Dichanthium sericeum – Silky Bluegrass

Silky Bluegrass (also known commonly and Queensland bluegrass) grows in all states of Australia, but it grows principally in the northern states of Australia. Silky bluegrass is quite commonly associated with Curly Mitchell grass which grows in abundance in the floodplains of the upper Darling River. You can also find this grass growing along side some of the more resilient native grasses like Barbed Wire grass in arid areas of Australia.  This grass also grows in many other locations across Australia, but is more scattered and prefers warmer, drier sites. It is adapted to a broad range of climatic types and soils.

Silky Bluegrass is a leafy upright tufted perennial grass. It also has a strong capacity to root at nodes and to spread laterally by this method. The stems and leaves have a distinctive blue-green appearance. It flowers in summer and the seedheads are similar in appearance to Redgrass and have a distinctive silky feel. There are very hairy junctions on the stem of the inflorescence. Queensland Bluegrass has bluish stems, whereas Redgrass has more red colouration of the leaf margin and stem.

SOILS

Silky Bluegrass grows best on the clay soils but will also grows on loams or rocky sites. This grass is perfect for alkaline soils, preferring a soil pH range is from 6.0 to 7.5.

USES

Silky Bluegrass is a beautiful tufted erect perennial grass to 80 cm high with blue foliage. This is a useful pasture grass as it has a high leaf to stem ratio and is palatable to stock especially when young. The foliage is palatable even when it is flowering. Silky Bluegrass is also a stunning grass which has a blue green tinge and has soft leaves. You can use in landscaping projects whether it be in a lawn or in a garden for ornamental effect. This is because of its distinctive and attractive appearance. So you have green growth all year round, we recommend sowing this grass with a winter active native grass like Wallaby grass.