Natal grass

Natal grass is an annual or perennial grass, growing up to 1 metre tall.

Description

• Stems are upright and sometimes hollow.

• Leaves are narrow and flat, growing from unbranched stems.

• Seedheads, initially a deep reddish colour, turn to light pink as they mature and are covered in silky hairs, giving them a feathery appearance.

• Seeds dispersed by wind, vehicles, clothing, and animals.

• Habitats include disturbed areas, roadsides, parks and gardens, footpaths and waste areas, pastures, and crops.

What you need to know

Natal grass displaces native vegetation, prevents natural succession, and increases fire frequency and risk.

Management approach

Natal 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 natal grass yourself. Report any sightings to us.