meadow rice grass

Microlaena stipoides | meadow rice grass, slender rice grass

 

Characterised by fine, drooping stems bearing numerous delicate spikelets, this grass shows a strong affinity for acidic soils. It often thrives within highly modified, man-made landscapes such as roadsides, lawns, urban reserves, and other disturbed ecologies. Despite being present in a large proportion of New Zealand lawns, it remains unfamiliar to many people. When left unmown, it flowers to around 80 cm, with foliage sitting lower at about 40 cm. In lawns it is regularly cut, where it performs reliably either mixed with other grasses or on its own, forming a resilient sward that tolerates drought, shade, and frost. It is at its best in sun or light shade, particularly when allowed to grow as a soft, un-mown meadow with its fine stems moving in the wind.

mānuka-kānuka scrub

 lowland scrub

pasture

well drained

full sun

partial shade

height | 25cm

width | 30cm

flowering | September–January

fruiting | October–May

Microlaena stipoides is an excellent natural alternative to invasive weeds. Once tricky areas are weeded and mulched, sowing meadow rice grass helps form a living ground cover that resists reinvasion over time. Summer is an ideal time to start, as plants are still carrying seed and establishment is reliable.