About pyp grass
Pyp grass is a perennial grass which grows from long, creeping rhizomes (underground root-like stems). The jointed stems are robust and usually around 90 cm tall, although they can be up to 150 cm or even 200 cm tall.
Leaves are bluish-green and short in proportion to the stems, about 1.5 cm to 13 cm long. The leaves may be absent. Pyp grass produces a seedhead with purplish seeds which grows up to 25cm long.
Why we don't want pyp grass in New Zealand
Pyp grass has a limited distribution in New Zealand, being known from 3 sites where it has invaded sand dunes. Pyp grass is a serious agricultural weed in South Australia. It commonly grows as a dense stand displacing most other species, in some cases even scrambling over shrubs up to 2 m to 3 m in height.
Pyp grass is a significant threat to sand dune systems throughout New Zealand. If it spreads, it could invade dunes and contribute to the degradation of sand dune habitats.
Where pyp grass been found in NZ
Pyp grass has been eradicated at Blackhead beach (Hawke's Bay) and Waitarere Forest (north of Levin). The last site at Turakina Beach, south of Whanganui is currently being monitored with the last detection in the 2017–2018 season.
Pyp Grass eradication programme
Pyp grass is one of the species being eradicated through the National Interest Pest Responses programme. The eradication programme includes containment of infestations at a known site to prevent spread, site treatment (which can be manual removal of plants or treatment with herbicides) and monitoring until eradication can be declared. Due to the longevity of the seed, a site is monitored until it has been clear of plant material for 10 consecutive years to ensure eradication has been achieved. Pyp grass has not been detected in New Zealand since 2019.
Biosecurity New Zealand works closely with the regional councils and other organisations to eradicate this weed from New Zealand.
National Interest Pest Responses programme
What to do if you find pyp grass
Pyp grass is an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act (1993). Propagation, spread, display, and sale are all prohibited. It is also a Notifiable Organism, which means you must report all sightings to the Ministry for Primary Industries.
If you think you have found Pyp grass:
- freephone our pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966
- don’t touch the plants or try to remove them
- take photos and leave the plants so they can be treated or removed safely without spreading them further.
What pyp grass looks like
