Phalaris

Introduction

• Scientific name: Phalaris aquatica
• A large-tillered, very deep-rooted, rhizomatous perennial grass.
• The leaves are bluish-green.
• The seed head is a dense panicle.
• Plants can be grazed hard but need to become leafy again between grazing.
• Nutritive value is lower than ryegrass.

Environment

• Adapted to soils that are wet in winter and dry in summer.
• Tolerant of waterlogging and is also used for stream and dam bank stabilization.
• Requires moderate to high fertility.

Animal Health

• Produces tryptamine alkaloids that under some circumstances can result in the death of sheep and cattle.
• This alkaloid-induced condition called Phalaris staggers usually occurs when stock graze young regrowth of Phalaris-dominant pastures.
• Cobalt levels in Phalaris herbage should be above 0.1 ppm to minimize staggers.