Common Wheat Grass

Anthosachne scabra

Not Threatened

A native wheatgrass with narrow, sometimes rough-textured foliage and erect, wheat-like seed heads. Naturally found in dry, open, lean soils with good drainage and high light. Suitable for dry borders and restoration on gravelly ground. grasses .

Close view of wheat-like spike typical of native wheatgrasses (representative) — Image credit: Common Wheat Grass ( *Anthosachne scabra* ) - Photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Perennial tussock; culms erect; spikes wheat-like with awned glumes/lemmas varying by form. Leaves narrow, sometimes scabrid (rough) to the touch. Provides strong vertical lines and texture in dry plantings.

Quick Facts

*Anthosachne scabra* quick facts
Scientific Name	Anthosachne scabra
Family	Poaceae
Form	Upright tussock; wheat-like spikes
Light	Full sun
Soil	Lean, free-draining; gravel/sand
Water	Low; drought-tolerant once established
Height	40-60 cm
Spread	Clump-forming to 40-60 cm
Water Needs	Low to moderate; free-draining soils
Frost Tolerance	High - tolerant of severe freezes
Salt Tolerance	Low to moderate
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	Long-lived perennial

Climate Best Suited to

Dry, sunny districts with airflow and rapid drainage; avoid heavy, fertile soils.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for *Anthosachne scabra*
City	Climate Suitability
Auckland	Ideal
Wellington	Ideal
Christchurch	Ideal
Dunedin	Ideal
Whangārei	Suitable
Hamilton	Suitable
Tauranga	Suitable
Rotorua	Suitable
Gisborne	Suitable
New Plymouth	Suitable
Napier	Suitable
Whanganui	Suitable
Palmerston North	Suitable
Nelson	Suitable
Invercargill	Suitable

Plant Habitat

Widespread in dry, open habitats throughout New Zealand, including coastal dunes, rocky bluffs, roadsides, and depleted pastures. It thrives in low-fertility, free-draining soils and tolerates significant drought and exposure. While often found in modified landscapes, it also colonizes natural rocky outcrops and riverbeds.

Plant Conservation

Not threatened. As a species native to Australia that has naturalized in New Zealand, it is common and widespread. It is not a target for conservation efforts in New Zealand, though it is valued in its native range. In some restoration contexts, it may be managed to prevent it from outcompeting locally endemic grass species.

Growing Requirements

Soil

Lean, free-draining; add grit to heavy soils; avoid high fertility.

Light

Full sun for strong form and flowering.

Water

Low after establishment; water to settle plants only.

Planting Guide

Planting Steps

Plant slightly proud in a gritty mix; water to settle; mulch with coarse gravel; space 40‑60 cm; trim spent stems in late winter to refresh growth.

Ecological Role

Environmental Benefits

Provides valuable cover and seed resources for birds and invertebrates in modified landscapes. Its extensive root system plays a significant role in stabilizing dry, erodible soils on banks and cuttings where other vegetation struggles to establish.

Uses

Traditional and Modern Applications

Primarily useful for stabilizing dry, eroded banks and low-fertility soils. Its extreme drought tolerance makes it suitable for low-maintenance xeriscaping and roadside plantings. In Australia, it is a key component of native grasslands used for restoration; in New Zealand, it serves a similar functional role in dryland reclamation.

Landscaping Uses

Garden Design Applications

Excellent for rock gardens, alpine collections, and naturalistic plantings. Best used in open, well-drained positions where its distinctive form can be appreciated. Combines well with other native alpine plants and provides year-round structure. Consider placement carefully due to sharp foliage - avoid high-traffic areas. Creates dramatic focal points in contemporary and native-themed garden designs.

Seasonal Care

Year-Round Maintenance

Spring management focuses on removing winter-damaged foliage and assessing drainage. Summer care emphasizes maintaining adequate moisture without waterlogging. Autumn preparation includes reducing irrigation and ensuring good air circulation. Winter protection may require covering in areas subject to excessive moisture. Year-round monitoring ensures early detection of problems and maintenance of optimal growing conditions.

Pruning

Pruning Techniques

Comb out dead foliage in winter to maintain a tidy clump. Cut back hard in early spring if clumps become untidy to rejuvenate fresh growth. It tolerates mowing if used in a rough, unwatered lawn setting.

How to Grow Common Wheat Grass

From Seed

Anthosachne scabra is easily propagated from seed, which can be sown in either autumn or spring. Collect seed spikes when they turn a straw colour and the seeds separate easily. Fresh seed is viable and germinates readily without special treatment. Sow the seeds in a free-draining seed-raising mix, covering them lightly with a thin layer of potting mix or fine gravel to a depth of about 10 mm. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 5 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a sunny, sheltered spot until they are robust enough for planting out.

From Division

Established clumps can be divided to increase your stock, ideally in the cooler months of late autumn or early spring. Lift the clump carefully and use a sharp spade or knife to separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a healthy root system and some vegetative growth. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared soil or pots and water well to help them establish. Trimming back the foliage by about one-third can reduce stress on the plant during this process.

General Cultivation

This species thrives in dry, open, and sunny situations with lean, free-draining soil. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and requires little supplementary watering. Avoid heavy, wet, or overly fertile soils, which can cause the plant to become floppy and short-lived. It is also hardy to severe frosts. To keep plants looking tidy, comb out dead foliage in winter or cut back hard in early spring to rejuvenate fresh, vigorous growth. It self-seeds readily in suitable conditions, allowing it to naturalize in rock gardens or dryland restoration projects with minimal maintenance.

Pests & Diseases

This species is generally robust and free of significant pests and diseases, especially when grown in appropriate conditions. The primary risk in cultivation is root rot if plants are subjected to prolonged waterlogging or grown in heavy, poorly drained soils. Fungal issues such as rust or mildew can occur in overly humid environments with poor air circulation. Ensuring sharp drainage and good airflow will mitigate most potential problems.

Cultural Significance

Traditional Uses and Values

Common Wheat Grass is an Australian species that has become widely naturalized in New Zealand. It is often confused with the indigenous Anthosachne solandri , highlighting the close botanical connections between the two countries. In its native Australia, the seeds were traditionally harvested by Indigenous people and ground into flour for baking.

Bonus Tip

Hardy Texture

The specific name scabra refers to the rough texture of the leaves. This roughness discourages some browsing animals. It provides a valuable textural contrast in the garden when planted alongside smooth-leaved plants like flaxes or Astelias.