Giant Parramatta Grass (Sporobolus fertilis)
© Harry Rose
Introduced, warm-season, perennial, large, dense, tussocky grass, generally more than 1m tall. Leaves are hairless and tough. Stem bases are strongly flattened. Flowerheads are dense, narrow, contracted panicles 25-45 cm long; lower branches often diverge at maturity. Spikelets are 1.6-2 mm long, 1-flowered and dark coloured. Flowers from spring to autumn. A native of Asia, it is an invasive weed in many habitats (e.g. roadsides, pastures, woodlands and forests). A declared noxious weed, it is one of the regions worst pasture weeds. Produces prolific seed, can seed within 2-3 weeks after slashing, is highly invasive and of very low feed value. If control is neglected, this species can completely overrun pastures. Begins growth earlier than many other warm season pasture grasses in spring. During drought it can provide more feed than carpet grass. A combination of methods are required for control including competitive pastures, farm hygiene, mechanical removal, registered herbicides and grazing management.
Photo taken on 22 Jun 2012