Blowfly Grass (Briza maxima)

I remember this plant as a child, but I haven't seen it for years. Yesterday we found several big clumps near the artificial lake which is south of Piney Lakes and part of the Sculpture Walk.


The grass gets its name both from the appearance of the mature seed heads and the sound they make when you shake them. We used to love playing with it.

I was surprised to find when I googled that it is of Mediterranean origin, very widespread in Australia and an invasive weed.