| Noxious Weed Category: |
CLASS 3 in Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, North Sydney, Warringah, Willoughby, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Manly, Mosman, Pittwater and Ryde Councils (Sydney north region) |
| Description:
Tussock Paspalum is a grass which grows in clumps up to one square metre
in size, with its seedhead extending another metre above the leaves. It appears
to flower and produce seed at least twice a year.
The plant has a blue /green appearance, is often found alongside tracks, roads,
streams, wetlands and drains and generally prefers neglected land of low fertility
Dispersal:
Each plant can grow to a large size through the horizontal movement of its rhizome
that sends up suckers, ultimately forming a large, dense tussock. Many seeds drop
at the base of the plant, forming new plants in close proximity to the parent.
The seeds can also be spread by water, on clothing, the fur of animals, mud on
boots, vehicle tyres and mowing machinery. Thus the plant has the ability to spread
rapidly, and can form dense infestations within a few years.
Impact on Bushland:
Tussock Paspalum is a highly invasive plant able to establish on edges and spread
into bushland. Once established, the weed has the ability to form extremely dense
infestations that out compete all other vegetation. Removal of the plant is time-consuming
and almost always requires follow-up treatment.
Control:
| Manual: |
Small infestations or individual plants can be hand
pulled, particularly where the soil is sandy or friable. |
| |
Follow up work for a year or more is almost always required after initial
treatment to treat any regrowth and newly germinated plants. |
| |
Bag seed heads. |
| Chemical: |
For larger infestations, the most common method is to brushcut the plant and
then spray the regrowth with a Glyphosate-based
product. Please contact your local control authority
for advice on chemical control. |
Similar Species:
Suggested Alternatives:
References:
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