Hare’s Tail Grass
Common name
Hare's Tail Grass
Scientific Name
Lagurus ovatus
Type of plant
Grasses (Family Poaceae)
About this weed
Originally from the Mediterranean Region, northern Africa, temperate Asia and eastern Europe, this weed was introduced as an ornamental plant. It has pretty, soft, hairy inflorescences.
Description
Hare’s Tail Grass is a hairy annual growing to about 0.3 m high. Reproduction is by seed and dispersed by mammals and wind. It has staggered germination and the seedbank can persist for 2 to 3 years.
Impact on Bushland
Its presence can lead to a decline in native plant species cover and diversity and make coastal vegetation more susceptible to summer fire.
Location
Widespread in the South-West Province mainly in coastal areas usually on white, grey, brown or black sand. Also at swamp edges, roadsides and on dunes.
Priority for removal
High: major threat to the conservation values of coastal vegetation communities.
Management (hand)
Try to prevent seed set in the first instance. Hand weed small isolated infestations. Optimum months for hand weeding are July to December.
Management (herbicide)
In selective situations spray with 16 ml/10 L (800 ml/ha) Fusilade® Forte + spray oil or for generic fluazifop-p (212g/L active ingredient) 10ml/10L or 500ml/ha + spray oil any time before flowering. A lower rate of 13 ml/10 L Fusilade® Forte or for generic fluazifop-p (212g/L active ingredient) 8ml/10L can be used in winter at the 2-8 leaf stage before stem elongation. Optimal spraying months are between June and August and can be done occasionally from September to October.
Flowering month/s
March, August, September, October, November, December
Flower colour/s
White
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/467
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.
