Rytidosperma pallidum
red-anther wallaby grass
Overview
Rytidosperma pallidum is a tufted, evergreen perennial grass forming dense clumps 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall, with flowering stems rising to 24-40 inches (60-100 cm). The leaves are narrow, in-rolled, and rough to the touch, 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) long, green to grey-green, and arch outward from the base of the clump. Open, nodding flower panicles 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) long are carried above the foliage and hold spikelets with soft white hairs and prominent red anthers. The pale, fluffy seed heads catch the light and persist for several weeks. Flowering occurs in spring and early summer, from October to January in the native range. The grass grows in dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, and grassland on sandy and gravelly soils in eastern Australia. It tolerates drought, frost, and low-nutrient ground and regrows after fire from the base. The coarse foliage is of limited grazing value, and old clumps build up dead leaf at the centre.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. It grows in dry open forest, woodland, and grassland on sandy and gravelly soils.Suggested Uses
Grown in native grassland, meadow, and revegetation plantings on dry soils. It suits mass planting for movement and texture and tolerates exposed, low-fertility sites. The seed heads and foliage provide cover and food for native birds and insects.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'4"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale with red anthersFoliage Description
Green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Rytidosperma pallidum in full sun to light shade in well-drained sandy or gravelly soil with a pH of 5.0-7.0. It tolerates drought, frost, and low-nutrient ground once established and needs little supplemental water. Rich, wet soils reduce its vigour and shorten the life of the clump. Cutting or burning back old clumps in late winter clears dead leaf and triggers fresh growth. It self-seeds in open ground and is grown in native grassland and meadow plantings.Pruning
Cut clumps back to about 4 inches (10 cm) in late winter to remove dead leaf before new growth. Spent flowering stems can be cut away once the seed has dropped. Dividing crowded clumps in autumn keeps them vigorous.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons