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Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata)

Seed-bearing forms of saltgrass are identified in South Australia as a potential invader of saline wetlands. Early identification and control can help protect native wetland vegetation and limit the weed’s spread.

Key facts

Type: Weed, grass.

Native to: The Americas.

Established in: TAS.

Other names: Seashore saltgrass, Distichlis.

Best time to act: Find and treat plants while actively growing, and inspect for seed heads so seed-bearing plants can be identified and dealt with before seed is spread.

Identification

  • A perennial grass that spreads by creeping runners and forms patches.
  • Its short, pointed leaves are grey-green and arranged in two rows.
  • Small seed heads appear at the ends of short, leafy stems.
  • Check for seed-bearing plants, as these are the forms identified as a potential concern in South Australia.
  • Look-alike: It may be confused with native salt-tolerant wetland grasses, including marine couch; check the growth form and seed heads, and seek expert identification if uncertain.

Where it grows

In Australia it is a potential invader of saline wetlands and may occur on coastal or inland areas with saline soils.

Why it matters

  • It can establish in saline wetlands and potentially compete with native wetland vegetation.
  • Creeping runners allow it to spread and form patches.
  • The handbook identifies seed-bearing forms as a potential invader of saline wetlands.

How it spreads

  • Creeping runners can extend infestations into adjacent ground.
  • Seeds may spread from seed-bearing plants, including when contaminated soil or plant material is moved.
  • Water, vehicles and machinery moving through infested areas can carry weed material to new sites.

Control options

  • For small, isolated patches, carefully remove the plants and runners where practical, collect the material, and dispose of it so it cannot regrow or set seed.
  • For larger infestations, use targeted herbicide treatment only where the product is currently registered or permitted for the site and situation; follow the label and protect desirable vegetation.
  • Herbicide results may vary, so monitor treated areas and follow up on regrowth and new seedlings.
  • Seek advice from the relevant state or territory biosecurity authority; in South Australia, contact the regional Landscape Board or PIRSA about suspected new infestations.

Hygiene and washdown

  • Before leaving an infested site, clean vehicles, machinery, footwear and equipment, removing seeds, plant fragments and contaminated soil.
  • Dispose of removed plant material and soil in a way that prevents spread, and avoid moving contaminated material to clean sites.
  • 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: Check NT list. There is no NT weed profile for it. Check the NT declared weeds list for its current status.
  • 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.

  • Tasmania: Biosecurity Act 2019 (Tas), administered by Biosecurity Tasmania

Sources