Oplismenus aemulus (Basket Grass)

Oplismenus aemulus (Basket Grass) is a weak, trailing perennial grass growing up to 0.3 m high, forming a soft, spreading groundcover ideal for shaded or semi-shaded areas. Its fine-textured foliage features blades 4–18 mm wide, lightly covered in fine hairs, with a distinctive whitish midrib on the underside. The plant’s trailing habit allows it to gently cascade or spread across the ground, making it well-suited to understorey plantings and naturalistic garden designs.

The inflorescences consist of racemose panicles with closely packed spikelets, each bearing delicate awns that add subtle texture and visual interest. This adaptable grass performs well in moist, well-drained soils and is ideal for erosion control, soft groundcover, or filling shaded garden spaces.