Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra) Lomandra longifolia
Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra) (Lomandra longifolia) is an evergreen perennial grass in the Asparagaceae family, native to Eastern and southern Australia, mostly coast and ranges. It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 70 cm (28 in) apart.
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Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra) at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 70 cm (28 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern and southern Australia, mostly coast and ranges |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity documented in ASPCA or standard poison references; treat as untested.
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 Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra) in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (10 plants)
Questions about Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra)
- How far apart should I plant Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra)?
- About 70 cm (28 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra) flower?
- From about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No toxicity documented in ASPCA or standard poison references; treat as untested.
- What grows well with Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spiny-head mat-rush (lomandra). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Dioecious; fragrant flowers appear in spring (Sep to Nov in Australia), shifted here to northern spring dates for the thermal-time model.
- Southern Hemisphere plant: the season clock restarts on 1 July in the south.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana