SafePlants

Wallaby Grass: A Versatile Native Australian Grass

Wallaby grasses, scientifically known as Austrodanthonia species (formerly Danthonia species), are a group of perennial grasses native to Australia. They are valued for their persistence, palatability, and productivity, making them important in pastoral areas.

Considerations for Pets:

• The text mentions fine leaves.
• The text mentions growth of the grass from 30 cm to 1.5 m.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy:

• Scientific Name: Austrodanthonia spp. (formerly Danthonia spp.)
• Common Names: Wallaby Grass, Common Wallaby-grass, Ringed Wallaby-grass, White-top, Redanther, Silvertop Wallaby grass.
• Examples of species: Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Austrodanthonia carphoides, Austrodanthonia geniculata, Austrodanthonia richardsonii var. Hume, Austrodanthonia setacea.
• The text also mentions the genus *Rytidosperma* and that some species formerly classified as *Danthonia* or *Austrodanthonia* are now classified under *Rytidosperma*, such as *Rytidosperma biannulare* and *Rytidosperma duttonianum*.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Wallaby grass is widespread across the temperate areas of Australia.
• It thrives in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to deserts to heathlands.
• Some species, like River Swamp Wallaby-grass, are aquatic and found in swampy areas.

Ecological Role:

• Many Wallaby grass species are rapid colonizers of disturbed ground.
• They are valuable native grasses in pastoral areas.
• In drier grasslands, kangaroo grass may be replaced by grasses like wallaby grass.

Morphological Characteristics:

• Wallaby grasses are erect, tufted perennials with fine leaves.
• They are variable in form, both between species and in response to environmental changes.
• Wallaby grass can grow 30cm - 100cm high, and sometimes up to 1.5m.
• Some species have hairy stems.
• They are C3 perennial grasses.
• Leaf texture can vary from fine to wide (3mm), with some species having in-rolled leaves.

Growth Habits:

• They are cool-season grasses with high seed viability and are easy to grow.
• The text indicates that April to May is a preferred time for sowing.
• Seedling growth rates are generally slow but, once established, pastures can be over sown with legumes.

Interactions with Other Organisms:

• Wallaby grasses are palatable to grazing animals.

Further Information:

• Land, Water & Wool (LWW) is mentioned as a source of information about managing wallaby grass pastures.
• AD Seed (www.adseed.com.au) is listed as a potential source of seeds.
• ERA Nurseries offers *Austrodanthonia setacea* tubestock.