Lobed Needle Grass (Nassella charruana) is a tussock-forming perennial grass that can form dense infestations and exclude other species. It is on the Alert List for Environmental Weeds and is a successful competitor in native grasslands and open woodlands. In agriculture it is regarded as invasive and competitive with little fodder value; it is a major problem for sheep because sharp seeds can damage skins and carcasses and contaminate fleeces. In Australia it is currently known from small infestations in Victoria.
Distribution records are indicative. Always confirm current status with your state biosecurity authority. Found in: open woodlands, native grasslands, introduced grasslands, rural roadsides, urban areas, wet depressions, stony rises.
Management focuses on preventing seed spread and reducing dense, competitive tussocks. Seed readily clings to clothing, fur, and equipment and can also be moved with soil, so hygiene and careful handling of flowering material are critical. Poorly performed control or lack of follow-up can worsen spread. Early detection and sustained effort are important because reinfestation can occur from seed.
Treat infested areas as a hygiene zone. Remove clinging seed and soil from clothing, tools and machinery before moving to clean areas.
Target plants with flowers or seed heads for bagging and burning to reduce the chance of seed spread during control work.
Where chemical control is used, focus on actively growing plants and use spot or wiper methods suited to the infestation and site.
Can form dense competitive infestations that exclude native grasses and impact native grasslands and open woodlands.
Seeds cling to clothing, fur and equipment and can also be moved with soil, allowing spread to new sites including during earthworks.
Can be difficult to identify because it resembles native spear grasses and other stipoid grasses, increasing the chance of delayed detection and response.
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