This perennial has an upright single or branched blackish trunk that terminates in a spherical leafy crown. It has long grass-like glaucous green leaves and the tiny creamy star-shaped flowers appear in a spike above the plant on a spear-like stem in autumn.

Hardiness zones 8 to 11

Xanthorrhoea glaucais naturally found in Australia growing in the north-eastern New South Wales and extending to south-east Queensland appearing along the coast and in dividing range to the western slopes.

It grows in a variety of well drained moderately fertile sandy-stony soils and prefers an open sunny position and is frost and drought tolerant but is very slow growing.

The Narrow-leaved Grass Tree is grown for its habit and foliage. It is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or used in bushland settings. It is suitable for coastal or tableland and inland regions establishing in 10-15 years. Mature plants are transplanted for used in commercial sites or planted in patio tubs and rockeries. This plant requires a little maintenance and is an ideal focal point in a garden. ID 548

Xanthorrhoea (zan-thor-RHO-ee-ah) glauca(GLAW-kuh)

Xanthorrhoeaceae(zan-thor-RHO-AY-see-ee)