Aussie Finch Forum

Hi,

I can't take a photo of it, but I have stumbled upon a grass that I think might be good for finches. It is around 40-65cm in length, quite skinny, and has purple seed heads at the top. Does anyone know what this is and if it's safe for finches?

do the seed heads look like a helicopter

Kinda. It's like an oval-shaped seed covered in purple 'fluff'

Sounds like molasses grass (need photo to confirm) - not much good as finch food as seed heads are more fluff than seed.

Might be Dalis Grass

Dalis grass is an alternate name for some paspalum species which generally have a green head.
Molasses grass and Natal grass are 2 relatively common purple-headed grasses and are related to each other. Natal grass is slightly better as finch food as its seed kernel is more substantial and the fluff is just a couple of thicker hairs. Google them to check which one you are referring too.

Google Fountain Grass - that is another possability. More use as nesting material than food, but worth putting in to see if it is the one.
LML

If this helps - IT DOES NOT HAVE LEAVES - very skinny light green stem.

Not fountain grass.

It looks like natal grass. What benefit does this have for finches?