Mexican feather grass

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

• First detected in 2008 in Bulimba, Brisbane.

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

Environmental

• Causes severe environmental damage to native grasslands.

Economic

• Invades productive pastures.

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

• 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.

• Mexican feather grass 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 Mexican feather grass.
• You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by Mexican feather grass.
• You must report any sightings immediately using 1 of these methods:
  • Report online.
  • Phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
  • Phone the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.