Spiny-Head Mat-Rush

(Lomandra longifolia)

Spiny-Head Mat-Rush (Lomandra longifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Lomandra longifolia, commonly known as Spiny-head Mat-rush, is a perennial herb native to a wide range of habitats including open forests, forest margins, and grasslands of eastern Australia. It is adaptable to various soil types and exhibits resilience to frost, heat, and drought. This plant typically forms dense tussocks of strappy, green leaves and can reach up to 3 feet (1 meter) in height and width. The small, cream to yellow flowers are not particularly showy but are interesting upon close inspection, appearing in clusters from spring to early summer.

Spiny-head Mat-rush is valued for its hardiness and low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for erosion control, mass plantings, and as an ornamental grass in urban landscapes. It is also used in revegetation projects and can be planted as a ground cover or border plant. Lomandra longifolia thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil conditions from sandy to clay. It is generally pest and disease-free but can occasionally suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 4-5 feet
  • Width: 6-7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open forests, forest margins, and grasslands of eastern Australia

Other Names

Common Names: Long Mat-Rush, Spiny-Headed Mat-Rush, Longleaf Mat-Rush, Basket Grass

Scientific Names: , Lomandra longifolia, Xerotes longifolia, Lomandra longifolia subsp. exilis, Xerotes arenaria, Xerotes longifolia var. arenaria, Xerotes longifolia var. macrocarpa, Xerotes longifolia var. typica,

GBIF Accepted Name: Lomandra longifolia Labill.