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Description
Serrated tussock is a perennial grass that can grow up to 60 cm in height and 25 cm in diameter at the base of the plant. When in flower, the drooping seed heads can give the plant an overall diameter of up to 75 cm. The height of plants can vary depending on soil fertility and location. Plants growing in fertile soils are capable of growing to 60 cm high while plants growing in infertile conditions are more likely to reach a height of only 15 cm. Leaves are thin with a diameter of 0.5mm and grow to 50 cm long. They are tightly rolled, with small serrations, felt by running the leaf between the fingers from tip to base. The leaves of serrated tussock roll smoothly, as if cylindrical, which differentiates them from some similar native grass species, which feel like they have flat edges. The ligule is rounded, white, hairless, 0.5 to 1mm long. Seeds are 1.5 to 2mm long and are reddish brown or purple in colour. Serrated tussock has an extensive network of fibrous roots which exist mostly in the top 20 cm of soil, although some do occur deeper. The roots are dense, wiry and fibrous, making serrated tussock very difficult to pull out even when small. LifecycleGermination mainly occurs through autumn and winter (Mar–Aug) but may occur at any time of the year following significant rainfall and in response to soil disturbance. Seedlings are weak and slow growing and are likely to establish on bare ground with limited competition. Active growth of established plants mainly occurs in favourable conditions when sufficient soil moisture is available. Seed longevity; a mature serrated tussock plant can produce over 100,000 seeds per year, quickly forming a very large seed bank as seeds can remain viable in the soil for in excess of 10 years.
Flowering PeriodFlowering stems emerge from the base of serrated tussock as early as late winter (Aug) and will continue throughout spring (Sept–Nov). Seeds take 8-10 weeks to mature once the flowering stems emerge. This will normally occur throughout the spring and summer months. Once seeds are ripe, the whole flowering stem detaches itself from the base of the plant and is dispersed by wind or other vectors.The seed is dormant when first dispersed and will not germinate until dormancy has broken (approximately 6 months). DispersalThe seeds of serrated tussock are mostly spread by wind, but can also be spread by machinery and vehicles; in hay and fodder; as a contaminant of wool and clothing; by water; mud and in the droppings of grazing animals. Seed survives passage through the digestive tract of grazing animals, remains viable after 10 days in gut. Habitat and land useSerrated tussock suits a wide variety of climates, with an annual rainfall of 450 to 1000 mm. It is not limited by soil type or soil fertility. It favours well-drained areas, tolerates freezing conditions. Pastures, roadsides, neglected areas, native grassland, grassy woodlands and dry coastal vegetation are some of the suitable environments. Acknowledgements
Compiled by Ian Faithfull, October 2004. Updated by Emily Davies and Chelsea Wardrope, August 2009 Fig. 1 Elizabeth Conabere; Fig. 2,4,5 DPI Victoria; Fig. 3 Natasha Baldyga; Fig. 6,7 Enid Mayfield. ISSN 1329-8062 Published and Authorised by: This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication
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