Pyp grass is a perennial plant that grows to 2 metres tall that forms dense stands.
Description
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Rhizomes are long and creeping.
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Stems are jointed, cane-like and erect.
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Leaves are short, blue-green and rolled.
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Flowers are narrow clusters visible from October-January.
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Seedheads are slender containing purplish seeds.
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Seeds are dispersed on the wind and via rhizomes.
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Habitats include coastal areas, wetlands, and sand dunes.
What you need to know
Pyp grass forms dense infestations, outcompeting and displacing native vegetation.
Management approach
Pyp 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 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 pyp grass yourself. Report sightings to the MPI on Exotic Pest Hotline at 0800 80 99 66 or the online reporting form.
Stems are cane-like. Photo credit: Trevor James
Pyp grass. Photo credit: Trevor James
Pyp grass. Photo credit: Trevor James
