As we move through a warm and dry winter, and with the prospect of a warm, dry spring, our local natural areas, parks and gardens are all drying out and looking much browner and sparser than we've got used to in recent years.

One local grass species that seems to power right through whatever Mother Nature throws at it is Weeping Grass, or Microlaena stipoides. Its narrow, dark green leaves and tough spreading root system means that Weeping Grass tends to stay green and upright for a long time, when other more tender grass species have died right back.

You've probably seen it a million times mixed in with other species. It's common in woodland, eucalypt forest and even on the edges of rainforest.

So, no tears need be shed for this grass, which can absolutely look after itself in more or less any garden or parkland situation. Generally the foliage reaches around 10cm to 15cm tall, while when it's in seed, the seed heads can grow to about 30cm high. Mowing will keep it lower and more compact, and make it easier to walk or play on.

The seed heads are very decorative and give the grass its common name of Weeping Grass. This picture shows the gently arching seed head. 

Weeping Grass might not be that obvious mixed in among all the many other native grasses, sedges and other ground covers that grow locally. But those seed heads are pretty distinctive.

You might learn that you've walked through an area of Weeping Grass when you get home later and find that your socks have attracted several of the long pointed seeds, which can dig right in and be very difficult to remove. Any seeds extracted can be put to good use growing a new patch of Weeping Grass.

As this species is an outstanding habitat plant, attracting butterflies, birds and frogs, it's a good one to include in a habitat garden. If you're lucky enough to live in an area frequented by wombats, kangaroos or wallabies, they also enjoy browsing on this species.