Panicum capillare/hillmanii (Exotic/Invasive Panic Grass)

P. hillmanii as been linked to kangaroo blindness and poisoning. A native of North America. Can be spread by mowing. Common in parts of Victoria, it appeared probably as an import in hay along restoration work next to Horsepark Drive. Also seen along Constituion Avenue. A plant we want to get rid of while we can.

Very similiar in appearence to the local hairy panic (P. effusum) but is bigger, almost like it is on steroids. It's leaf blades are always wider than 5mm and frequently over 1cm while those of P. effusum are usually less than 5mm wide. The seed head is also fairly densely packed in comparison to the more open seed head of P. effusum.

Also very similar to another unwanted North Americam Panicum - Witch Grass Panicum capillare. The lemna, or outer bract surrounding the seed, in P. hillmanii has a dark moon crescent shaped scar at its base, while P. capillare doesn't. But report and pull out either of these grasses

Panicum capillare/hillmanii is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands