Poa poiformis (syn. australis)

Common Name:
Coast Tussock Grass

Description:
Poa pomiformis (commonly referred to as Poa poiformis, and also known under the synonym Poa australis) is a dense, clump-forming native grass that naturally thrives in coastal and inland environments across southern Australia. Known as Coast Tussock Grass, it is widely used for its tough, drought-hardy nature and soft, flowing appearance. The foliage is blue-green to grey-green and finely textured, forming graceful mounds that move attractively in the breeze. In spring and early summer, tall stems rise above the foliage, topped with light, feathery, cream to pale brown flower heads that provide seasonal softness and contrast.

Perfectly suited to Melbourne’s coastal conditions, this native grass is tolerant of wind, salt spray, poor soils, drought, and light frosts. It performs best in full sun but can handle part shade, and is an ideal choice for coastal revegetation, erosion control, low-maintenance native gardens, and mass planting. Its non-invasive, clump-forming habit also makes it appropriate for use in structured landscapes or as a soft, natural border.

Form:
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
*Ground Cover

Mature Size:
*Height: 50–80 cm (including flowers)
*Width: 50–70 cm

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Spring
*Flowers in Early Summer

Flower Colour:
*Cream
*Light brown (feathery seed heads)

Key Attributes:
*Australian native
*Drought Tolerant
*Frost Tolerant
*Perennial
*Low Maintenance
*Suitable for Coastal Gardens
*Wind Tolerant
*Erosion Control
*Suitable for Mass Planting
*Performs in Sandy or Poor Soils
*Ideal for Naturalistic and Native Landscapes

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to humans
*Non-toxic to pets

Companion Plants:
*Lomandra longifolia
*Leucophyta brownii
*Myoporum parvifolium
*Banksia integrifolia
*Westringia fruticosa