Growing
- Forest layer: Herbaceous, clumping grass.
- Growth habit & lifespan: Fast-growing perennial clump.
- Size: 1-1.5m.
- Site preference: Full sun, wide soil tolerance, drought tolerant once established.
- Water needs / drought tolerance: Drought tolerant once established.
- Fruiting / flowering season: Rarely flowers in cultivation in Australia.
- Propagation: Division of clumps.
- Harvesting technique: Stems used fresh or dried, culinary and tea use.
Permaculture Function
- Permaculture functions: Its dense clumping habit makes it a genuinely useful living barrier or edge planting, and its strong scent is thought to help mask companion crops from some pests.
- Wildlife value: Minor.
- Edibility / medicinal use: Yes, a widely used culinary herb.
- Companion notes: A good border or edge planting for a guild bed — cut back hard periodically to keep it productive and prevent it becoming woody in the centre.
Safety & Control
- Toxicity: Not toxic.
- Control method: Not applicable, retain and encourage.