Common names
Wire grass, Northern Wanderrie grass.
Indicator value
Wire grass is an indicator of fair to poor pasture condition where it is dominant. It is considered to be an intermediate species. It seems to be an increaser in above-average rainfall years.
Forage value
Wire grass is sometimes eaten by livestock when it is young but becomes coarse and unpalatable when mature.
Habitat
Pindan, various soils
General description
Wire grass is a slender, erect, tufted perennial grass that can grow to 60cm tall, with a thickened hairy base. The stems are very fine. The leaves are stiff and flat, and about 5–10cm long. The seed head is 4–8cm long and is open with several fine branchlets bearing a few silky-haired seeds.