Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) (Nox)
Potential Distribution | Present Distribution
| Scientific name: | Nassella neesiana Trin. et Rupr. |
Common Name: | Chilean needle grass |
Status: | Restricted Weed in the Mallee, North Central, Wimmera, Glenelg-Hopkins, Corangamite, Port Phillip & Westernport (East and West), Goulburn Broken, North East, West Gippsland and East Gippsland CMAs. Listed as a weed of national significance (WoNS). |
Habitat: | Seasonally dry environments, as well as a wide range of other climatic conditions (Champion 1995, Gardener et al 1996). Tends to be found on basalt soils, but has been reported on other soil types at several locations in Victoria (Gardener et al n.d.). Very invasive and forms dense stands in pastures, parkland, roadsides and near watercourses (Gardener 1996, Walsh and Entwisle 1994). Chilean needle grass can vigorously invade native grasslands and open woodlands (Liebert 1996). |
Related Links
Further information on Chilean Needle Grass can be found on the DPI Website, Pest Plant Notes.
Information brochure about Weeds of National Significance - Chilean Needle Grass was developed in 2003/04 and is available for download on the CRC for Weed Management website (external link). It contains information on aspects such as distribution in Australia, dispersal and weed control contacts.
Weed Identification Note for Chilean Needle Grass - on the Weeds Australia website (external link). Information is provided on the generalised current distribution in Australia as well as other information such as origin, distinguishing features, dispersal etc.
Information on Chilean Needle Grass in Australia is available on the Weeds Australia website (external link). This includes a Chilean Needle Grass Strategic Plan.
 Chilean Needle Grass infestation [Photograph: DPI Landscape Protection, Geelong] |  Chilean Needle Grass infestation [Photograph: DPI Landscape Protection, Geelong] |
© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2009.
This document was last reviewed on 05/08/2009