Mat grass is a perennial, dense tufted grass around 40cm tall. It forms thick mats, hence the name, that outcompetes native species and is avoided by stock.
Description
- Leaves are rough, dark green-blueish, sharp-pointed, bristle-like and tightly rolled.
- Flowerheads have individual bristle-like flowers.
- Seed is dispersed by animals (stock and feral) and in soil and machinery.
- Vegetative dispersal by rhizomes and rhizome fragments.
- Habitats include damp soils, grasslands, pastures, near waterways and wetlands, roadsides, shrublands, and wastelands.
What you need to know
Forms thick mats that outcompete native plants and heavily grazed pastures in damp and acidic soils. Avoided by stock. Prolific seed producer with new plants producing seed within eight weeks of germination. Is long-lived and can dominate grassland if left unmanaged.
Management approach
Community Led
These organisms have not been legally declared as pests but may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment. They may be capable of causing adverse effects to the values of Waitaha/Canterbury.
Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consult your local council for appropriate disposal.
Control
Site management
Follow up treated areas three times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after two to three treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
Physical control
Dig out, however, soil disturbance can stimulate new seedlings to grow.
Plant parts requiring disposal: all parts.
Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations.
Chemical control
Several herbicide products containing glyphosate can be used as foliar spray to control individual plants or patches in conjunction with annual cultivation for several years to expose and remove the seed bank.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Biological control
Biological control is currently not available for this species.
Mat grass. Photo credit: Matt Lavin
Mat grass. Photo credit: Bas Kers
Mat grass. Photo credit: Meneerke bloem
