Austrostipa stipoides, commonly known as Prickly Spear-grass or Coast Spear-grass, is a perennial grass native to coastal regions of southeastern Australia and New Zealand. It typically forms large, dense tussocks reaching up to 31 inches in height. The leaves are inrolled, smooth, and can be up to 28 inches long and 0.04 inches wide, ending in sharp tips that may deter herbivores. The inflorescences are slender and can extend above the foliage, bearing feathery spikelets that are wind-pollinated. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, and the flowers are not particularly showy but have a subtle beauty in their structure.

Prickly Spear-grass is valued for its ability to stabilize sandy soils and is often used in coastal revegetation projects. It is highly tolerant of saline conditions, making it suitable for planting in challenging coastal environments. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils, can withstand full sun to part shade, and is drought-tolerant once established. While it is not commonly used in ornamental gardening, its resilience and ecological role in habitat restoration make it a significant species for conservation efforts. Gardeners should be aware that the sharp leaf tips can be a nuisance if the grass is planted in areas with foot traffic.CC BY-SA 4.0