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Name: grass lily, slug herb, blue murdannia, pink swamp lily, Murdannia graminea.
Height: 40-60cm.
Plant type: perennial.
Climate: across most of Australia.
Soil: moist, well drained.
Position: dappled light to full sun.
Foliage: loose rosette of slender, grass-like leaves.
Flowers and fruit: small, blue-purple, three-petalled flowers appear in loose clusters on ends of stems in spring and summer. Fruits are egg-shaped green capsules that contain grey-brown to black seeds.
Feeding: feed in spring and summer with an organic slow-release fertiliser that’s suitable for natives.
Watering: water when soil is dry.
Grass lily is a native grassy perennial with slender green leaves, sweet blue-purple flowers in spring and summer, and edible, fleshy, finger-like white tuberous roots. The plant typically dies back over winter or in severe dry conditions but resprouts once conditions are favourable.
The slender tufts look great in rockeries, and the flowers attract bees and butterflies. The tuberous roots can be dug up and consumed raw or boiled. Cooking is said to improve the fibrous texture and bland taste.
Grass lily will grow in most climates as it dies back in cold winters and resprouts once conditions are favourable. It prefers a spot in dappled light or full sun. Sow seed in warm weather or buy established plants. Ensure the soil is well drained and enrich with compost.
Grass lily needs little care once established. Remove spent flowering stems to keep the plant tidy. If plants die back in winter, prune to ground level and they will resprout once the weather warms.
Water regularly until established, then reduce frequency, only watering when the soil is dry. Grass lily is tolerant of drought conditions but grows best with regular watering in extended dry periods.
Feed in spring and summer with a slow-release organic fertiliser that’s suitable for natives.
This hardy native is rarely troubled by pests or diseases.
Propagates easily from seed. Collect seeds and sprinkle over seed-raising mix or sow directly in garden beds, lightly cover and water in well. Keep soil moist through germination and until plants are established.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
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