North West Weeds 
Your local guide to local noxious weed control (NSW, Australia)
   

North West Weeds
ABN 16 052 158 879
Postal address:
20 Dinoga Street
BINGARA
NSW 2404

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Longstyle feather grass (Pennisetum villosum), also commonly known as “foxtail”, spreads quickly and takes over the ground, choking out all competition. is It is a prolific seeder, and lawn mowers do a fantastic job of spreading the seed. The more this grass is mowed, the more plants there will be! Seeds are also spread by wind, water and animals.

IDENTIFICATION
LSFG has a very distinctive seed head, as in the photo (right). The tussocks are also a different shade of (matt) green to other grasses. 

THE PROBLEM
LSFG is very invasive, and will dominate other grass in the same vicinity, including household lawns. The more it’s mowed, the faster it spreads. It has no real food value for stock. The seeds are a contaminant in wool.

Photo above right: close up shows the abundant and wind-dispersed seeds.  Photo below left: a major infestation of longstyle feather grass near Delungra. Click on the photos to download a larger version.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
LSFG is a declared NOXIOUS WEED within some north western NSW Shires.  It is NOT declared in Inverell and Gwydir Shires.

CONTROL ALTERNATIVES

Non-chemical: Physical removal of each complete tussock is slow, and only feasible for odd, scattered plants. Needs to be done prior to seeding.

Chemical: Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority has issued a permit covering chemical treatment of most problem grasses in New South Wales, including longstyle feathergrass. Please check the details of Permit PER9792 .

1L-2L glyphosate per 100L of water seems to be the best option - low volume and careful spraying because it is important to minimise chemical contact with adjacent, desirable grasses. Careful application with a paint bush or rope-wick applicator is an option for small areas using a rate of 1 litre glyphosate to 2 litres of water (plus liberal amounts of patience). 

DISCLAIMER:   The information contained in this web site is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of North West Weeds or the user’s independent adviser.
LRT 13/04/10
 

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Copyright © 2007-2013 Last modified: 23-Feb-2012 - North West Weeds