Also known as: Wallaby Grasses, Australian Native Tussock Grasses
A range of species fall under the common name Wallaby Grass, and they’re excellent choices as ornamental grasses for borders, planted in clumps, or even as hardy lawn substitutes in Australian gardens.
These evergreen tussocks vary in height and form, yet they share impressive toughness—they handle frost, drought, heat, and a wide variety of soil types with ease. You’ll find them growing naturally across much of Victoria, New South Wales, southern Queensland, parts of South Australia, Tasmania, and the southwest of Western Australia.
Beyond serving as a possible lawn alternative, these grasses excel at erosion control on slopes or disturbed sites. Once they settle in, they suppress weeds effectively and work well planted between fruit trees or vines to keep soil stable and reduce competition.
Popular Wallaby Grass Species
Several species are commonly grown in gardens and used in revegetation projects.
Rytidosperma caespitosum
Often considered the classic Wallaby Grass, this species forms dense tussocks between 20 cm and 90 cm tall. Creamy seed heads appear above the foliage and provide seasonal interest.
Rytidosperma geniculatum
Also known as Kneed Wallaby Grass, this is a low-growing species reaching around 15 cm tall. It produces slender, wiry leaves and attractive seed heads from spring through summer.
Rytidosperma racemosum
Commonly called Clustered Wallaby Grass, this compact species grows to around 20 cm and is suitable for naturalistic lawns or meadow-style plantings.
Rytidosperma setaceum
Also known as Small-flowered Wallaby Grass, this species reaches about 30 cm and has fine foliage with delicate flowering stems.
Austrodanthonia longifolia
A taller variety with longer leaves, growing between 60 cm and 1 metre high.
Austrostipa elegantissima
An elegant ornamental grass with feathery pale pink flower heads, typically reaching around 50 cm in height.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Wallaby Grass
Wallaby Grass grows readily from seed, with germination often quick, though full establishment takes patience as the plants focus energy on building a strong root system first. This deep rooting is exactly what makes them so drought-tolerant later on.
Position
They perform best in full sun to part shade. In hotter inland spots, a bit of afternoon shade helps ease stress during peak summer heat.
Soil
Highly adaptable, Wallaby Grass copes with sandy, loamy, or clay soils and low to moderate fertility. Good drainage helps, but it’s far more forgiving of tough conditions than many other ornamental grasses.
Watering
Keep them moist during the establishment phase. Once rooted, they need very little supplemental water and shine in low-rainfall or drought-prone regions. Avoid overwatering, especially on heavier soils, to prevent issues.
New foliage really picks up once the roots are solid. For quicker results in ornamental settings, tubestock of selected varieties is readily available from native plant nurseries.
Propagation & Establishment Tips
- Seed sowing rates -1 – 3 kg per 100m2. Lower rates are often used for very large projects
- Best seasons to plant – Autumn to Winter. This gives the plants time to establish good root systems before summer.
- Soil preparation tips – Remove weeds, lightly till soil.
- Choose the right species – Rytidosperma differ in needs. R. caespitosum can tolerate slightly moister conditions than R. setaceum. Around 40 species are indigenous to Australia according to the RBG
Landscape Uses and Garden Design Ideas
Wallaby Grass is an excellent plant for sustainable landscaping.
Native Lawns
Many gardeners use low-growing species as low-maintenance lawn alternatives that require far less mowing, water, and fertiliser.
Ornamental Borders
Clumps of fine foliage add texture and movement to mixed planting beds.
Native Meadows
Ideal for creating naturalistic meadow-style gardens with wildflowers and other grasses.
Erosion Control
The deep root system helps stabilise soil on slopes, roadsides, and disturbed sites.
Orchard or Vineyard Plantings
Wallaby Grass can be planted between rows of fruit trees or vines to reduce erosion and suppress weeds.
Some Wallaby Grass species have also been used traditionally for flour and are now explored in niche brewing and artisan products.
Environmental Role & Biodiversity
- Habitat for insects, birds and native fauna.All Rytidosperma species provides habitat for butterflies and moths, The dense tussocks formed over time provide habitat for some reptiles and ground-dwelling birds. The seeds are a food source some birds.
- Soil stabilization benefits.
- Supporting local ecosystems in drought zones
Pruning and Maintenance
Wallaby Grass is extremely low maintenance.
Once plants are established, a simple annual tidy-up is usually enough.
Maintenance tips:
- Cut plants back once a year using a mower or brush cutter set high.
- Remove old foliage and clippings to keep the plant tidy.
- This encourages fresh new growth.
Common Problems
Wallaby Grass is generally very hardy and resistant to pests and diseases.
However, potential issues may include:
Overwatering
Too much water, particularly in heavy soils, can lead to root stress.
Weed Competition
Young plants may struggle if weeds are not controlled during establishment.
Once mature, the dense tussocks naturally suppress weeds.
Summary Table
- Botanical Name – Rytidosperma spp. (and related genera)
- Common Names – Wallaby Grass, Wallaby Grasses
- Height – 15 cm – 1 m depending on species
- Foliage – Fine, evergreen tussock
- Climate – Temperate to Mediterranean.
- Soil – Most soil types; prefers well-drained, low to moderate fertility
- Water – Low once established
- Frost – High tolerance
- Drought – Excellent tolerance
- Uses – Revegetation, Erosion control, Landscaping, lawn substitute.
- Propagation – Seed or division
- Availability – Widely available in Australia as tubestock and
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