Blowfly Grass
Common name
Blowfly Grass
Scientific Name
Briza maxima
Type of plant
Grasses (Family Poaceae)
About this weed
Originally a native of north Africa, temperate western Asia, southeastern and southwestern Europe it was probably introduced as a seed contaminant in crops and as an ornamental plant.
Description
This grass is an annual, tufted grass growing to 0.6 m high with a loose cluster of small shivering spikelets.
Impact on Bushland
The seedbank persistence is medium, up to 3 years. Fire promotes the germination of soil-stored seed.
Location
Widely distributed in the South-West Province on sandy, loam and clay soils.
Priority for removal
Unknown: if established can impact native plant communities.
Management (hand)
Try to prevent seed set. If germinated hand pull during winter and early spring.
Management (herbicide)
Spray at 3-5 leaf stage with Fusilade® Forte at 16 ml/10 L or 800 ml/ha (based on 500 L water/ha) + wetting agent or for generic fluazifop-p (212g/L active ingredient) 10ml/10L or 500ml/ha + wetting agent. Read the manufacturers’ labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. Usually best sprayed in July and August. Repeat treatment for 2 – 3 years.
Flowering month/s
September, October
Flower colour/s
Green, Purple
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/244
Additional information
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/weeds/swanweeds/
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. and Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second Edition, The Weeds Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park, Western Australia.
