Serrated tussock

• Serrated tussock grass grows to 30cm tall.
• Leaves are thin, tightly rolled, pale, yellow-green and hairless. They have very fine serrations.
• Leaf bases are white and swollen.
• Ligules (small flaps about 1mm long that protrude where leaves separate from the stem) are white and hairless.
• Flower heads have a purple tinge when young and turn golden as seeds ripen. They weep and then break off at maturity.

3D model

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• Mostly confined to cooler temperate areas of Australia.
• Grows in all soil types but rarely found on swampy land.
• Found in pastures, grassland and disturbed areas, and along roadsides.

• Not known to occur in Queensland.
• Distribution appears to be limited by hot summers.

• Is a long-lived perennial plant.
• Seeds may live in the soil for more than 10 years but most die rapidly.
• Germinates mainly in autumn, but may germinate at any time of year.
• Seedlings are weak and slow-growing.
• Plants may be several years old before flowering.
• Seeds set in summer.
• Plants grow little in winter.

Environmental

• Reduces biodiversity.

Economic

• Invades pastures and open woodlands.
• Reduces land productivity.

• Spread mainly by seeds adhering to animals and clothing.
• Also spread by machinery, especially slashers.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

• Before undertaking any preventative or control actions, contact us online, by phone or in person.

Biological control

• No known biological control agents.

• Serrated tussock is a prohibited invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must not:
  • keep it
  • move it
  • give it away
  • sell it
  • release it into the environment

  If you do any of these, penalties may apply.

• You must not take any action that is reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by serrated tussock.
• You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by serrated tussock.
• You must report any sightings immediately using 1 of the following methods:
  • Report online.
  • Phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
  • Phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.