Grey sedge

A long-lived, dense, deeply rooted perennial tussock-forming sedge no taller than 50cm. Grey sedge competes with native grass species and threatens horticultural plants by acting as a potential reservoir for rust fungi.

Description

• Leaves are dark green to yellow-green with dull sheaths.
• Flowers are small, brown/green on thin arching stems in inflorescences on long flower spikes.
• Sets seed, vegetative spread from rhizomes.
• Seeds and rhizomes are dispersed by water, soil movement and attachment to birds and livestock.
• Human-mediated dispersal through contamination of machinery.
• Habitats include pastures, forests, forest margins, grasslands, and lawns.

What you need to know

Competes with native grass species. Displaces pasture species, invades apple orchards, and threatens horticultural plants by acting as a potential reservoir for rust fungi.

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.

Plant parts requiring disposal: Seeds and rhizomes.

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal options.

Chemical control

No qualifications: For small infestations: Foliar spray with 15ml glyphosate per 1L of water.

Basic Growsafe certified: For medium to large infestations: Foliar spray with 150ml glyphosate per 10L of water.

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.