| Management programme |
| Eradication |
| Objectives |
| Reduce the level of infestation of fine stemmed needlegrass / Mexican feather grass within the Waikato region to zero density to prevent adverse effects and impacts. |
| Impacts |
| Economic, biodiversity, animal welfare |
Fine stemmed needlegrass / Mexican feather grass is native to parts of Argentina, Mexico and the southern United states, and has been incorrectly sold in New Zealand nurseries as a native grass. It invades pastures, grasslands, disturbed sites and private gardens and can become dominant on grazed sites.
What does it look like?
Fine stemmed needlegrass / Mexican feather grass is a densely tufted grass that looks very similar to nassella tussock and is practically indistinguishable except for the flowers and flowering heads.
Flowers
- Flowers with drooping feathery flower heads occur between October and December.
- Flower clusters only partially protrude from the plant.
Fruit/seeds
- Abundant seeds appear in spring and are purplish-pink.
- Seeds are readily distributed by stock and clothing.
- Can last in the soil for four years.
Leaves/stem
- Very fine stems that are rough when rubbed towards the base of the plant.
- Leaves do not break when pulled.
- Stems swollen just above ground level – like a shallot.
Fine stemmed needlegrass seeds |
Fine stemmed needlegrass stems |
Why is it a pest?
Fine stemmed needlegrass forms dense colonies, producing masses of highly viable, well dispersed seeds that last a long time in the soil. Stock cannot digest this grass, and it forms balls in their stomachs, causing ill-thrift. The plant tolerates a wide range of climates and conditions and is a threat to tall and short tussock-lands in New Zealand, where it out competes native species.
Waikato Regional Council is responsible for the control of fine stemmed needlegrass within the Waikato region. If you think you’ve seen it, call us.
- All occupiers are encouraged to report sightings of fine stemmed needlegrass (rule NAS-1 of the Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan 2022-2032) and to liaise with Waikato Regional Council in areas where control programmes are in place.
- If fine stemmed needlegrass is present on a property that is to be subdivided or developed, there are additional rules and requirements that apply under section 6.6 of the RPMP 2022-2032.
Fine stemmed needlegrass is also banned from being sold, propagated, distributed, or included in commercial displays.
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