Lobed Needle-grass Nassella charruana is a tussock forming spear grass to approximately 1m high. It germinates and actively grows over Autumn and Winter and drops its seed over Summer and Autumn. Locally, LNG starts to drop seed from October onwards. LNG is unpalatable to stock and is often noticeable as dark green tussocks surrounded by short pasture (image 1).

The narrow, in-rolled Leaves of LNG grow from the plant base. The tough leaves feel a bit like nylon and can ‘squeak’ if you squeeze the leaves between thumb and forefinger and pull firmly. The ‘lobed’ seeds (image 2) are 4-10mm long with a bristle-like tail (the awn), which is 45-85mm long.

Like most needle-grasses, LNG readily invades highly disturbed areas, particularly fertile agricultural land (image 3). This species is largely restricted to the Whittlesea municipality and a management program administered by the Council will commence in the coming months. If you know or suspect Lobed Needle-grass is on your property, please contact Councils Land Management Team on 9217-2147 for further advice.