Also known as Button-Grass · Eight-Day Grass · Finger Grass
Dactyloctenium radulans, commonly known as buttongrass, is a tufted perennial grass native to Australia, often found in arid and semi-arid regions.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best performance.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Sandy, Loamy
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-27°C. Can tolerate cooler conditions.
Low
25% intensity
Generally requires little to no fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Dactyloctenium radulans prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate dry spells once established. Water deeply when the top centimeter of soil feels dry.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot, especially in cooler temperatures. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.
Pruning is typically minimal for Dactyloctenium radulans. Remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed to maintain a tidy appearance.
If the plant becomes overgrown or starts to look untidy, a light trim in late spring or early summer can help rejuvenate it and encourage denser growth.
Dactyloctenium radulans can be propagated by division or from seed. Divisions are best undertaken in spring as new growth emerges. Seeds can be sown in spring or autumn in well-draining soil.
Germination may be erratic; scarification can sometimes improve success rates.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Dactyloctenium radulans as it is often grown as a groundcover or in naturalistic settings.
If grown in a container and it becomes root-bound, repot in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Ensure adequate drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Buttongrass (Dactyloctenium radulans)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Dactyloctenium |
| Species | Dactyloctenium radulans |
Similar in genus Dactyloctenium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
