Herbert resident Elizabeth King discovered and reported the pest plant. “I thought the plant was quite unusual,” she says, “so I took a photograph and sent it to my daughter Tilly as I was keen to get it identified. She was pretty sure it was African Feather Grass and knew it was a pest not meant to be in Otago. She sent me a link to the Otago Regional Council website, and I reported it.”
“ORC responded very quickly, did a site visit, had it officially identified, and have made a plan for removal. They also held a meeting with the community. Their response has been swift and amazing, we are hoping now they can remove it successfully without it spreading.”
“The Waianakarua River is a beautiful river which we need to look after. I think we are really lucky Tilly knows her plants as I could easily have picked and spread the seeds!”
Portfolio lead Councillor Andrew Noone says, “We are grateful to both Tilly and Elizabeth for acting as pest detectives and reporting this incursion, meaning we can carry out control work to stop this pest spreading further.”
“If you are not quite sure if a plant is friend or foe, you can find identification guides on our website and report pests using our report a pest form.”
Council’s biosecurity staff found African Feather Grass in four clusters within the property but none on other properties. Neither had it reoccurred at the historic sites in the region where it had been found and eliminated previously.
Seed heads have been removed, and the team has engaged a contractor to undertake the control works.
An incursion response plan has been prepared, working with other Councils across the country to make sure we are taking the best approach to the removal of the grass. Initial herbicide spray treatment will start later this month and into May, secondary spray treatment in September and further spot spraying as needed from 2027 until 2029.
You can find slides from the Herbert community meeting presentation ad the response plan on our website: www.orc.govt.nz/africanfeathergrass
The team remains in close contact with the landowners. This will continue through the response period and control works.
Why is African feather grass a pest?
African feather grass produces large amounts of seeds carried by wind and water or caught in animal hair and clothing by barbed bristles. It also spreads through rhizomes (an underground fleshy stem) moved by machinery, cultivation, or dumped plant material and soil. The plant can spread quickly, crowding out other low-growing plant species. It can also impact our production and economic values.
What does it look like?
Size: African feather grass is a tussocky grass and forms thick clumps up to 2 metres high.
Leaves: Whitish green on top, ribbed, and dark green underneath. The leaf edges feel rough when touched, and the casing is covered in hairs.
Flowers/seeds: The flowers form a long, thin, straw-yellow colour spike, sometimes with a purplish tinge. The seeds have bristles that allow them to become easily attached to clothing, animal hair or wool.
Root system: African feather grass produces lengthy, fibre-like roots and stems that will form new shoots.
Habitat: Includes open areas, shrubland, grassland, coastal areas, cliffs, riparian margins, gravel beds, wasteland, and roadsides.
What should I do?
Do not attempt to undertake control of African feather grass yourself. If you think you have found it, please let us know by reporting it (or any other pest) online at orc.govt.nz/reportpests
- Note the location
- Take a photo (if possible)
You can also contact Otago Regional Council on 0800 474 082
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP)
ORC is reviewing its RPMP, starting with a survey asking people which pest worries them the most and why. The survey is being extended for a further month until 29 May 2026 to collect as much feedback as possible. Have your say at www.orc.govt.nz/whichpest
