Nutgrass

Nutgrass is an erect perennial rush standing less than 35cm tall. It outcompetes native species and reduces crop yield.

Description

• Rhizomes are extensive and tuberous, the stems are triangular.
• Nuts are small and rarely reach maturity.
• Low production of viable seed.
• Vegetative spread from rhizomes and tubers, dispersed by water.
• Human-mediated dispersal through the movement of contaminated soil.
• Habitats include pastures, roadsides, wetlands, riparian margins, coastal areas, croplands, and urban habitats.

What you need to know

Potential to outcompete native species in wetlands, riparian margins and coastal areas. Reduces crop yields.

Management approach

This is a declared pest managed under the Canterbury Regional Management Plan 2018 – 2038 (PDF file, 10.6MB) within the exclusion programme.

Exclusion

Pests in the exclusion programme are not known to be established in Waitaha/Canterbury. If these pests were to become widely established, their impacts could be severe.

Therefore, early intervention by preventing their establishment is a cost-effective management approach.

The community should make us aware of any nutgrass plants in Waitaha/Canterbury.

Rules

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

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of nutgrass yourself. Report any sightings to us.