Poaceae

Austrostipa scabra

Common Names: Needle Grass

Plant Form: Tufted grass. Size: Stems up to 60 cm tall. Stem: Erect. Leaves: Flattened or rolled blades up to 30 cm long. Slightly to strongly ribbed, densely hairy. Rough texture. Flowers: Narrow flowerhead with brown or purplish spikelets which are up to 1.5 cm long. Fruit and Seeds: With one long awn. Habitat: Native grass which is widespread throughout Australia, particularly the southern half. Found in dry woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, open forests, coastlines. Distinguishing Features: Many variable subspecies and hard to distinguish from other native speargrasses and introduced tussockgrasses. Best to get expert advice. Impacts: Note - this is a native grass.

Fine grass, likes hard ground

Silky flowers held high above leaves

Seed head close-up