POACEAE

A. blackii (Crested speargrass), A. densiflora (Foxtail speargrass), A. elegantissima (Feather speargrass), A. mollis (Soft speargrass), A. nodosa (speargrass), A. scabra subsp. falcata (Rough speargrass), A. setacea (Corkscrew grass)

Coarsely tufted perennial grasses, up to about 1 m high. Leaves rough to touch. Seed with long awns and corkscrew twists.

Widespread across the Riverina region in many landscapes. Temperate regions. Prefer 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.

Collect hard, dark seeds when they easily part from heads, shed quickly. Propagate from one-year-old seed stored in a cool, dry place. Sow in autumn or spring.

Good habitat, providing food for seed-eating birds and attracting moths and butterflies. Ornamental for specimens, groundcovers, rockeries, and under trees. Moderate forage, but sharp awns can cause problems.