Family:
Poaceae
Enneapogon nigricans
Pappus Grass
Other Names: Black-heads, Bottlewashers, Nine-awn Grass, Niggerheads
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
HABIT:
Short-lived tufted perennial grass to 55 cm high. Flat or inrolled leaves, sometimes woolly at the base. Flowering stem densely bearded at the nodes. Inflorescence dense, ovoid and bristly, becoming dark purple or blackish as seed matures. Florets (lemma) have nine prominent awns with stiff hairs on the margins. Flowers Aug-May.
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Various woodland and shrub communities on sandy or gravelly textured soils. Prefers dry, well-drained soils in open positions without competition. Prefers 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Collect seed Oct-Jun. Propagate by division or from seed. Seed has an after-ripening period, store for at least 3 months before sowing. Slow growth rate. Available from specialist nurseries.
VALUES & USES:
Ornamental, attractive flowerheads.