Spinifex sericeus

Beach Spinifex

The Beach Spinifex, scientifically known as Spinifex sericeus, is a NZ native grass that thrives in sand dunes where it binds the sand. The plant itself has fine, dark green-blue leaves with a hairy surface. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants and the distinctive spikey heads are produced by the female plant. It typically grows to 50 cm tall and has roots that will spread many metres to colonise large areas. It tolerates high winds, salt spray, and shifting sands but must have free draining soil. The Beach Spinifex is commonly used to stabilise sand dunes, planted on a bank, included in coastal gardens, or used on exposed sites.