African feather grass

This pest is present in New Zealand.

Report any sightings to ph 0800 809 966

General information

African Feather Grass is an erect perennial grass, commonly 1 to 1.8 metres high, reproducing by seed and rhizomes. It is a native of South Africa.

The coarse leaves of mature plants are of low palatability and are not grazed by stock except when there is an extreme shortage of other feed. The plant can be a prolific seed producer. Seeds have bristles that cling to wool and hair of animals.

The stout, erect clumps have tough leaves which have rolled-in edges when young. The flower heads are a long, bristly spike, 10-30cm long and 1-3cm in diameter, coloured straw yellow to purplish, and appear from November to April.

Individual plants can be grubbed out. Larger plantations can be treated with herbicide.

• NPPA Manual (3431 Kb)

Useful Resources

• Christchurch City Council fact sheet
• Environment Waikato strategy
• Environment Bay of Plenty weed index
• Landcare Research database
• New Zealand Plant Conservation Network