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NZ Ex Games
The Hit List

Verified public Target identity

land · flora / algae

Nassella tussock

Nassella trichotoma

What

Nassella tussock is recorded by a competent New Zealand authority as an introduced, invasive or managed threat subject. Source context (Environment Canterbury): Typically a perennial tussock about 1 m tall, with fibrous roots and small oval seeds. Leaves are fine and wiry; young plants are bright green and upright, while mature plants become duller and more drooping. Leaves feel rough when rubbed from tip to base. Stem bases are swollen, hard, and “shallot-like.” Flowering/seed heads are drooping and purplish from mid-spring into mid-summer; seeds are purplish-brown with a long bristle. Environment Canterbury emphasises that flowering makes it easier to identify and that confusion with native tussocks is common.

Why

The source identifies ecological, biosecurity or habitat risks that make this subject relevant to NZ Ex Games intelligence. Source context (Environment Canterbury): Nassella tussock is unpalatable to livestock and invasive in valuable pasture, creating agricultural productivity and land-management concerns. It favours north-facing slopes and free-draining soils, particularly where dry conditions or open pasture reduce competition. The species’ capacity to establish in susceptible dry, open country is supported by regional sources. A given report should not be interpreted as evidence of pasture loss or broader ecological impact unless local density and consequences are documented.

Where

Distribution and current presence are place-specific and must be established from current authoritative or verified evidence.

Established knowledge

For consequential field decisions, consider the knowledge state and cited sources for each claim, and consult authoritative guidance where appropriate. Information and reliance terms

50% reference coverage — not scientific certainty or ecological progress
  • Identification
  • NZ status
  • Ecological impact
  • Sources

Open knowledge

These are parts of the public picture that could become clearer with better evidence.

  • Distribution
  • Visual clues
  • Confusion species
  • Regional intelligence
Sources & credits
Prepare related field media

Field observations

Field observations connect sightings and signs with a place, time and source. They can support evidence after review. This dossier does not accept public submissions.

No field observations are published for this Target.

Commentary

Local experience, corrections and context help explain the public record. Commentary is not verified knowledge. This dossier does not accept public comments.

No commentary is published for this Target.

Questions and Missions

What can the sources tell us, and what still needs evidence? Explore dossier discoveries and research questions to understand this Target. Research leads identify knowledge gaps; they are not field assignments.

Explore Missions and Hunt mode for Nassella tussock
  • Where is nassella tussock currently established or emerging in New Zealand?Research question · evidence needed
  • What evidence distinguishes current ecological impact from presence alone for nassella tussock?Research question · evidence needed
  • What dated evidence establishes the original New Zealand introduction route and date for nassella tussock?Research question · evidence needed

Shout Out

Shout Out

Share this record so others can explore the same question, place or ecological work. The link keeps its context and sources together.

Nassella tussock — The Hit List — NZ Ex Games

Canonical link

/hit-list/weed-nassella-tussock
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