Poaceae

Sporobolus pyramidalis

Common Names: Giant rat’s tail grass

Plant Form: Perennial tussock grass. Size: 0.6-2 m tall. Stem: Upright, thin, wiry, with leaf blade sheath partially enclosing stem. Leaves: Long, narrow blades 20-50 cm long. Flat or somewhat rolled in appearance. Flowers: Heads have a ‘rat’s tail’ like shape when young, then maturing to more of a pyramid shape. Fruit and Seeds: Tiny yellowish or reddish-brown seeds. Habitat: Pastures, roadsides, woodlands, parks, neglected land. Distinguishing Features: Very hard to distinguish from native Sporobolus species grasses until mature.

Flower spike tapers

Medium-sized

Springs from a tight clump

Leaves are tough like plastic