Poaceae

Hyparrhenia hirta

Common Names: Coolatai grass

Plant Form: Perennial tussock grass. Size: Up to 1.5 m tall. Stem: Upright. Leaves: Greyish or bluish-green blades. Covered with a waxy bloom that can be rubbed off. Flowers: Green, loose, sparse head of 4-8 pairs of spikelets in a 1.5-5 cm long V-shape, on stalks. Turns reddish-brown with age. Fruit and Seeds: 2 mm long seeds contained within old flower parts. With long hairy awns. Habitat: Pastures, woodlands, grasslands. Distinguishing Features: Has shorter awns than native Tambookie Grass (Hyparrhenia filipendula). Thatch grass (Hyparrhenia rufa) is generally taller.

Tall, erect but fine textured grass

Reddens at end of growing season

Flower spikes are in pairs

Usually about 1 m tall at maturity