Johnson grass is one of the world's worst weeds
The distinctive underside of a Johnson grass leaf. (Image: Trevor James, AgResearch).
Johnson grass is named one of the world's 10 worst weeds. The grass:
- forms dense spreading patches
- prevents other grasses or crops from growing
- can be toxic to stock
- is a fire hazard.
If it gets established, Johnson grass would cause:
- increased costs for weed control
- reduced yields for many crops
- animal health issues
- reduced net farm income.
Where Johnson grass has been found in NZ
Johnson grass grows in pasture, disturbed wasteland and roadsides, and where land is cultivated. In the past, this weed was present on as many as 80 sites in several regions from Northland to Canterbury. It was a common contaminant in maize crops and because harvested maize was often transported by train, there were several Johnson grass detections in railway land.
After a large eradication programme, there were no finds for more than 10 years, until April 2021 when it was found in South Auckland. We want South Auckland residents to be on the lookout in case there is more.
How to identify Johnson grass
Johnson grass has several distinctive features.
- Seedlings are similar to young maize plants.
- Mature plants are half a metre to 3 metres tall.
- Leaf sheaths (the piece around the stem) are ribbed and often hairy at the join with the leaf blade.
- Leaf blades are flat, alternating up the stem, up to 90cm long, 2cm to 5cm wide, and with a whitish midrib on the underside.
What to do if you find Johnson grass
If you think you have found Johnson grass:
- report it
- do not remove it
- freephone the pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Legal status of the weed
In New Zealand, Johnson grass is classified as both an unwanted and a notifiable organism. This means it must not be grown or distributed.
The grass is also one of 9 species being managed under the National Interest Pest Response Programme. This means that if it is found, there is a plan already in place to ensure that the plants are completely removed according to biosecurity protocols and the site monitored for several years.
Find out about the National Interest Pest Response Programme
How the grass spreads
Seed is the main means of spread, but even a tiny piece of root is enough to grow another plant.
