How to Grow Curly Mitchell Grass
Curly Mitchell Grass
Astrebla lappacea
grassCurly Mitchell Grass is a native Australian perennial tussock grass known for its distinctive tightly curled, wiry foliage that gives it a distinctive appearance. It is highly drought-tolerant and adapted to arid and semi-arid climates, commonly used for pasture and rangeland management. The grass is valued for livestock fodder and soil stabilization in harsh environments.
When should you plant Curly Mitchell Grass in your zone?
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Example Curly Mitchell Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Curly Mitchell Grass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Curly Mitchell Grass
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9b-11; native to arid and semi-arid Australian regions
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Get my Curly Mitchell Grass timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
3-6 weeksTiny green shoots emerge from soil; develops first few fine leaves; very slow initial growth
Keep soil lightly moist (not wet) for first 4-6 weeks; protect from foot traffic; provide full sun exposure
Establishment
6-12 weeksTussock begins to form; curly foliage becomes more pronounced; root system develops deeply
Reduce watering frequency; allow natural drying between rains; no fertilizer needed; light grazing acceptable after 6 months
Vegetative Growth
OngoingDense tussock with characteristic tight curls; wiry texture fully developed; plant reaches mature size
Maintain natural rainfall conditions; no supplemental water needed in adapted climates; manage livestock grazing; avoid overgrazing
Flowering
4-8 weeksInflorescences (seed heads) emerge above foliage; cylindrical spikelets form; usually occurring in summer months
Allow flowers to mature fully for seed production; minimal intervention needed; maintain grazing management
Seed Maturation & Harvest
4-6 weeksSeeds darken and mature; seed heads become dry and brittle; seeds naturally disperse or can be collected
Collect seed by hand or mechanical harvesting; store dry seeds in cool conditions; allow some natural seeding for regeneration
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Generally not a major issue on mature plants; early seedlings may need protection; allow natural predators; rarely requires intervention
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Protect young seedlings with netting if needed; mature plants are resilient; use scare tactics for large plantings
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Rare in arid climates; ensure good air circulation; avoid overwatering; fungicides rarely needed due to low humidity in native range
Uses
Livestock Pasture & Rangeland
WildlifeCurly Mitchell Grass provides nutritious dry-season pasture for cattle and sheep in arid regions. Its high digestibility and persistence under grazing make it valuable for extensive livestock management where other forage fails. [source]
Soil Stabilization & Erosion Control
HouseholdThe deep root system and dense tussock growth effectively stabilize sandy and compacted soils, preventing wind and water erosion in arid and semi-arid landscapes. Commonly used in restoration projects for degraded rangeland. [source]
Native Plant Landscaping
CraftIts distinctive curly texture and drought tolerance make it an attractive ornamental grass for xeriscaping and native plant gardens in appropriate climates. Provides visual interest year-round with minimal maintenance. [source]
Traditional Aboriginal Use
MedicinalIndigenous Australian peoples have traditionally utilized curly Mitchell grass and related species for nutritional and medicinal purposes. The grass and associated plants were part of traditional bush medicine practices. [source]
Seed Production & Wildlife Food
CulinaryThe seeds of curly Mitchell grass are nutritious and were historically used as a food source. They provide valuable forage for native wildlife and are important for ecosystem management in Australian rangelands. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Seed collection: Harvest seed heads when fully mature (brownish color) in late summer/early fall by hand-stripping or mechanical harvesting. For forage: Graze rotationally to maintain plant vigor; avoid continuous heavy grazing; spring and early summer grazing is preferred. Collect seeds for propagation by allowing heads to dry naturally before stripping seeds into collection bags.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The distinctive tight curls in the foliage are an adaptation to extreme aridity—they reduce surface area exposure and help the plant conserve water under intense sun
- 🌱 Curly Mitchell Grass can survive extended droughts exceeding 10+ years and will rapidly regenerate when rains return, making it invaluable for climate-resilient ranching
- 🌱 The grass is named after Sir Thomas Mitchell, a famous 19th-century Australian explorer whose expeditions documented the plant's presence across inland Australia
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