False Esparto Grass

Lygeum spartum

Lygeum spartum already showing striking flower heads in June 2017. Photo: SK Reid,

Summary

False esparto grass is the common name for this very interesting Mediterranean native. Its leaves stay green throughout the winter which means no end of season pruning was necessary. It was outstanding looking on all irrigation treatments with no significant difference in growth or overall appearance between treatments throughout the season (Table 8a). The stiff leaf blades are a consistent bluish gray-green that lean somewhat in the direction of the prevailing winds. However, this was not particularly unattractive and lent a sense of motion to the plant.  The tan flower/seed heads, which look like small crane’s heads, make an attractive contrast with the foliage. The only significant difference in any rating was in September when the 80% and 50% treatments had higher floral ratings than the 20% treatment at p≤0.05. Since flowers had actually dried, this was probably due to a higher rate of senescence and hence self-cleaning in the lowest treatment. With its low maintenance requirements and consistent good looks, this landscape plant most certainly deserves wider use.

Participants rated L. spartum highly at all three events, and declared it as one of the top three favorite species each time (Table 8b). Participants extolled the virtues of L. spartum in the comments section of the rating form, recording “love this plant! My favorite of the sun plants” and “all looking outstanding, very”. Their unique floral display was found to be aesthetically pleasing and the seed structure continued to provide interest to the end of the season, with one participant listing it as a “very spectacular flower.”

Lygeum spartum on 80% ETo in September 2017. Photo: SK Reid.

Growth and Quality Data

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Lygeum spartum on 20% ETo in September 2017. Photo: SK Reid.

Lygeum spartum on 50% ETo in September 2017. Photo: SK Reid.