Spiny-headed mat-rush — Lomandra longifolia

Lomandra longifolia

Host plant for butterflies and insects Shelter for wildlife Resilient garden plant

$6.00

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Plant profile

At a glance

The essentials for finding the right garden position.

Mature size: Height: 0.6–1.2 m · Width: 0.8–1.5 m
Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Dry, Moist, Seasonally wet
Soil: Sandy, Loamy, Clay, Rocky
Drainage: Free-draining
Vegetation type: Coastal, Wallum / Sandy Heath, Wetlands / Swamps / Creek Margins, Dry Eucalypt, Wet Eucalypt
Plant lifespan: Long-lived perennial
Plant form: Grasses & Groundcovers

Plant ratings

A quick guide to this plant’s value for wildlife and the garden.

Bird food value
Host plant value
Pollinator value
Shelter & habitat value
Flower display
Garden resilience

About this plant

Spiny-headed mat-rush forms a dense, arching clump of tough strap-like leaves that gives planting a strong natural framework. Fragrant cream flower clusters are followed by orange-brown seed capsules held among the foliage. It can be repeated along paths, banks and garden edges to create rhythm, shelter and dependable year-round structure.

Image credits:
Mature image: Jane C Frost via iNaturalist photo 100988897 — CC BY 4.0
Feature image: Terra Occ via iNaturalist photo 30107117 — CC BY 4.0

More plant details

Garden uses: Mass planting, banks, garden edges, erosion control and ground-level wildlife shelter. Use well-drained soil; it tolerates dry periods once established.
Wildlife value: Lomandra longifolia has some pollinator value, but its flowers are less abundant, less accessible or not a major garden food resource. Lomandra longifolia provides supplementary food and foraging opportunities for birds. Lomandra longifolia develops substantial, persistent structure that can provide excellent refuge, nesting or screening habitat.
Flowering and fruiting: Fragrant cream flower clusters are followed by orange-brown seed capsules among tough strap leaves.
Growth habit: Tufted perennial herb with tough strap-like leaves; typically 0.6–1.2 m high × 0.8–1.5 m wide.
Cautions: Leaf tips and flower stems can be sharp; site back from narrow paths.