A perennial tussock grass native to south-eastern Australia, Austrostipa rudis forms dense clumps with fine, arching leaves and long, wiry flowering stems. It grows in forests, woodlands, and grasslands, preferring well-drained soils and sunny to lightly shaded conditions.
 
The Veined Spear-grass is valued in revegetation projects and native gardens for its resilience, ability to stabilise soil, and provision of habitat and food for native fauna.