Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch.

Blady Grass

Rhizomatous perennial with stems to 1 m tall. Leaf blades to about 0.5 m long and 1.5 cm wide. Inflorescence a dense cylindrical spike-like silvery panicle but produced only occasionally. Spikelets with silky hair. Glumes 3-7 nerved, the lower slightly shorter than the upper.

Australia, south-eastern Pacific

A vigorous plant with local uses in warm areas; has been used for land reclamation.

Source: Spencer, R.; Aldous, D.; Stajsic, V.; McGeary, D (2005). Poaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.

Hero image
Distribution map

Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'

Japanese Blood Grass, is a slightly smaller plant with leaves red tipped at first and then over a wider surface area, the red colouring darkening with age. ['Red Baron']

kingdom Plantae
phylum   Tracheophyta
class    Magnoliopsida
superorder     Lilianae
order      Poales
family       Poaceae
genus        Imperata Cyr.