Neurachne alopecuroidea
foxtail mulga grass
Overview
Neurachne alopecuroidea is a tufted perennial grass widespread across southern Australia, forming dense clumps 4–18 inches (10–45 cm) tall. The narrow leaves are 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) long, flat to inrolled, green to grey-green, and often hairy at the base. Each flowering stem ends in a single dense, cylindrical seed head 0.8–2.4 inches (2–6 cm) long resembling a foxtail, which gives the grass its common name. The seed heads are soft and bristly, pale green ageing to straw-brown. The plant grows from a fibrous root system and persists through dry periods by dying back to the base. Neurachne alopecuroidea occurs in a wide range of habitats, including open eucalypt woodland, mallee, heath, and sandy or gravelly soils in semi-arid country. It tolerates drought and low-nutrient soils but is comparatively small and inconspicuous outside its brief flowering period. It is a C4 grass found in both temperate and arid zones, occurring from Western Australia across to New South Wales and south to Tasmania.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia, occurring across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. It grows in eucalypt woodland, mallee, heath, and open sandy country.Suggested Uses
Neurachne alopecuroidea is used in native grassland restoration, revegetation, and low-water plantings on sandy or gravelly soils. It contributes ground cover and seed for native fauna in bushland settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'6"
Width/Spread4" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering and seeding occur mainly in spring, from about September to November, often triggered by winter and spring rainfall. The cylindrical seed heads persist on the plant for several weeks as they dry. In arid areas flowering can shift with the timing of rain.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale green to straw-brownFoliage Description
green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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