Para grass

General information

Para grass (Urochloa mutica) is a perennial grass and a common weed in many cane-growing areas.

Para grass is not a declared plant under Queensland legislation, however its control is recommended.

Scientific name	Urochloa mutica
Impacts	invades areas of disturbed remnant vegetation on suitable soils and cane-growing areas a very aggressive invader, significantly displacing native plants a potential threat to natural wetland ecosystems
Description	grows up to 1 m in height creeping, prostrate growth habit stems are hollow and robust stems stand erect towards the ends and sprout new roots wherever the nodes touch the ground leaf blades are hairy, dark green, usually up to 15 cm long and less than 1 cm wide and taper to a long, fine point flower heads are up to 18 cm long and made up of several spikes, each about 5 cm long
Habitat and description	aggressive growth in low-lying ungrazed areas and in sugar cane crops often found in wet situations, especially drains, but will also grow in deep soils in non-swampy areas
Control	grazing para grass prevents it dominating other vegetation herbicides effective see para grass fact sheet for further information on registered herbicides and application rates
Declaration details	not a declared plant under Queensland legislation but may be declared under local government law
Further information	local government weed control/environmental staff Para grass fact sheet (PDF, 200 kB)