Why is it a pest?

What does it look like?

Nassella tussock is around one metre tall with fibrous roots and small, oval seeds. It is a tufted, tussock grass with a swollen stem. Its fine, tightly rolled, light green or yellowish-green leaves feel needle-like and very tough. It flowers with purple-pink flowers during the November-December period and each mature plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds each year. Roots are deep, matted and fibre-like. It can be hard to tell the difference between Nassella tussock and other tussocks, but a good way to test the difference is by running your fingers down the leaves, if the texture is rough it’s probably Nassella tussock.

Duntroon, Kurow and Otematata have been the locations of several new and significant Nassella infestations recently and ORC’s biosecurity team are growing concerned that there could be a significant outbreak. We’re appealing to landowners, stock agents and those in the agricultural industry to keep an eye out for signs of nassella on rural properties. 

North Otago covers a huge area, so we really need the public’s help with this one.

If you have seen nassella tussock anywhere in the region, email biosecurity@orc.govt.nz or call 0800 474 082.

What are the rules?

How can I control it?

Management programme