Green Wedge Tassel Cord Rush

Green Wedge Tassel Cord Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum 'Green Wedge') is a tall, slender native restio with bright green, delicate fronds banded in chestnut brown where they leave each stem. It grows 50cm to 1.5m tall and wide, and it is happiest where other plants fail: wet, boggy or waterlogged ground.

Why you'll love it

• It loves wet feet. Found wild in wet and waterlogged sandy places along the east coast, it thrives in bog gardens, pond margins and soggy corners that rot most plants.
• Not fussy about the rest. It grows in humid or dry climates, in sun or shade, and in sandy soil, clay or rich loam, which makes it easy to place.
• Colour and fine texture. Apple green fronds on slender stems are banded with chestnut brown, a contrast that stays interesting all year.
• Almost no maintenance. Thin out dead stalks when needed and trim by half every two to three years. That is about all it asks.
• Good for wildlife and for vases. Dense stems shelter native creatures, and cut stems are popular in floral arrangements.

Where it works best

Bog gardens and pond margins. Plant it at the water's edge or in permanently damp soil, where its fine, upright stems soften hard edges and hide pond liners.

Creek banks and revegetation. On creek and river banks and in wetland plantings, set plants 60cm apart. The clumps join up to bind the soil and shelter native creatures.

Mass planting. For a dense swathe in a native or wildlife garden, the same 60cm spacing builds a flowing, grass like mass of fine green stems.

Growing Green Wedge Tassel Cord Rush in Australia

Position and climate. It grows in sun or shade and copes with both humid and dry climates. It tolerates light frost, so very frosty gardens are outside its comfort range.

Soil. In the wild it grows in sandy soils, clay and rich loam, and it thrives in wet and waterlogged ground. In an ordinary garden bed it does well as long as it is watered through dry spells.

Water and feed. Water regularly after planting in dry spells until it is established. Once settled in damp ground it largely looks after itself, and extra feeding is rarely needed.

Pruning. Thin out dead stalks to keep the clump looking its best. Every two to three years, trim the whole plant by about half to rejuvenate it.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Green Wedge Tassel Cord Rush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical choice for large wetland or mass plantings, while the 200mm pots give a fuller clump from the start. Either way, plant promptly and keep the ground damp while the roots take hold.

Plants travel upright and settle in within a few weeks, sending up fresh fronds as the weather warms.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Grasses and strappy leaf plants
• More Australian native plants
• Plants for mass planting
• Designing a native garden for wildlife

Common questions

Is it actually a fern?

No. Despite the nickname dingo fern, it is a restio, a reed like plant from an entirely different group. It is also sold as foxtail.

Will it grow in a dry garden bed?

It grows in dry climates as well as humid ones, but wet ground is where it is most at home. In an ordinary bed, water it through dry spells until it is established and expect the best growth where the soil stays damp.

How do I keep it tidy?

Thin out dead stalks as they appear, and every two to three years trim the whole plant by half to refresh it.