Species Information

• matgrass
• Nardus stricta L.
• USDA Symbol: NAST3
• Oregon Noxious Weed Designation: A
• Pictures

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Identification: Perennial slow growing bunchgrass; flowers in early to mid June in south central Oregon. Tufts up to 3 ft wide and 8 in high. Leaves grasslike, up to 1/4 inch wide, appearing narrower because blades are tightly folded along the midrib. Stems tipped by inconspicuous spikes that bear all spikelets on one side of the stem. Tufts tightly rooted and hard to remove. One Oregon population is known to occur in Klamath County.

Impacts: Matgrass is an uncommon non-native grass with the potential to out-compete desirable grasses in intensively grazed areas. Because it is a species of low palatability it is not favored by grazing animals, giving matgrass a competative edge. It is difficult to eliminate because of the difficulty locating it in mixed grass stands. Untreated plants develop seeds and perpetuate infestations for decades.

Biological Controls: Biological control agents are not used on "A" listed weeds in Oregon. This weed is being managed for eradication or containment.

Oregon Maps of Matgrass Distribution

Links:

USDA Plants Database information on matgrass

GRIN Database information on matgrass

Oregon Department of Agriculture information on matgrass