A perennial tussock grass native to Australia, Austrostipa scabra forms dense clumps with fine, rough-textured leaves and slender flowering stems bearing distinctive seed heads. It thrives in grasslands, open woodlands, and well-drained soils, preferring full sun.
 
The Rough Spear-grass is valued in native gardens and revegetation projects for its drought tolerance, soil-stabilising roots, and provision of habitat and food for native fauna.