Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) is considered one of Australia’s worst weeds, as it reduces stock carrying capacity, is hardier than most other weeds, spreads at an incredible rate and, more importantly, causes injury to livestock.

Oberon delegate on the Upper Macquarie County Council, John McMahon said the weed was a major menace to the agricultural industry.

He said the weed was much worse than other more common weeds in our area, such as St Johns Wort, Serrated Tussock and Nodding Thistles, as it is very tolerant to chemical control and extremely difficult to get rid of once established.

Mr McMahon said Chilean Needle Grass, which is already spreading across the Oberon area, came to the area in some cases through fescue ryegrass seed, so farmers who brought in seed from elsewhere may find Chilean Needle Grass in their paddocks.

Mr McMahon said in its juvenile stages, Chilean Needle Grass looks like fescue, and it quite palatable for sheep to eat.

Chilean Needle Grass is best identified in spring, when its distinctive purple flowers or panicle seeds are present.

The grass’s panicle seeds are easily recognised by having plumes that are a distinctive purple and violet colour with long, light green awns.

The panicle can be up to 30 centimetres in length, and nods characteristically to one side.

The panicle seed itself can be identified by a distinctive ring of hairs that resembles a raised crown of small teeth.

When not in seed, the grass can be identified as being an erect, robust tussock that can be up to one metre tall.

As it matures, the leaves tend to droop.

When the plant is younger, it is a darker green than many other pasture species, but during winter it becomes yellow and straw like.

Mr McMahon said the grass panicle easily attaches to stock, particularly sheep, and can cause injury by burrowing into the skin, causing unsellable sheep with abscesses and often affecting wool quality.

Mr McMahon is adamant that local farmers need to keep an eye out for the weed to prevent it overtaking district pastures.

“It has the potential to devastate the sheep industry,” he said.

“We need to be vigilant. If you see anything that looks like it, get rid of it.”

Mr McMahon urges farmers to contact the Upper Macquarie County Council on 63331375 to find out more information about the weed, and advice on how to deal with it.