Mexican feather grass

Mexican feather grass is a dense tussock grass from South America growing up to 70cm tall.

Description

• Leaves are very tough, thin and round that don’t break when pulled and rough to touch.

• Flower stems droop with open seedheads in spring. They are erect when young and turn purplish/pink when they ripen.

• Seeds are rough-coated with a tufted hair at base. Dispersed by wind, water, and attachment to animal pelts.

• Habitats include pastures, open and disturbed habitats, grasslands, coastal areas, roadsides, and wasteland.

What you need to know

Mexican feather grass has the potential to outcompete native plants in coastal habitats and affect native fauna by altering habitat structure. It is unpalatable to livestock and selective grazing may displace valuable pasture species.

Management approach

Mexican feather grass is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of Mexican feather grass yourself. Report any sightings to us.