Mat Rush
Lomandra longifolia
Also listed as Xerotes arenaria, Xerotes longifolia
Also known as Long Mat-rush, Longleaf Mat-rush, Spiny-headed Mat-rush
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy, clumping native grass with narrow, dark green leaves that forms attractive upright bunches. Excellent for erosion control and landscaping in dry conditions with minimal water and maintenance needs.
Why grow it
Mat rush establishes quickly in poor soils and tolerates more sustained drought than many ornamental grasses, making it practical for erosion control on slopes and in water-limited regions. Compared to exotic ornamental grasses, it requires less fertilizer and performs reliably in Australian native plantings without the management demands of more temperamental species.
Watch out for
Plants can take 2-3 seasons to reach full density, so erosion control effectiveness may be modest in the first year after planting. In poorly drained or consistently wet soils, root rot can develop, so site selection is important even though the species tolerates a wider range of conditions than many natives.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Eastern Australia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A hardy, clumping native grass with narrow, dark green leaves that forms attractive upright bunches. Excellent for erosion control and landscaping in dry conditions with minimal water and maintenance needs.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mat Rush grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mat rush establishes quickly in poor soils and tolerates more sustained drought than many ornamental grasses, making it practical for erosion control on slopes and in water-limited regions. Compared to exotic ornamental grasses, it requires less fertilizer and performs reliably in Australian native plantings without the management demands of more temperamental species.
Watch out for
Plants can take 2-3 seasons to reach full density, so erosion control effectiveness may be modest in the first year after planting. In poorly drained or consistently wet soils, root rot can develop, so site selection is important even though the species tolerates a wider range of conditions than many natives.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Eastern Australia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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