Perennial Veldt grass

Other Common Names: Ehrharta, Perennial Veld Grass, Veldt Grass and Purple veldtgrass 

Plant grows up to 80 cm tall and reaches maturity in approximately one year. Its seedbank can persist from a few days to up to five years. Fire enhances seed production and germination and encourages plants to resprout; however, intense fires can reduce the seedbank because seeds accumulate in the topsoil, where they are more susceptible to high temperatures.

Occurs in environments that experience seasonal dryness. Prefers sandy and loamy soils. Prefers acidic to neutral soils. Able to establish across a wide range of temperature and light conditions. Does not tolerate waterlogged or low‑oxygen soils and does not tolerate high soil salinity.

Similar non-native species: ​​Panic Veldt Grass (Ehrharta erecta). Similar to Annual Veldt Grass (Ehrharta Longiflora​) except annual veldt grass is a looser and more sprawling tuft whereas perennial is an upright tussock.  Annual veldt grass has dropping seeds and perennial has drooping green-purple spikelets and perennial veldt grass has upright, reddish-purple spikelets.

​Dispersal by water, wind, birds, mammals and slashing.

​​It poses a significant threat to Banksia woodlands on sandy soils near Perth. It thrives with frequent disturbance, especially fire and elevated nutrient levels. It grows rapidly, resists drought and resprouts vigorously after stress. High seed production creates dense soil seed banks and seeds germinate quickly under varied conditions, outcompeting native species. This grass can alter nutrient cycles and may change soil properties over time, including increasing water repellence.​ 

​​Introduced into Western Australia around 1900 as a forage crop​ and cultivated in Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia as a drought resistant pasture. Also used for erosion control.