Spear Grass tolerates salt spray, wind and sandy soils
Austrostipa stipoides is a tough Australian native grass naturally found along coastal cliffs and dunes. Known for its fine blue-green foliage and exceptional tolerance to wind, salt spray and poor soils, it is widely used in modern landscapes, coastal plantings and native gardens. Its graceful, flowing form provides texture and movement while requiring very little maintenance.
Plant Overview
| Feature |
Details |
| Botanical name |
Austrostipa stipoides |
| Common name |
Coast Spear Grass |
| Plant type |
Evergreen native grass |
| Mature height |
40–80 cm |
| Mature width |
40–70 cm |
| Growth habit |
Dense clumping grass |
| Foliage colour |
Blue-green to grey-green |
| Flowers |
Fine seed heads in spring–summer |
| Light |
Full sun |
| Water needs |
Very low once established |
| Soil |
Sand, coastal soils, poor soils |
This grass forms neat, rounded clumps of narrow leaves that sway gently in the breeze, adding natural movement to garden beds.
Key Landscape Benefits
Excellent coastal tolerance
Austrostipa stipoides naturally grows along exposed coastlines and tolerates salt spray, wind and sandy soils extremely well.
Extremely drought tolerant
Once established, this grass survives with very little irrigation, making it perfect for low-water landscapes.
Low maintenance
The plant rarely requires pruning and maintains a tidy form with minimal care.
Natural texture and movement
Fine foliage creates a soft, flowing appearance that contrasts beautifully with structural plants.
Ideal Uses in Gardens
| Landscape Use |
Benefit |
| Coastal gardens |
Thrives in salt and wind |
| Native landscapes |
Australian species suited to dry climates |
| Mass planting |
Creates flowing texture in garden beds |
| Erosion control |
Strong roots stabilise sandy soils |
| Modern landscapes |
Soft contrast to architectural plants |
It pairs well with other hardy natives and coastal plants.
Growing Conditions
Sun: Full sun is best
Soil: Well-drained soils including sand and gravel
Water: Very low once established
Fertiliser: Generally not required
Because it naturally grows in poor soils, excessive fertiliser can reduce its performance.
Maintenance Tips
-
Remove old foliage if the clump becomes untidy
-
Light trimming can refresh the plant
-
Divide clumps if they become crowded over time
This grass generally maintains a tidy natural shape without heavy pruning.
Quick Performance Summary
| Attribute |
Rating |
| Drought tolerance |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Coastal tolerance |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Maintenance |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very low |
| Growth speed |
⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Landscape texture |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Blue-green foliage and exceptional coastal tolerance
Austrostipa stipoides, commonly known as Coast Spear Grass, is a hardy Australian native grass prized for its fine blue-green foliage and exceptional coastal tolerance. Naturally occurring along Australia’s coastlines, this tough ornamental grass forms neat clumps that grow around 40–80 cm tall, creating soft texture and movement in garden landscapes. Austrostipa stipoides thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, handling wind, salt spray and drought with ease once established. Ideal for coastal gardens, native plantings and low-maintenance landscapes, this resilient grass works beautifully in mass plantings or as a natural contrast to structural shrubs and architectural plants.
