Mexican Feather Grass
Queensland the Smart State
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Mexican feather grass Nassella tenuissima
• A densely tufted
perennial tussock
grass
• Grows to about
70 cm high
• Seed heads are
15–25 cm long
UPDATE
• Mexican feather
grass was recently
supplied to
Queensland from a
southern wholesaler
Mexican feather grass habit
Densly tufted perennial tussock
Photo courtesy Brisbane City Council
• A small number of
nurseries and
landscapers have
sold Mexican
feather grass
labelled as such
things as Stipa
capillata or
Stipa capriccio
Seed head showing entangled awns
• Do not attempt to
remove suspect
plants – please call
13 25 23 for
further advice
Seed head
Awn 45–90 mm extending from the end of seed
Photo courtesy Brisbane City Council
Photo courtesy Brisbane City Council
Mexican feather grass Nassella tenuissima
Description
Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) is a Class 1 declared pest plant in Queensland. Class 1
pests are targets for eradication from the state. Landowners must take reasonable steps to keep their
land free of Class 1 pests. It is a serious offence to introduce, keep or supply a Class 1 pest without a
permit issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. Penalties of up to $60,000 apply.
Mexican feather grass is a densely tufted perennial tussock grass growing to about 70 cm high and is
similar to serrated tussock. Seed heads are 15–25 cm long, lower glume is 9–10 mm long, leaves are
thread-like, 0.25–0.5 mm in diameter, about 60 cm long and stems are up to 70 cm high.
Mexican feather grass, native to Chile, Argentina, New Mexico and Texas is a low-protein, high-
fibre grass that has no grazing value. Pure stands of Mexican feather grass would render a paddock
worthless. Mexican feather grass is closely related to several other exotic grasses, including serrated
tussock (N. trichotoma) and Chilean needle grass (N. neesiana), both of which are Weeds of National
Significance. Serrated tussock costs New South Wales’ agriculture more than $40 million annually
and is causing severe environmental damage to native grasslands. Mexican feather grass is similar to
serrated tussock, in terms of ecology and growth.
The problem
Mexican feather grass has the potential to spread over millions of hectares in Queensland, causing
significant damage to grazing land and replacing native grasses. Early detection and eradication could
prevent multi-million dollar losses and protect our native flora and fauna.
What should I do?
If you see the plant, please contact the pest management officer or environmental officer at your local
council, or your local Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries land protection officer on 13 25 23.
For further information visit the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website at
www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
Declaration details
Mexican feather grass is a Class 1 declared plant under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route
Management) Act 2002. It is an offence to sell this plant, and it must be destroyed where found. It
is also an offence to introduce, keep, supply or transport the plant without a permit issued by the
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, attracting fines of up to $60,000.
Updated November 2008
