Grass tree (balga) Xanthorrhoea preissii
Grass tree (balga) (Xanthorrhoea preissii) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asphodelaceae family, native to South-west Western Australia. It grows 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Grass tree (balga) in your garden →
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Grass tree (balga) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Mature height | 1–5 m (3.3–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 44 °C (111 °F) |
| Flowering | about 521–1043 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-west Western Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Grass tree (balga) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous; the leaf tips are sharp.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Grass tree (balga)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Grass tree (balga)
- How far apart should I plant Grass tree (balga)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Grass tree (balga) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Grass tree (balga) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Grass tree (balga)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Grass tree (balga) flower?
- About 521–1043 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Grass tree (balga) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous; the leaf tips are sharp.
- What grows well with Grass tree (balga)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Grass tree (balga). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- A blackened trunk topped by a fountain of thin grassy leaves, growing perhaps 1–2 cm a year, so a 3 m plant may be centuries old. A tall spear of cream flowers often follows a bushfire. Garden plants are salvaged from cleared land and must carry a licence tag in WA.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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