Brigalow Grass: A Lesser-Known Native Grass Worth Investigating
If you’ve stumbled across the name brigalow grass (Setaria brigalow) in your native plant research, you’re probably wondering what this mysterious grass is all about. Well, you’re not alone! This is one of those plants that seems to fly under the radar, even among native plant enthusiasts.
What is Brigalow Grass?
Brigalow grass belongs to the grass family (Poaceae) and goes by the scientific name Setaria brigalow. You might also see it listed under its synonym, Paspalidium caespitosum C.E. Hubb. Like many native grasses, it’s part of that wonderful world of grass-like plants that include true grasses, sedges, and rushes.
Where Does It Come From?
The name gives us a clue – this grass appears to be associated with brigalow vegetation communities, which are characteristic of certain regions in Australia. However, specific geographic distribution information for this particular species is surprisingly scarce in readily available sources.
Should You Grow Brigalow Grass?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While the idea of growing a native grass sounds appealing, there’s limited information available about Setaria brigalow’s cultivation requirements, growth habits, and garden performance. This lack of information raises a few important considerations:
- Limited horticultural documentation suggests it may not be commonly cultivated
- Without clear growing guides, success in the garden is uncertain
- Native status and appropriate growing regions need verification
The Responsible Approach
If you’re interested in adding native grasses to your landscape, here’s what we recommend:
- Consult with local native plant societies or extension services to verify if this species is appropriate for your region
- Consider well-documented native grass alternatives that are proven garden performers
- If you do locate this species, ensure it comes from reputable, local sources
- Start small to test its performance in your specific conditions
Better-Known Native Grass Alternatives
While researching brigalow grass, consider these well-documented native grass options that might serve similar ecological functions in your landscape:
- Local native bunch grasses appropriate for your region
- Established native sedges and rushes
- Regional grass species recommended by local native plant experts
The Bottom Line
Brigalow grass represents one of those intriguing native plants that needs more research and documentation. While the limited available information prevents us from providing detailed growing advice, it highlights the importance of working with local experts when exploring lesser-known native species. Sometimes the most rewarding native plant journey involves discovering and documenting plants that haven’t yet found their place in mainstream horticulture!
If you do decide to experiment with this species, we’d love to hear about your experiences – citizen science observations help build the knowledge base for future native plant gardeners.
