Serrated Tussock - South Gippsland Weeds

Targeting Invasive WoNS in West
Gippsland with Community Action
FAST FACT:
Being similar in appearance to many
native tussock grasses, serrated tussock is
able to go unnoticed in both pastures and
native grasslands for many years until
significant infestations
have developed.
Serrated Tussock floret and fruit (seed). Photo
courtesy of
Julia Scher, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
Serrated Tussock
Fact sheet
weeds of national significance “WoNS”
“Targeting Invasive WoNS in West Gippsland with Community Action” is a project funded
by the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country Program. This project addresses
Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) national priorities through the actions of community
Landcare Members, Landcare Groups and Landcare Networks in the WGCMA region.
Invasive WoNS pose a serious threat to agricultural production, environmental health and
biodiversity. Reducing the infestation and spread of WoNS is important to ensure the security
of our farming resource base and our unique environment into the future.
This project addresses national priorities through community partnerships to deliver targeted
action at the local level. Invasive WoNS will be targeted in areas of high significance using
best practice techniques and actions.
why should I worry about serrated tussock
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is the worst perennial grass weed in Australia; able
to adapt to drier grassland areas. Serrated tussock seeds are prolific, long lasting and spread
via wind, livestock, vehicles and farm machinery creating a significant and on-going risk
to agricultural and natural environments. Serrated tussock grows vigourously but has little
grazing value because of its high fibre and low protein content. Where dense infestations
dominate pasture a significant loss of livestock production occurs. In native grasslands serrated
tussock competes with native species, significantly reducing biodiversity. It also increases the
severity of wild fires and associated property losses. It can tolerate extremes of temperature,
low rainfall and low soil fertility, so it is well suited to rapidly advance over new areas in
Gippsland, colonising bare patches of ground and changing landscapes forever. With climate
change potentially causing higher temperatures, lower rainfall and drought conditions; areas
of Gippsland could be at risk from this weed.
1 u 2 u 3 u
4 u
Serrated tussock seeds. Note off centre awn
attachment. Photo courtesy of
Julia Scher, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org
what does it look like
Serrated tussock is a perennial grass that can grow up to 60 cm in height and 25 cm in
diameter at the base of the plant. When in flower, the drooping seed heads can give the plant
an overall diameter of up to 75 cm. The purple colour of small seeds produces an overall
purplish haze to the serrated tussock seed head. Once the seeds have formed, the entire
seed head will ‘droop’ over the tussock towards the ground. Plants growing in fertile soils
are capable of growing to 60 cm high while plants growing in infertile conditions are more
likely to reach a height of only 15 cm. Serrated tussock growing in Victoria will generally
be smaller in height than serrated tussock growing in NSW, ACT or Tasmania. It has an
extensive network of fibrous roots which exist mostly in the top 20 cm of soil, although some
do occur deeper. They are dense, wiry and fibrous, making serrated tussock very difficult to
pull out even when small.

have I got serrated tussock at my place
Key identifying features of serrated tussock:
• Tussocky grass to 60 cm tall. Plants appear purple when flowering in late spring/early summer. Once the seed ripens in late summer,
flower heads change to a golden brown colour with a light green tussock base. Plants remain green during summer, when other
grasses have usually browned off. Some older leaves may die and remain beige on the plant for several years.
• Thin, tightly rolled, hairless leaves with very fine serrations. Serrated tussock leaves roll smoothly like a needle when rolled between
the index finger and thumb. Native grasses will feel like they have flat edges.
• The ligule of serrated tussock is continuous with the leaf sheath, is small (1 mm long), white, has a rounded tip and is never hairy.
Most grasses that are confused with serrated tussock have hairy ligules. To find the ligule, trace down a leaf to its junction with the
stem. Carefully separate and bend the leaf back. If the grass has a ligule it is a small, membranous or hairy flap that protrudes.
• White swollen leaf bases
• The seed head is a multi-branched stem up to 35 cm long. It has two or three branches at each junction and one seed at the end of
each branch.
• Once the seed has ripened, the entire flowering stem will break off from the base of the plant and blow in the wind for dispersal.
• Difficult to pull from the ground, even when small due to the extensive fibrous root system.
how can I deal with it
Dealing with serrated tussock requires an integrated approach. Your local Landcare staff are available to help you develop an Integrated
Weed Management Plan. It is important you obtain help first - it is unlikely you are affected in isolation, so developing a whole of area
control plan in partnership with your neighbours and responsible agencies is essential.
The key principles of Integrated Weed Management to keep in mind are:
• early intervention
• prevent establishment & spread; quickly eradicate new, small or outlying infestations.
• develop a plan utilising appropriate management tactics. Serrated tussock plants are most vulnerable as young seedlings as they are
small, slow growing and vulnerable to competition; maintaining ground cover and re-establishing ground cover after herbicide use is
important. Chipping or spraying larger plants prior to flowering stops the formation of tens of thousands of seeds.
• Use prevention strategies such as mesh fencing to catch blowing seed heads, shelterbelts and vehicle hygiene in managing serrated
tussock.
• Regularly monitor areas at high risk of invasion, such as fence lines.
Your Landcare staff can advise you on the recommended herbicides to use on serrated tussock. They will help you develop a control
program and advise you on the best time to spray, follow up and re-vegetate the serrated tussock affected area.
where can I get further help
SOUTH GIPPSLAND LANDCARE NETWORK
Cnr Bair and Young Street, Leongatha (PO Box 419 Leongatha 3953)
Contact Kate Williams on Phone (03) 5662 5759 or email katew@wgcma.vic.gov.au www.southgippslandweeds.com
MAFFRA AND DISTRICT LANDCARE NETWORK
WGCMA Maffra Depot, Malmo Street, Maffra (PO Box 1374, Traralgon, 3844).
Contact: Pest Plant and Animal Officer on Phone 1300 094 262; email: maffralandcareoffice@gmail.com.
BASS COAST LANDCARE NETWORK
PO Box 272, Cowes, 3922; Phone (03) 5678 2235
Contact Matt Stephenson; Phone: (03) 5951 3327; Mobile: 0434 676 064; email: m.stephenson@basscoast.vic.gov.au
LATROBE CATCHMENT LANDCARE NETWORK
16 Hotham Street, Traralgon, 3844 (PO Box 1374, Traralgon, 3844)
Contact Andrew Wolstenholme on Phone 1300 094 262; email: andreww@wgcma.vic.gov.au
3844)
YARRAM YARRAM LANDCARE NETWORK
Livingston Street, Yarram 3971; Phone (03) 5182 5073 Fax (03) 5182 6094
Contact Samantha Monks on Phone: 03 5175 7895; Mobile: 0419 371 497; email: samantham@wgcma.vic.gov.au
We are grateful for permission to quote and use images from The Serrated Tussock Best Practice Manual
(copies available from NSW DPI Bookshop ph: 1800 028 374 )
Bronwen Wicks — National Serrated Tussock Coordinator is available for help developing regional plans.
Phone: (02) 4828 6632
email: tussock.management@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.weeds.org.au/wons/serratedtussock