Navigation path
Mexican feather grass
Pest alert
If you find a suspected Mexican feather grass plant, do not attempt to remove it as you may spread the seed. Email a photo of the suspect plant, along with your contact details, to callweb@dpi.qld.gov.au, or
Call QPIF 13 25 23
-
- Densely tufted perennial tussock
Photo courtesy Brisbane City Council
-
- Seed head
Photo courtesy Brisbane City Council
-
- Mexican feather grass awn 45-90 mm
Photo courtesy Brisbane City Council
-
- Seed head showing entangled awns
General information
Mexican feather grass, Nassella tenuissima, has been mislabelled and sold in 2008 through Queensland nursery and landscape outlets as Stipa capriccio. Landscapers have planted the grass in gardens or other areas as part of landscaping projects.
Mexican feather grass is a low-protein, high-fibre grass that has no grazing value. Pure stands of Mexican feather grass would render a paddock worthless.
It is closely related to several other exotic grasses, including serrated tussock (N. trichotoma) and Chilean needle grass (N. neesiana), both of which are Weeds of National Significance. Serrated tussock costs New South Wales' agriculture more than $40 million annually and is causing severe environmental damage to native grasslands. Mexican feather grass is similar to serrated tussock, in terms of ecology and growth.
Mexican feather grass is a Class 1 declared pest plant in Queensland. Class 1 pests established in Queensland are subject to eradication from the state. It is a serious offence to introduce, keep or supply a Class 1 pest without a permit issued by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries. Penalties of up to $80,000 apply.
Mexican Feather Grass is subject to eradication from the state
Biosecurity Queensland is implementing an emergency eradication response to trace and retrieve plants with the objective of eradication. See Current eradication activities (link below) for more information on what we are doing and how you can become involved.
Overview
| Scientific name |
Nassella tenuissima |
|---|---|
| Impacts |
|
| Description |
|
| Habitat and distribution |
|
| Declaration details |
|
| Further information |
|
