue-green leaves rolled into a tube, forming dense tussocks. Can grow to only 20cm in sub-alpine areas and coastal sands.

Height (m): 0.8 – 1.2

Flowers: Panicle 10 -30cm long. Green or purplish spikelets.

Fruit: Caryopsis

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadClarenceDerwent ValleyDevonportDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKing IslandKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

Widespread and abundant, favours damp situations.

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Very hardy, and tolerant of drought, but enjoys ample water. Cut back or burn in autumn or every couple of years to promote new growth. Bird attracting: attracts seed-eating birds. Provides cover for small lizards. Self-seeds vigorously in the garden. An important habitat and foodplant for the vulnerable and endemic Ptunarra Brown Butterfly (Oreixenica ptunarra) in the southern Midlands. The female butterflies drop their eggs as they fly over the tussocks; after these hatch, the small caterpillars over-winter and begin feeding on the tips of the tussock in spring.

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 harden and change from green to light brown or beige. 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.

Germination Time

1-6 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Propagates easily by division of large plants throughout the year.