09/12/2025
We’re now into Summer, and with the warmer temperatures and constant winds, things have browned off considerably across the landscape. Our native pastures are entering a beautiful phase — forming seed heads — which makes it a perfect time to observe and collect native grass seeds for regeneration and restoration projects.
You’ll spot these key species in the field:
- Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) – reddish-brown seed heads with long, feathery awns.
- Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma spp.) – soft, fuzzy cylindrical seed heads.
- Spear Grass (Austrostipa spp.) – twisted, sharp awns that help drill seeds into the soil.
- Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides) – delicate, drooping stems with small elongated seeds.
What’s an awn?
An awn is a slender, bristle-like extension found on the seed or flower parts of many grasses. It helps with:
- Seed dispersal – catching on fur or twisting into soil.
- Protection – deterring grazing.
- Photosynthesis – in some species, awns even help feed the plant!
Simple ways to identify native grass seeds:
- Look for awn shape: twisted, straight, feathery, or smooth.
- Notice the seed head posture: upright, drooping, or spreading.
- Check for hairiness: some seeds (like Wallaby Grass) are covered in fine hairs.
- Observe colour changes: seeds often shift from green to brown as they mature.
Refer to EverGraze - a great resource on identification and management of native pastures. https://www.evergraze.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Native-grasseslowres.pdf https://www.evergraze.com.au/index.html
As we head into the holiday season, we wish everyone a happy and safe holiday break. Thank you for your ongoing support — together we’re keeping our landscapes thriving!
Note: Jim, our Landcare facilitator, will be on leave from 24 December 2025 and will return on 20 January 2026.
Looking forward to what 2026 brings for Landcare activities and community connections!
