Treatment MeasuresSwales : Plant Selection

Plant Species Suitable for Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Swales
in South East, East and North Eastern regions of Victoria

Swale Floor

Selected species suitable for wetted zones of swales

Genus & Species Common Name Comments Height X Spread (metres)
Carex appressa* Tall Sedge Tolerant of dry conditions once established. 0.75 x 0.75
Carex breviculmis Short-stem Sedge   0.15 x small tuft
Carex gaudichaudiana Tufted Sedge Tolerant of dry conditions once established and will dominate over time as very aggressive (could be too dry) 0.1-0.6 x spreading
Carex tereticaulis* Rush Sedge Tolerant of dry conditions once established 1 x 0.5
Gratiola peruviana Austral Brooklime Probably intolerant of lengthy dry periods 0.3 x 0.5-1.5
Isolepis nodosa* Nobby Club-rush Tolerant of wet and dry conditions in sandy soils 0.5-1.5 x 0.6-2
Isotoma fluviatillis ssp. australis Swamp Isotome May be useful as a groundcover with other taller tussock species, ensuring good moisture Prostrate x 1
Juncus species* Rush Will readily colonise - many suitable species that need to be selected on a site by site basis. 0.2-0.5 x 0.1-0.4
Schoenus lepidosperma Bog-rush Will readily colonise - many suitable species that need to be selected on a site by site basis. varies
*- suggested dominant species
Swale Upper Bank

Selected species suitable for drier zones of swales

Genus & Species Common Name Comments Height X Spread (metres)
Dianella longfolia Pale Flax Lily Can become lax after flowering. 0.3-0.8 x 0.5
Dianella revoluta Spreading Flax Lily Can be difficult to grow from seed. 0.3-1 x 0.5-2.5
Dichondra repens Kidney Weed May be useful as a groundcover with other taller tussock species Prostrate
Kennedia prostrata Running Postman   Prostrate x1-2.5
Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush More suitable for drier sites 1 x 1
Patersonia occidentalis Long Purple Flag Attractive flowers and tolerant of wet and dry conditions 0.2-0.4 x 0.3-0.6
Poa labillardieri Tussock-grass Needs to be actively managed with fire or brushcutting to retain form in the longer term 0.5 x 0.5
Pratia pendunculata Matted Pratia May be useful as a groundcover with other taller tussock/tufted species Prostrate x 2-3
Viola hederacea Ivy-leafed Violet Prefers moist soils Prostrate - 0.15 x 1-2