Perennial, densely tufted tussock grass < 70 cm tall. Flowerhead is feathery, erect when young, weeping when mature and borne in spring. Seeds are rough-coated with a tufted hair at base.
To help protect our environment:
Pastures, open and disturbed habitats, grasslands, coastal areas, roadsides, wasteland.
Seeds dispersed by wind, water and attachment to animal pelts. Human-mediated dispersal through contamination of clothing, footwear and machinery.
Potential to outcompete native plants in coastal habitats and affect native fauna by altering habitat structure. Unpalatable to livestock and selective grazing may displace valuable pasture species.
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Nasella tussock has brighter green leaves and larger projection on base of floret (3-4mm). The awn (the long bristle-like appendage extending from the end of the seed) is 4.5 to 9 cm long in N. tenuissima; 2 to 3.5 cm in N. trichotoma.
Chilean needle grass has much broader leaves. The awn (the long bristle-like appendage extending from the end of the seed) is 4.5 to 9 cm long in N. tenuissima and 6 to 9 cm long in N. neesiana.
