Nassella tussock

Nassella tussock is a perennial tussock-forming grass with fine-bladed, tightly rolled, light green or yellowish-green leaves. Plants are erect when young but start drooping with age, growing up to 70cm tall and 80cm wide. The leaf blades are extremely tough and wiry, and do not break when pulled. You will notice a rough texture when running your fingers down the leaves. It flowers in October and has a purplish tinge, producing small purple seeds carried on slender drooping stalks. Roots are deep, matted and fibrous with a swollen stem just above the ground.

Nassella tussock establishes in open sites in pasture, disturbed shrubland, tall and short tussockland, bare land, river systems, and rocky and coastal areas. In New Zealand it occurs most frequently in drought-prone grasslands, particularly in South Canterbury and Otago.

If you think you have found Nassella tussock on your property, please report it to us on 06 835 9200.One of our biosecurity advisors will carry out the necessary control.