Sign In 
Get Premium Grasstree
(Xanthorrhoea australis)
Grasstree (Xanthorrhoea australis)
/
/
Lek Khauv
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Lek Khauv
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Lek Khauv | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Lek Khauv | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-12-25T13:44:36-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Xanthorrhoea australis, commonly known as Grasstree, is an evergreen perennial herb native to open forests, grasslands, and heathlands of Southeastern Australia. It can reach heights of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) with an equal spread. The Grasstree is notable for its long, narrow, grass-like leaves that emerge from a central base, and over time, it develops a distinctive trunk. It produces spike-like inflorescences with white, cream, and brown flowers during winter and spring, which are highly attractive to nectar-feeding birds and insects.
Grasstree is valued for its unique architectural form, making it a striking feature in rockeries, native gardens, and as a specimen plant. Its slow growth rate and longevity, with some individuals living for several centuries, make it a plant of great interest. Grasstree requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun and well-drained, sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant once established but does not tolerate phosphorus-rich fertilizers. The species is susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, which can be mitigated by ensuring good drainage and avoiding overwatering.CC BY-SA 4.0
Grasstree is valued for its unique architectural form, making it a striking feature in rockeries, native gardens, and as a specimen plant. Its slow growth rate and longevity, with some individuals living for several centuries, make it a plant of great interest. Grasstree requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun and well-drained, sandy soils. It is drought-tolerant once established but does not tolerate phosphorus-rich fertilizers. The species is susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, which can be mitigated by ensuring good drainage and avoiding overwatering.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Grass
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White, Cream, Brown
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open forests, grasslands, and heathlands of Southeastern Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Austral Grasstree, Blackboy, Grästräd
Scientific Names: , Xanthorrhoea australis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Xanthorrhoea australis R.Br.