Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat Rush)

Lomandra, Genus, longifolia, Species,

Genus & species

spiny-headed mat rush

E Australia (Queensland to Tasmania; coastal dunes, open eucalyptus forests, rocky hillsides, creek margins; sea level to 3000 ft / 900 m)

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Lomandra longifolia is an evergreen, clump-forming, grass-like perennial reaching 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall with a spread of 24–36 inches (60–90 cm). This Australian native produces dense tussocks of narrow, strap-like, dark green leaves 0.3–0.5 inches (8–12 mm) wide and 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) long, with a tough, wiry texture and smooth margins. The leaf tips are spiny-pointed (hence 'spiny-headed mat rush'). Small, cream to pale yellow, fragrant flowers appear in dense, clustered spikes 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long at the base of the leaf clump in spring. The flowers have a honey-like fragrance. Dioecious—separate male and female plants. Extremely tough and drought-tolerant once established. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 8.

Native Range

Lomandra longifolia is native to eastern Australia, from Queensland south to Tasmania, in a wide range of habitats including coastal dunes, open eucalyptus forests, rocky hillsides, and creek margins—from sea level to 3,000 feet (900 m).

Suggested Uses

Planted as a mass groundcover, border edging, erosion control, or grass substitute at 24–30 inch (60–75 cm) spacing. The tough, evergreen, low-maintenance habit makes this suitable for commercial and municipal plantings. Tolerates drought, heat, salt spray, and poor soils. Commonly used in Australian-style and Mediterranean-climate gardens. Does not tolerate wet winter soils. The spiny leaf tips can be a hazard near pathways. Not suitable for waterlogged soils, deep shade, or zones below 8.

How to Identify

Distinguished from Dianella species by the narrower, stiffer, darker green leaves without the metallic sheen and the basal (versus terminal) flower clusters. Distinguished from ornamental grasses like Miscanthus by the evergreen, non-deciduous, strap-like leaves and the compact flower clusters rather than feathery plumes. Distinguished from Ophiopogon by the much larger clump size and the tougher, wider leaves. The dense Australian tussock grass with stiff dark green strap-like leaves, spiny leaf tips, and basal honey-scented flower clusters is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Flowers: April–May

Spring

Small, cream to pale yellow flowers in dense clustered spikes 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long at the base of the leaf clump, from April through May. The flowers produce a honey-like fragrance. Dioecious. Female plants produce small, hard, yellow-green seeds. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Cream to pale yellow; small flowers in dense basal clustered spikes 2-4 inches; honey-like fragrance

Foliage Description

Dark green, narrow strap-like 0.3-0.5 inches wide, 24-36 inches long; tough wiry texture; spiny-pointed tips

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 8.0 (Acidic to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

sand loam clay rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil of any type (pH 5.5–8.0). Hardy to zone 8. Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Tolerates poor soils, salt spray, heat, and extended dry periods. Tolerates heavy pruning—can be cut back to 6 inches (15 cm) to rejuvenate. Does not tolerate waterlogged soils. Frost-hardy to approximately 15°F (−9°C).

Pruning

Cut back the entire clump to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in late winter every 3–5 years to rejuvenate and remove old, tattered foliage. Remove individual damaged or brown leaves throughout the year. Tolerates hard renovation pruning.

Pruning Schedule

Prune: February–March

winter