Imperata cylindrica
Imperata cylindrica

This plant was assessed as Lower Risk in our Research Portal. You can conduct your own research on this or other plants by creating a free login to the portal.

Lower Risk
Invasive overseasNaturalised in AustraliaProduces copious viable seed or propagulesReproduces and spreads vegetatively

Imperata cylindrica (Blady Grass)

(Imperata cylindrica var. major)

This species is a perennial grass of cosmopolitan origin that has been in the ornamental trade in Australia for less than 30 years. Native to all Australian states and territories, it has not been declared invasive to date. It spreads through the production of seeds and rhizomes, which are almost impossible to eradicate. The species is highly competitive causing serious economic and environmental damage. It competes for water and nutrients, and it can exclude other native plant species and dominate large areas of land. It is a federal noxious weed in the USA, and is regarded as invasive in New Zealand, Micronesia, Indonesia, Turkey, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Iran, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda among other regions.