Tassel Cord Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum) with Floating Ring

Create height, texture and year-round interest around your pond with the beautiful Tassel Cord Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum). This elegant Australian native pond plant is prized for its soft, feathery foliage and graceful upright growth, making it a stunning feature in ponds, water gardens, rain gardens and natural landscapes.

Growing up to 1.8 metres tall and around 40cm wide, Tassel Cord Rush adds architectural interest while gently swaying in the breeze. Its fine, bright green foliage creates a soft contrast against broad-leaved pond plants and flowering water lilies, bringing a natural, relaxed feel to any water garden.

Suitable for full sun to part shade, Tassel Cord Rush thrives in shallow water and consistently moist soils. It can be planted with the water level up to 2cm above the top of the pot, making it ideal for pond margins, bog gardens and wetland plantings.

As an Australian native, this hardy perennial is well adapted to local conditions and provides excellent shelter for fish, frogs and other beneficial wildlife. Its upright stems and soft foliage create valuable habitat while adding movement and texture throughout the year.

If you're looking for a smaller alternative, our Dwarf Tassel Cord Rush reaches only around 50cm in height, making it perfect for compact ponds and smaller water features.

Why You'll Love Tassel Cord Rush

• Australian native pond plant.

• Beautiful soft, feathery foliage.

• Creates height and architectural interest.

• Grows up to 1.8 metres tall.

• Approximately 40cm wide at maturity.

• Thrives in full sun to part shade.

• Suitable for pond margins and bog gardens.

• Can be submerged with water up to 2cm above the pot.

• Excellent cover and shelter for fish and frogs.

• Hardy perennial with year-round appeal.

• Perfect companion for water lilies and other marginal pond plants.

Perfect For

• Backyard ponds
• Wildlife ponds
• Natural water gardens
• Rain gardens
• Bog gardens
• Stream edges
• Native landscapes
• Large pond borders

Planting Guide

Plant Tassel Cord Rush around the edge of your pond where the water level sits up to 2cm above the top of the pot, or directly into consistently moist soil. It performs best in full sun to part shade and will reward you with vigorous growth and attractive foliage throughout the year.

Its upright habit makes it an excellent background plant behind lower-growing marginals or as a feature among flowering pond plants.

Flowers & Foliage

Tassel Cord Rush produces delicate small brown flowers amongst its distinctive fine foliage. While the flowers are subtle, the plant's real appeal lies in its soft, fountain-like leaves, which add movement, texture and contrast to the pond all year round.

Standard vs Dwarf Tassel Cord Rush

Choosing between the two varieties?

Tassel Cord Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum)

• Grows up to 1.8 metres high
• Approximately 40cm wide
• Ideal for medium to large ponds
• Creates a bold vertical feature

Dwarf Tassel Cord Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum 'Dwarf')

• Compact growth to around 50cm high
• Perfect for small ponds and patio water features
• Ideal where space is limited

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tassel Cord Rush an Australian native?

Yes. Tassel Cord Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum) is native to Australia and is well suited to Australian ponds, rain gardens and wetland plantings.

How tall does Tassel Cord Rush grow?

This variety can grow up to 1.8 metres tall and approximately 40cm wide, making it an excellent feature plant for larger ponds.

Where should I plant Tassel Cord Rush?

Plant it in full sun to part shade in shallow water or moist soil around the pond edge. It can be submerged with water up to 2cm above the top of the pot.

Is Tassel Cord Rush an oxygenating pond plant?

No. While it isn't an oxygenating plant, it provides excellent shelter and cover for fish and helps create a balanced, natural-looking pond environment.

Does Tassel Cord Rush attract wildlife?

Yes. Its dense foliage provides valuable habitat and protection for fish, frogs and beneficial aquatic insects, making it a wonderful addition to wildlife-friendly ponds.

Botanical Name

Baloskion tetraphyllum

Common Name

Tassel Cord Rush

Plant Type

Australian Native Perennial

Mature Size

Up to 1.8m high × 40cm wide

Position

Full sun to part shade.

Water Depth

Suitable for pond margins with water up to 2cm above the top of the pot.

Foliage

Soft, feathery green foliage held above the water.

Flowers

Small brown flowers.

Fish Friendly

Excellent cover and shelter for fish.

Edible

No.