Elephant grass
Pennisetum purpureum
Elephant grass is a native of Africa introduced to Australia Unmanaged forage plantings that are not grazed also
as forage for livestock. Elephant grass is also used as an contribute to infestations.
ornamental and structural landscaping plant. It has been
widely planted as a windbreak and is still recommended as Elephant grass is an opportunistic invasive plant with
a highly productive tropical forage grass. Elephant grass the ability to persist in disturbed areas, out-competing
is common in coastal areas of Queensland and is often other native vegetation. In north Queensland, populations
seen growing wild on roadsides. of elephant grass have become naturalised, and it may
only be a matter of time before these infestations begin
Elephant grass can form bamboo-like, densely tufted to replace native vegetation. Ornamental plantings
clumps, which become invasive in bushland vegetation. of elephant grass should be avoided in all cases, and
Garden plantings and the dumping of garden waste in existing forage plantings should be managed or removed.
bushland are the main sources of infestation of this Serious infestations can be avoided by acting now.
invasive plant.
Legal requirements Control
Elephant grass is not a prohibited or restricted invasive Elephant grass can be grazed or dug/dozed out.
plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. However, by law,
everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to There is no herbicide currently registered for control of
take reasonable and practical measures to minimise the elephant grass in Queensland; however, an off-label use
biosecurity risks associated with invasive plants under permit (PER82307) allows the use of glyphosate at up to
their control. 2 L (360 g/L formulation)/100 L water for the control of
invasive plants in non-agricultural areas, bushland and
Local governments must have a biosecurity plan that forests as listed in Table 1. Permit PER11463 allows for
covers invasive plants in their area. This plan may include the use of imazapyr and imazapyr + glyphosate at the
actions to be taken on elephant grass. Some of these rates listed in Table 1. Control will be more effective if
actions may be required under local laws. Contact your applied to regrowth after slashing. Follow-up treatment
local government for more information. may be required.
Imazapyr is mobile in soil and is readily taken up via roots.
Description Do not use products containing imazapyr near desirable
Elephant grass is a tufted perennial grass that can grow in plants or where their roots may extend.
stands up to 4 m high. It has pale green leaves up to
4 cm wide, with a strong midrib tapering to a fine point. Prior to using the herbicides listed under either permit,
The large flower heads range in colour from yellow to you must read or have read to you and understand the
purple, and can be up to 30 cm in length. Each flower head conditions of the permit. To obtain a copy of a permit visit
has fine bristles along the spike. Elephant grass is similar apvma.gov.au.
in appearance to sugar cane but has narrower leaves and
does not grow to the same height (cane will grow to 6 m). More information
Elephant grass can be spread by wind, moving water and More information is available from your local government
seeds attached to fur, clothing and vehicles. It is also office or visit biosecurity.qld.gov.au.
spread by humans moving plants or plant parts.
Table 1. Herbicides for the control of elephant grass
Situation Herbicide Rate Registration Comments
details
Forests Glyphosate 1.5 L/100L water APVMA permit Spot spray
Native vegetation areas, 360 g/L (e.g. PER82307
bushland reserves, Weedmaster Duo) (expires
revegetation areas and 31/08/2027)
national park areas
Non cropland
Rights-of-way, open spaces,
commercial and industrial
areas, domestic and urban
areas, public service areas
and botanic gardens
Non-agricultural areas, Imazapyr 250 4–6 mL/1 L water APVMA permit Spot spray
domestic and public service g/L (e.g. Arsenal plus wetting agent PER11463 Imazapyr is readily taken
areas, commercial and Herbicide) or (expires up via roots and may harm
industrial areas, bushland/ 4–6 L/ha 30/04/2027) nearby plants. Do not apply
native forests, roadsides, near desirable plants, or
rights-of-way, vacant lots, where roots of desirable
wastelands, wetlands, dunal plants may extend.
and coastal areas Imazapyr 150 g/L 105–150 mL/15 L Medium to high volume
+ glyphosate water or 7–10 L/ha spray as per label
150 g/L instructions. Imazapyr is
(e.g. Arsenal readily taken up via roots
Express) and may harm nearby
plants. Do not apply near
desirable plants or where
roots of desirable plants
may extend.
Read the label carefully before use. Always use the herbicide in accordance with the directions on the label.
Fact sheets are available from biosecurity.qld.gov.au. The control methods recommended should be used in accordance with the restrictions (federal
and state legislation, and local government laws) directly or indirectly related to each control method. These restrictions may prevent the use of one
or more of the methods referred to, depending on individual circumstances. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, the
department does not invite reliance upon it, nor accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by actions based on it.
© The State of Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 2024. 02/24
