Common Name: dwarf mat rush
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asparagaceae
Zone: 8 to 11
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Description: Yellow
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Ground Cover, Naturalize, Rain Garden
Leaf: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Drought, Erosion, Clay Soil
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining, sandy loams in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of a wide range of soil types and growing conditions, including occasional drought and inundation, full shade, full sun, and heavy, clay soils. Tends to perform poorly in climates with cool summers. Propagate through seeds or division. Hardy in USDA Zones 8-11.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Lomandra longifolia, commonly called spiny-head mat rush, is a clump-forming, evergreen, herbaceous perennial native to a wide variety of habitats including open forests, rocky slopes, swamps, and creek margins in eastern Australia and Tasmania. Mature clumps will reach 3-5' tall and spread to fill a 4-6' area. The arching, flat, linear foliage can reach up to 3' long and 0.5" wide and emerges from stout stems clustered on thickened rhizomes. The leaf tips have 2-3 small teeth. Plants have a grass-like appearance but are not in the grass family. Dense clusters of small, creamy white to yellow, fragrant flowers and 1-2" long, sharp, pointed bracts are held on panicles reaching around 1.5' tall. The flowers bloom from spring into summer and are followed by small, round, light brown fruits. This plant is used by indigenous Australians to weave baskets and fish traps. The base of the leaves can also be eaten raw.
The genus name Lomandra comes from the Greek loma meaning "rim" or "edge" and andro meaning "male", in reference to the circular shape of the anthers of this genus.
The specific epithet longifolia means "long-leaved", in reference to the length of the foliage of this species.
The common name spiny-head mat rush refers to the sharp, pointed floral bracts and its use by indigenous Australians to weave baskets and fish traps.
'LM300' is a compact, dwarf selection of spiny-head mat rush that features narrow, arching, evergreen foliage that retains its emerald green color through winter. Mature plants can reach 2-3' tall with a similar spread and take on a clumping habit. The 7.5" long flowering spikes emerge from late spring into summer bearing dense clusters of small, yellow, fragrant flowers. Commonly sold at nurseries and garden centers under the name BREEZE. This plant is protected by patent number PP15420.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note.
Uses
A versatile perennial that can be massed or used as an accent specimen in mixed borders, naturalized plantings, large containers, and as a large ground cover for commercial plantings or road medians. Suitable for controlling erosion on slopes.