Cutting Grass

Gahnia trifida

This tall grassy plant is now considered rare in this region. It is important for wetland ecology, growing on coastal saltmarshes and near saline inland watercourses. It is a critical host plant for caterpillars of several rare species of native butterflies.

Form

Sedge or rush

Height

Spread

Flowering time

Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Flower colour

Brown

Light requirements

Full sun
Part shade

Soil type

Sandy
Loam
Limestone
Well drained

Landscape setting

Coastal
Plains
Hills

Tolerates

Full coastal exposure
Moderate frost
Drought
Wet areas

Habitat for many small native animals, frogs, birds and reptiles. Birds feed on seeds. Important caterpillar food plant for many native butterflies including the rare Golden-haired sedge skipper, rare Flame sedge skipper and Donnysa Sedge-skipper.

Habitat for