Wallaby Grass: An Australian Import for California Gardens
If you’ve ever wondered about adding a touch of Australian flair to your California landscape, wallaby grass (Rytidosperma racemosum) might have caught your eye. This perennial grass species has made its way from the land down under to establish itself in parts of California, bringing with it a unique texture and appearance that’s quite different from our native grasses.
What Exactly Is Wallaby Grass?
Wallaby grass is a non-native perennial grass that originally hails from Australia. You might also see it listed under its scientific synonym, Danthonia racemosa, in older gardening references. As its common name suggests, this grass was named after the wallabies that graze on it in its native habitat. It’s part of the larger family of grasses and grass-like plants, characterized by its fine texture and distinctive seed heads.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
Currently, wallaby grass has established itself in California, where it has naturalized and reproduces on its own in the wild. This means it’s found a comfortable home in our Mediterranean climate and has proven it can thrive without human intervention.
Should You Plant Wallaby Grass?
This is where things get a bit nuanced. While wallaby grass isn’t classified as invasive or noxious, it is a non-native species that has established itself in California’s ecosystems. Here are some considerations:
The Case for Wallaby Grass:
- Low maintenance once established
- Adds fine texture to landscape designs
- Drought tolerant, fitting well with water-wise gardening
- Interesting seed heads provide seasonal interest
- Works well in naturalistic or Mediterranean-style gardens
Things to Consider:
- It’s not native to California, so it doesn’t support local ecosystems like native grasses do
- May self-seed and spread beyond where you initially plant it
- Provides limited benefits to local wildlife compared to native alternatives
Native Alternatives Worth Considering
If you love the fine-textured grass look but want to support local ecosystems, consider these California natives instead:
- Purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) – California’s state grass
- Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
- Deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens)
- California fescue (Festuca californica)
Growing Wallaby Grass Successfully
If you decide to give wallaby grass a try, here’s what you need to know:
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Well-draining soil (it doesn’t like wet feet)
- Full sun to partial shade
- USDA hardiness zones 8-10
- Drought tolerant once established
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Water regularly during the first growing season
- Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant
- Cut back in late winter before new growth emerges
- Be prepared for self-seeding – remove seed heads if you want to prevent spread
- Very low maintenance overall
The Bottom Line
Wallaby grass can be an attractive addition to drought-tolerant landscapes and Mediterranean-style gardens. It’s not going to cause ecological havoc, but it’s also not going to provide the ecosystem benefits that native grasses offer. If you’re torn between exotic appeal and ecological responsibility, why not try a combination? Plant some native grasses as your foundation and perhaps use wallaby grass sparingly as an accent. Your local wildlife will thank you for the natives, and you’ll still get that unique texture you’re after.
Remember, the best gardens are often those that balance personal preferences with ecological awareness. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your garden’s style, your maintenance preferences, and your values as a gardener.
