Common names

Umbrella Grass, Spreading Umbrella Grass, Spider Grass, Spider Panic, Star Grass.

Scientific names

Digitaria divaricatissima.

Family

Poaceae.

Genus

Digitaria.

Growth height

Up to 0.8m.

Presence in Australia

This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, SA, NT, WA.

Habitat

Woodland, on better soils.

Habit

Erect, loosely tufted perennial grass to 80cm high. Swollen, densely hairy base.

Site preference

Summer-growing and drought-resistant.

Flowering

Flowers Dec-Feb.

Seed collection

Cut entire seedheads when mature.

Propagation

From seed. Seeds have after-ripening period.

Other

Valuable part of pasture where abundant, producing green leaf when other green feed scarce.