SAcontrolledClass 3 declared weed · Multiple regions
Nassella leucotricha
Texas Needle Grass (Nassella leucotricha) is a long-lived, tussock-forming perennial grass from the southern USA and Mexico. In Australia it invades pastures, native grasslands and bushland, excluding desirable species. It produces abundant flowering seed and also hidden stem seeds, allowing reproduction even when seed heads are removed. Mature sharp seeds can injure livestock and downgrade wool, hides and carcasses. It can spread effectively via livestock, people, machinery, mowing/earthmoving and water, and may remain dormant in soil for several years.
Identify it
Field cues
01Perennial tussock-forming grass, typically about 1–1.5m tall
02Leaves mostly clumped at the base; blades about 30cm long and ~5mm wide
03Membranous ligule about 0.5–1mm long at the leaf blade–sheath junction
04Seed head an open/contracted panicle up to ~25cm long with many pale green spikelets
05Seeds have a long awn and a distinct collar-like corona where the awn attaches
Distribution records are indicative. Always confirm current status with your state biosecurity authority.
Found in: pastures, native grasslands, woodlands, bushland, roadsides, native vegetation, non-crop areas.
Management is challenging because plants produce both flowering seed and hidden stem seed, so seed production can continue even when seed heads are removed. Spread risk is high via livestock, people, machinery, mowing/earthmoving, moved soil and floodwater, and seed can persist dormant in soil for several years. Early detection, quarantine and hygiene within infestations, and integrated approaches that reduce seed set are emphasized.
1
Prevent seed movement on machinery
Wash down vehicles and machinery after working in infested areas, and clean mowers and slashers before using them elsewhere to reduce seed spread.
2
Remove small outliers completely
Dig out whole plants in very small infestations and outliers, and bag flowering material so seed is not dropped during removal.
3
Avoid introducing contaminated fodder or seed
Do not buy hay, stock feed, or crop and pasture seed from infested areas to reduce accidental introduction.
Registered herbicide options
GlyphosateGroup 9 · 450 g/L
Wiper application while actively growing in non-crop areas and pastures, application rate 2.6L/10L water is stated. Source ↗
GlyphosateGroup 9 · 450 g/L
Spot spray while actively growing in non-crop areas and pastures, application rate 800mL/100L water is stated. Source ↗
GlyphosateGroup 9 · 450 g/L
Boom spray while actively growing in non-crop situations, application rate 2.4L/ha is stated and comments note suppression only. Source ↗
FlupropanateGroup 0 · 745 g/L
Wiper application July-September in non-crop areas and pastures, application rate 500mL/10L is stated. Source ↗
FlupropanateGroup 0 · 745 g/L
Spot spray July-September in non-crop areas and pastures, application rate 100-300mL/100L is stated. Source ↗
FlupropanateGroup 0 · 745 g/L
Boom spray July-September in non-crop areas and pastures, application rate 1.5-3L/ha is stated. Source ↗
FlupropanateGroup 0 · 745 g/L
Spot spray while actively growing in non-crop areas and pastures when used in a mix, application rate 150-300mL/100L is stated. Source ↗
GlyphosateGroup 9 · 450 g/L
Spot spray while actively growing in non-crop areas and pastures when used in a mix, application rate 270mL/100L is stated. Source ↗
Use chemicals to the label. Always read the current APVMA-approved label before application.
Check permit conditions for your state, as some uses are limited to council or government staff.
Aquatic situations require products registered for use in or near water.
Why it matters
Impacts
High spread risk via routine activities
Seed and stem seed can be moved by machinery, mowing and earth-moving equipment, livestock, people, and in fodder and soil, allowing rapid spread over large distances if hygiene and quarantine are not maintained.
Misidentification risk
It can be confused with native speargrasses and other tussock grasses; incorrect identification can lead to control being applied to the wrong species.
Difficult rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of infested land is described as very difficult, and management commonly relies on combining multiple approaches to reduce seed production and reinvasion.
Toxicity note (livestock): Sharp mature seeds can injure livestock and downgrade animal products.
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