Weeds of Australia - Fact Sheet

Top Scientific Name Synonyms Family Common Names Origin Naturalised Distribution Notes

Scientific Name

Setaria verticillata (L.) P. Beauv.

Synonyms

Panicum verticillatum L.

Family

Gramineae (South Australia)
Poaceae (Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory)

Common Names

bristle pigeon grass, bristly foxtail, bur bristle grass, bur grass, burr bristle grass, foxtail, hooked bristlegrass, lovegrass, pigeon grass, rough bristle grass, sticky grass, whorled pigeon grass, whorled pigeon-grass, whorled pigeongrass

Origin

The origin of this species is unclear, although it is thought to be native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia and Africa.

Naturalised Distribution

A very widely distributed species that has a scattered presence throughout most of the country and is found in all states and territories. It is most common in New South Wales, the ACT and Victoria and is also relatively common and widespread in Western Australia and South Australia. Less common in Tasmania, Queensland and the southern and central parts of the Northern Territory. Also naturalised on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.

Widely naturalised overseas in North America (i.e. Canada, the USA and Mexico), South America, New Zealand and on several Pacific islands (e.g. Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, the Pitcairn Islands, Guam, Fiji and the Phoenix Islands).

Notes

Whorled pigeon grass (Setaria verticillata) is regarded as an environmental weed in Victoria and Western Australia. It is a weed of crops, orchards, vineyards, pastures, lawns, waste areas and disturbed sites, but also invades coastal environs, open woodlands and riparian vegetation.