Monday 19 September, 2011

Community help sought with invasive weed

Invasive pasture weed Mexican feather grass has been spotted in the Taihape area and Horizons Regional Council is calling on residents to report any further sightings.

Also known as nassella tenuissima, Mexican feather grass grows in poor or dry pasture as well as open or costal areas and has the appearance of a fine-stemmed ornamental grass.

It crowds out desirable pasture species, reducing carrying capacity and forming indigestible balls in the stomachs of sheep and cattle that can lead to weight loss or starvation.

Horizons’ Taihape-based environmental management officer for plants Malinda Matthewson says the weed, a close relative of nassella tussock, was originally planted by unsuspecting gardeners.

“Gardeners planted what they thought was an attractive garden plant, but it has now escaped the confines of the garden and is posing a risk to productive pasture in the greater Taihape area”, she says.

Mrs Matthewson says all known garden and wilding sites in the Taihape area will be controlled, but it is essential that farmers, land managers and gardeners keep an eye out for the pest plant.

“Horizons is here to work with gardeners and farmers to ensure this weed is controlled and help gardeners with alternatives that won’t pose problems for farmers.

“It is important to act before the plant does any serious harm and if gardeners contact us we can assist with replanting more desirable species”, she says.

If you think you may have this weed or would like more information about it please contact Horizons on Freephone number 0508 800 800.

ENDS

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