Shorthair Plumegrass (Dichelachne micrantha)
© Harry Rose
Native, cool-season, short-lived perennial, erect, sparsely-tufted grass to 80 cm tall. Flowerheads are dense contracted panicles. Flowers from late winter to summer. Found in native and naturalised pastures, woodlands and forests; often associated with rocky outcrops. Native biodiversity. Moderately drought tolerant and highly frost tolerant. Seedling recruitment can be high in wet seasons. A minor component of many pastures; occasionally numerous. Of low feed value as it is usually a stemmy plant that produces little leaf. However, it does provide green feed during late winter to early spring when many other species are frosted. Performs well under low to moderate set stocking and rotational grazing. Responds to increased soil fertility, but fertilising for its increased production is not economic and introduced species are likely to then outcompete it.
Photo taken on 22 Dec 2010