Chilean Needlegrass
Nassella neesiana
Origin. South America .
Distribution in Canberra Region. Scattered invasion of grassland areas in several CNP and CUPP areas, especially along access trails.
Dispersal. Seeds are dispersed by wind, water and animals, and especially by mowers.
General description and biology.
Tussocky perennial; deep green leaves up to 20 cm long, 2-5 mm wide, strongly ribbed on upper surface, with coarse hairs (c.f. Wallaby grasses: fine hairs).
Leaves flat while growing; become rolled as they mature.
Seedhead 15-30 cm long, drooping with purple spikelets* & awns (bristles) 6-7 cm long.
Flowers from November to February.
Invasive colonizer.
Similar species: Tall Speargrass (Austrostipa spp.), Wallaby grasses (Austrodanthonia spp.) & Sporobolus.