Mexican feather grass

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Be on the lookout for Mexican feather grass and report any sightings immediately.

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Mexican feather grass plant form

Mexican feather grass plant form

© Queensland Government

Mexican feather grass seed heads

Mexican feather grass seed heads

© Queensland Government

Mexican feather grass seed heads close-up

Mexican feather grass seed heads close-up

© Queensland Government

Mexican feather grass

Mexican feather grass

© Queensland Government

Native to North America and South America, Mexican feather grass is a densely tufted perennial tussock grass. It is a category 2, 3, 4 and 5 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

As a low-protein, high-fibre grass, it has no grazing value. Pure stands of Mexican feather grass render a paddock worthless.

In 2008, Mexican feather grass was mislabelled and sold through Queensland nursery and landscape outlets as Stipa capriccio. Landscapers have planted the grass in gardens and other areas as part of landscaping projects.

Scientific name

Nassella tenuissima

Other names

  • Texas tussock, white tussock, ponytail grass, tussock grass

Similar species

Description

  • This densely tufted perennial tussock grass grows up to 70cm high.
  • Seed heads are pale and 15–25cm long. The lower glume is 9–10mm long.
  • Leaves are thread-like, 0.25–0.5mm in diameter and about 60cm long.
  • Flowers have a single, bisexual floret per spikelet, surrounded by 2 persistent bracts or glumes.
  • Stems are up to 70cm high.
  • Overall appearance is similar to several species of Stipa grass.

3D model

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Habitat

  • Prefers a dry, temperate climate.
  • Grows naturally in open woodlands and grasslands in North and South America.

Distribution

  • First detected in 2008 in Bulimba, Brisbane.

Life cycle

  • Flowering occurs from August to February.
  • The plant reproduces from seeds.
  • Seeds can remain viable for up to 4 years.

Impacts

Environmental

  • Causes severe environmental damage to native grasslands.

Economic

  • Invades productive pastures.

How it is spread

  • Seeds spread by flooding, by movement of vehicles and machinery, and by sticking to clothing, livestock, and fur of pets.

Prevention

Control

Legal requirements

  • Mexican feather grass is a restricted category 2, 3, 4 and 5 invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
  • You must not:
    • give it away
    • sell it
    • release it into the environment.

    • If you do any of these, penalties may apply.

  • You must take all reasonable and practical measures that are under your control to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with Mexican feather grass. This is part of your general biosecurity obligation .
  • You must report any sightings immediately using 1 of these methods:
  • Each local government must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on Mexican feather grass. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.

Further information