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Swamp Foxtail
Botanical Name: Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family: Poaceae
Description
Also known as Fountain Grass, it occurs in moist conditions in flats below watercourses and in boggy areas. It is a tufted or clump forming grass which means it does not spread by underground shoots. It has arching leaves that grow up to 80 cm long and bears feathery mostly purplish flowerheads on 60-100 cm long erect stems. The inflorescence can be up to 14 cm in length and resembles a foxtail, hence its common name.
Dispersal
It is known to strongly self-seed - making wind dispersal a large factor in its ability to spread.
Impact
It is highly invasive in bushland and has the ability to replace locally native species due to its ability to propagate and grow.
Control
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Bag seed heads and remove from site.
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Manual removal including root system. See Manual Weed Control Techniques.
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For larger infestations --> spray prior to flowering.
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Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens - http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2003/pennisetum-alopecuroides.html