Aleman grass

Echinochloa polystachya

Aleman grass is an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial grass growing 1-3 m in height. It forms dense stands in swampy areas and along banks of watercourses and is able to grow in water up to 2 m deep.

Aleman grass originates from tropical and subtropical America. It was introduced to Queensland as a ponded pasture species, and now invades seasonally flooded areas, swamps, and banks of watercourses. Infestations have also occurred in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and northern New South Wales.

Lower parts of stems are coarse and thick arising from long, rooted runners. Leaves are flat and smooth, tapered, 20-50 cm long and 2-3.5 cm wide, with rough edges. Flower heads are 15-30 cm long. Seed production is poor and most spread is vegetative, occurring when stems, runners and roots are moved in water.

Watch out for and report aleman grass

Aleman grass is a Class 2 noxious weed in parts of NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. It must be eradicated and land must be kept free of the plant. As a notifiable weed, all outbreaks must be reported to the local council within three days, and the plant is prohibited from sale in NSW.

If you have seen this plant please contact your local council Weeds Officer; your nearest NSW Department of Primary Industries office; the NSW Weeds Hotline 1800 680 244; or email weeds@industry.nsw.gov.au

Status

• Declared in NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (view details)