Giant Rat's Tail Grass

Giant Rat's Tail Grass. Seed head

Scientific name: Sporobolus pyramidalis, Sporobolus natalensis

Description

  • Robust, tufted, perennial grass, height from base to seed head is 0.6 to 1.7 metres
  • Favours areas of soil disturbance
  • Seed head can be up to 45 centimetres long and 3 centimetres wide
  • Seed heads change shape from a ‘rat’s tail’ tip when young, to a pyramid shape when mature
  • Unlike Giant Parramatta Grass, Giant Rat's Tail Grass does not develop a sooty spike on its seed heads

Problem

Unpallatable to stock and degrades pasture.

Weed status - restricted matter category 3

Includes weeds, pest animals and noxious fish such as gambusia, dingoes and yellow crazy ants.

You must not distribute this restricted matter.

Due to its potential to cause serious economic, environmental or social harm, these weeds are regulated by Council.

We have an annual inspection program for properties in Logan.

Council has the authority to issue a Biosecurity Order to properties with category 3 restricted matter.

Control method

Foliar Spray

Herbicide is diluted with water at a specific rate, and sprayed over the foliage to point of runoff.

Most suited to shrubs, grasses and dense vines less than six metres tall.

Manual and Mechanical Removal

Manual control uses hands or hand tools to control weeds.

This can be an effective control as it can minimize soil disturbance and can instantly remove the entire weed.

Mechanical control suits larger infestations, using power tools and machinery to reduce the bulk of the problem.

Mechanical control can include slashing, mowing, dozing, harvesting, and felling.

Herbicide warning

Before using any herbicide always read the label carefully and ensure that the chemical is registered for use on the target weed. All herbicides must be applied strictly in accordance with the directions on the label.

More information