Weed Alert - Mexican Feather Grass

Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) Family Poaceae

It has recently come to notice that over 300 plants of Mexican Feather Grass (MFG) have been sold through Canberra nursery outlets, probably labelled as Stipa. If you have bought Stipa plants from any nursery outlets in the ACT or region within the last 12 months please have the plant checked, or check it yourself. There are many good illustrated website descriptions available.

This species has the potential to invade pastures and native grasslands in the ACT as an agricultural and environmental weed as bad as Serrated Tussock . It is not yet established in the ACT, and we really don’t want it here either!

The invasive weed, MFG was first discovered in the ACT in February 2008. If uncontrolled, it could spread to other states of Australia. Overseas, it is highly invasive and has formed monocultures, smothering desirable species. Importation into Australia is prohibited.

Description: MFG is a densely tufted perennial grass, almost identical to serrated tussock. MFG produces more seed than the related invasive weed, serrated tussock and is a slightly taller plant (leaves to about 60 cm long and flower spikes to 70 cm). The leaves are very similar to serrated tussock. The seed is similar to the seed of native Stipa grasses (speargrasses). The awn or bristle-like attachment to the seed is 4.5-9 cm long. The seed itself is 2-3 mm long. MFG flowers from mid spring to summer.


Contact: If you think you have spotted this weed, please contact:

In the ACT: Canberra Connect on 13 22 81

In Queanbeyan City Council area: phone 6298 0101 or email weedsofficers@qcc.nsw.gov.au

In Palerang Council area: phone 6238 8111 or email records@palerang.nsw.gov.au

Further Information: www.weeds.org.au

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