Chilean needle grass affects both sown pasture and native grasslands of southeastern Australia. It is relatively unpalatable and reduces farm productivity by displacing more desirable pasture species. Heavy infestations can decrease productivity by as much as 50% during summer. It also causes injury to stock and downgrades wool, skins and hides with its long, sharp seeds. As an environmental weed it reduces biodiversity in native grasslands, where it outcompetes indigenous species.

Key points

• Chilean needle grass is highly invasive in native grasslands.
• It builds up a large and persistent seedbank in the soil.
• Rehabilitation of infested land is very difficult.
• If you are not sure about the identification of a plant, have the specimen identified by a herbarium, local agronomist or weeds officer.
• Chemical application alone will not control Chilean needle grass.
• For best results, combine herbicide application with physical removal, crop rotation, pasture sowing and grazing management.