If established, this plant will significantly reduce the productivity and carrying capacity of our rangelands and pastures. First incident - Approximately 650,000 pounds of tall fescue seed contaminated with ST were imported from Argentina during the fall of 1988. Most of the contaminated seed was either cleaned, destroyed or exported. No ST plants have been documented as growing in the U.S. however, general surveys continue. They have narrow leaves and a diffusely fibrous root system.
Leaves are numerous, emerging, from the base forming a tussock.
They are tightly rolled, needle like, and stiff with small serrations. Leaves appear brownish-green in spring and fall, and tend to be bleached yellow in winter. Reproduction is by seeds only, which are easily disseminated. Seeds may germinate throughout all seasons and persist in the soil for 13 years. If you find a suspect, mark the location and take a sample of the plant to your county extension or State Department of Agriculture agent.