Pennisetum purpureum

• Sugar cane

• A tufted perennial grass that can grow in stands up to 4m high.
• Pale-green leaves up to 4cm in width, with a strong midrib tapering to a fine point.
• Large flower heads range in colour from yellow to purple, and can be up to 30cm in length.
• Each flower head has fine bristles along the spike.
• Similar in appearance to sugar cane but with narrower leaves and does not grow as high.

• Often seen growing wild on roadsides.
• Ability to persist in disturbed areas, out-competing native vegetation.
• Garden plantings and dumping of garden waste in bushland main sources of infestation.

• Native to Africa.
• Common in coastal areas of Queensland and New South Wales.

• Spreads by wind, moving water and seeds attached to fur, clothing and vehicles.
• Also spread by humans moving plants or plant parts.

Environmental

• Forms bamboo-like, densely tufted clumps that invade bushland vegetation.

The best form of weed control is prevention. Treat weed infestations when they are small - do not allow weeds to establish.

Steps for weed prevention:

• Check your property regularly for suspect plants.
• Control new infestations before they spread and become a major problem.
• Don't dump weeds and garden waste in bush or parkland.
• Know the weed status of any products or materials you are receiving. This includes fodder, grain, gravel, machinery, mulch, packing material, sand, soil, stock, vehicles and water.
• Clean your equipment, clothing, shoes, vehicles and machinery when leaving natural habitats and camping areas.
• Use a cleandown facility to blow, vacuum or wash dirt and seeds from vehicles, machinery and tools.
• Request a weed hygiene declaration from your suppliers.
• Ensure vehicles and machinery are clean before entering your property.

Physical control

• Can be grazed or dug/dozed out.

Herbicide control

• Glyphosate can be used to control elephant grass under the General Weed Control Section under PERMIT 11463.
• Read the label carefully before use. Always use the herbicide in accordance with the directions on the label.

Biological control

• There is no biological control agent available for elephant grass.

• Not a declared species under Queensland legislation but may be declared under local government law.

• Contact your local government office or phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23
• Elephant grass fact sheet (PDF, 167KB)