Nassella tenuissima
Mexican feather grass
Family: Poaceae
Origin: South America
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- National Pest Plant Accord Species
- Whole region — Eradication
General description
Perennial, densely tufted tussock grass < 70 cm tall. Flowerhead is feathery, erect when young, weeping when mature and borne in spring. Seeds are rough-coated with a tufted hair at base.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell Mexican feather grass. As Mexican feather grass is a National Pest Plant Accord species, these restrictions apply within the Auckland region and across the whole of New Zealand.
- You must not plant Mexican feather grass within the Auckland region.
Auckland Council will control Mexican feather grass at all sites where it is known to occur.
If you see Mexican feather grass anywhere in the Auckland region, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Habitats
Pastures, open and disturbed habitats, grasslands, coastal areas, roadsides, wasteland.
Dispersal
Seeds dispersed by wind, water and attachment to animal pelts. Human-mediated dispersal through contamination of clothing, footwear and machinery.
Impact on environment
Potential to outcompete native plants in coastal habitats and affect native fauna by altering habitat structure. Unpalatable to livestock and selective grazing may displace valuable pasture species.
Control
Recommended approaches
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
