Spinifex sericeus – Hairy Spinifex

Spinifex sericeus – Hairy Spinifex

Habit and Habitat:
Spinifex sericeus, commonly known as Hairy Spinifex, is a hardy, salt-tolerant grass native to coastal regions of Australia and New Zealand. It thrives in sandy dunes and beach foreshores, playing a vital role in stabilising coastal ecosystems. Its creeping rhizomes help bind loose sand, forming extensive mats that protect against erosion and wind damage. This species is perfectly adapted to harsh, salty environments with poor soil and exposure to sea spray.

Place in Local Habitat and Ecosystem Distribution:
Hairy Spinifex is a cornerstone species in dune systems along Australia’s coasts, from Western Australia through South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. It provides vital habitat and protection for small reptiles, insects, and shorebirds, and helps maintain dune integrity by trapping sand and reducing erosion.

Planting Companions:
This species grows well alongside other coastal natives such as Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush), Carpobrotus rossii (Native Pigface), and Atriplex cinerea (Coastal Saltbush). Together, these plants create resilient, attractive coastal gardens that mimic natural dune systems.

Human and Wildlife Uses:
Hairy Spinifex is essential in dune restoration and coastal erosion control projects. Its dense, low growth provides nesting sites for ground-dwelling birds and shelter for small fauna. Indigenous Australians traditionally used its tough, fibrous leaves to weave fishing nets and string, while its ecological importance continues today in land rehabilitation and conservation.

Care Instructions:
This species thrives in full sun and sandy, free-draining soils. It is extremely drought- and salt-tolerant once established, requiring minimal maintenance. Avoid planting in heavy clay or poorly drained soils. Occasional trimming helps maintain a tidy form, though in naturalistic plantings, it’s best left to sprawl and stabilise the soil naturally.

Size, Height, Width, Flower, and Leaf Characteristics:
Spinifex sericeus typically grows to around 30–60 cm in height, spreading several metres via its creeping runners. The foliage is soft, silvery-green, and covered in fine hairs, giving it a shimmering appearance in sunlight. In summer, female plants produce distinctive round seed heads up to 20 cm wide that detach and roll along beaches in the wind—an iconic coastal sight.

Latin Etymology:
The genus name Spinifex comes from the Latin spina meaning “thorn” and facere meaning “to make,” referring to the spiny nature of some species in the genus. The species name sericeus means “silky” or “covered with fine hairs,” describing the plant’s soft, silvery foliage.

Traditional Uses:
Indigenous communities along coastal regions used Hairy Spinifex for practical purposes, particularly in weaving fishing nets, lines, and ropes from its tough leaves. Its ecological significance as a dune stabiliser would also have been well understood and respected.

Planting Guidelines:
In the home garden, Hairy Spinifex is ideal for coastal landscapes, sandy soils, or native gardens designed for erosion control. Choose a sunny, well-drained site and allow room for spreading. Once established, it requires little water or care and will thrive in tough conditions where few other plants survive. Its shimmering foliage and sculptural seed heads bring both resilience and beauty to coastal and naturalistic plantings.