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Plumerillo (Jarava plumosa)

Plumerillo is an introduced perennial grass that invades pastures and native vegetation in Australia. Its seeds have feathery, awned heads that can spread from infested sites and make the plant difficult to manage once established.

Key facts

Type: Weed, grass.

Native to: Southern South America.

Established in: SA.

Other names: South American feather grass.

Best time to act: Look for and treat plants while they are actively growing, generally from autumn to spring, and aim to control them before seed set.

Identification

  • It forms perennial tussocks with narrow, tightly rolled leaves.
  • The seed heads are open and plume-like, with fine, twisted, hairy awns.
  • Look for it in pastures and native vegetation, where it can resemble spear grasses.
  • Seed heads are a useful feature for identification; have uncertain specimens checked by a biosecurity officer.
  • Look-alike: Native spear grasses and other introduced needlegrasses can look similar, especially before seed heads develop.
  • Look-alike: Chilean needlegrass and serrated tussock are other introduced grasses with awned seeds; seek expert identification if unsure.

Where it grows

In South Australia, plumerillo is reported from suburban Adelaide and can invade pastures and native vegetation.

Why it matters

  • It competes with pasture plants and native vegetation.
  • Its sharp, awned seeds can catch in animal coats and clothing, helping move seed away from infestations.
  • Established plants and ongoing seed production can make control more difficult.

How it spreads

  • Seeds can be carried on animals, clothing, vehicles and machinery that pass through an infestation.
  • Seed-bearing material, contaminated soil or fodder can also move seeds to new sites.
  • Avoid moving material from infested areas, particularly when seed heads are present.

Control options

  • Grub individual plants when infestations are very small or plants are outliers, and remove them carefully before they set seed.
  • For larger infestations, use only herbicide treatments currently registered or permitted for the weed and situation, following the label or permit directions.
  • Plan follow-up control and monitor treated sites for surviving plants and new seedlings; the handbook notes that flupropanate residues may affect susceptible plants for one to two years.
  • Report suspected plants to the regional Landscape Board or PIRSA and provide a bagged specimen to help confirm identification.

Hygiene and washdown

  • Before leaving an infested site, clean vehicles, machinery, footwear and other gear to remove seeds and contaminated soil.
  • Do not move seed-bearing material or potentially contaminated fodder from the site.
  • Inspect and clean vehicles, plant and footwear before leaving an infested area, paying attention to tyres, radiators, belly plates, tracks and floor mats.
  • Wash down at a designated bay where runoff is contained and can be monitored for seedlings.
  • Record each washdown so the client has evidence of clean entry and exit.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): No national listing. Managed under state and territory law.
  • Queensland: Not prohibited or restricted. Not listed as prohibited or restricted matter in Queensland. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: Not a priority weed. Not a state or regional priority weed in NSW. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Not declared. Not declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Other Victorian laws may still apply.
  • South Australia: Declared plant. Depending on the declaration, it can be an offence to move it on public roads or sell it, and landowners may be required to control it on their land.
  • Western Australia: Not listed. Not found in the Western Australian Organism List. Check with DPIRD before moving or keeping it.
  • Tasmania: Not declared. Not a declared weed in Tasmania. Other laws may still apply.
  • Northern Territory: Not declared. Not on the NT A to Z weed list, and Weeds Australia does not list it as declared in the NT. Check the NT declared weeds list before moving or planting it.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

  • South Australia: Landscape South Australia Act 2019 (SA), administered by the regional landscape board

Sources