Australian Needlegrass
Austrostipa elegantissima
- Native to:
- Australia
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Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Austrostipa
- Species:
- Austrostipa elegantissima
- USDA Symbol:
- STEL7
Growth Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,oct,nov,dec
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from basal crown after fire. Common in fire-prone grasslands and grassy woodlands where periodic burning maintains habitat.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Germinates readily at warm temperatures (15-25°C). Fresh seed has higher germination rates than stored seed.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI