Weeping Grass
Microlaena stipoides
- Native to:
- Australia, Chatham Is., Jawa, Kermadec Is., Lesser Sunda Is., New Guinea, New Zealand, Norfolk Is., Philippines, Sulawesi
John Tann (www.flickr.com) from Sydney, Australia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Microlaena
- Species:
- Microlaena stipoides
- USDA Symbol:
- MIST
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 75 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- green
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
- Lawn Substitute:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from base after fire or mowing. Tolerates periodic burning in native grassland ecosystems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- thrives in shaded forest floors
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in autumn with adequate moisture. Surface sow as seeds require light for germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI