New Zealand hair sedge (Carex albula)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Carex albula (Allan)
Common name(s):	New Zealand hair sedge, White sedge

This weed is not known to be naturalised in Victoria

Habitat:

NZ : “Very dry ground in short tussock grassland, 200-750 m altitude” (FNZS 2008). “Native to the stream banks of New Zealand” (Egnursery 2008). “C. albula invades newly sown pastures… it tolerates dry conditions better than most other sedges” Parsons & Cuthbertson (2001). A species of mainly alluvial terraces, colluvial slopes and river flats. It prefers free draining soils and is often a local component of grey scrub communities….best suited for well drained sunny site in dry climates. This species dislikes humidity and soon dies if kept too moist.

Potential distribution

Potential distribution produced from CLIMATE modelling refined by applying suitable landuse and vegetation type overlays with CMA boundaries

Map Overlays Used

Land Use:
Broadacre cropping; horticulture seasonal; pasture dryland; pasture irrigation

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
riparian; rocky outcrop shrubland; western plains woodland; basalt grassland; alluvial plains grassland; semi-arid woodland; alluvial plains woodland; ironbark/box

Colours indicate possibility of Carex albula infesting these areas.

In the non-coloured areas the plant is unlikely to establish as the climate, soil or landuse is not presently suitable.

Red= Very high	Orange = Medium
Yellow = High	Green = Likely

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	Can grow up to 60cm high (DPIW 2008). 250-350 mm tall (NZPCN 2008). 30-60cm width (egnursery 2008). Leaves are very fine, drooping and formed in very dense tufts (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). “can form dominant colonies” (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). – may restrict some access ML – Low nuisance value. Impedes individual access; unable to walk to waterways.	ML	MH
2. Reduce tourism?	….has been planted on roadsides, presumably for soil binding and beautification (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). Invades only pasture and grasslands (NZPCN 2008) and is an aesthetically pleasing plant (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). L – weeds not obvious to the ‘average’ visitor.	L	MH
3. Injurious to people?	No prickles, spines (NZPCN 2008) and is not poisonous (ETNZF 2008). L – No effect, no prickles, no injuries	L	MH
4. Damage to cultural sites?	Grows in grasslands (NZPCN 2008), as it is a medium sized grass (DPIW 2008) it is unlikely to form large roots which would cause structural damage to buildings of cultural value. L – little or negligible affect on aesthetics or structure of site.	L	MH
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	“if planted in an aquatic environment make sure the crown is above the water level as it tolerates wet soil but not prolonged submersion (egnursery 2008). Unlikely to affect flow. L – little or negligible affect on water flow.	L	MH
6. Impact water quality?	“This species dislikes humidity and soon dies if kept too moist” (NZPCN 2008). It does not grow in water and therefore is unlikely to affect water quality –leaves may hang into water as it can grow on stream banks – but they will die (egnursery 2008) and do not contain toxins (ETNZF 2008). It is unlikely to affect water quality but hanging leaves of large colonies may decrease O₂ uptake through the surface of water. L – little or negligible affect on water flow.	L	MH
7. Increase soil erosion?	….has been planted on roadsides, presumably for soil binding and beautification (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). L – low probability of large scale soil movement: OR decreases the probability of soil erosion.	L	H
8. Reduce biomass?	Leaves are very fine, drooping and formed in very dense tufts “can form dominant colonies” (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). Probably be a similar biomass when invading and becoming dominant in a grassland community. ML – direct replacement of biomass by invader.	ML	MH
9. Change fire regime?	No information in literature about C. albula and fire regimes (pers. Obs). As C. albula grows in grassland (FNZS 2008) and is a sedge up to 60 cm (DPIW 2008) it is unlikely to change fire regime. ML – minor change to either frequency OR intensity of fire risk.	ML	MH
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Creekline Grassy Woodland (E); CMA = Glenelg Hopkins; Bioregion = Victorian Volcanic Plain; H CLIMATE potential Can form monocultures in newly sown pastures and have a large structural effect in grasslands – one strata. (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001). Not optimal climate match and probably won’t form monoculture in native vegetation but may have a large effect in grassy areas. MH – major displacement of some dominant species within any one strata/layer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	MH	H
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Riparian scrub/ swampy riparian woodland (D); CMA = Corangamite; Bioregion = Otway plain; H CLIMATE potential). Is often a local component of grey scrub communities (NZPCN 2008). “can form dominant colonies” (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). Can form monocultures in newly sown pastures and have a large structural effect in grasslands – one strata. (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001). MH – major displacement of some dominant species within any one strata/layer (or some dominant spp. within different layers).	MH	H
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Rocky outcrop Shrubland (LC); CMA = Glenelg Hopkins; Bioregion =Greater Grampians; M CLIMATE potential. Can form monocultures in newly sown pastures and have a large structural effect in grasslands – one strata. (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001). Is often a local component of grey scrub communities (NZPCN 2008). ML – Minor displacement of some dominant or indicator spp. within any one strata/layer (eg. Ground cover, forbs, shrubs & trees).	ML	H
11. Impact on structure?	This plant can invade pastures, and native grasslands and woodlands. It is locally significant as a pasture weed in New Zealand but is not a serious weed in Australia at this time (DPIW 2008). “can form dominant colonies” (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). Can have a large structural effect in grasslands – one strata. MH – Major displacement of some dominant spp. within a strata/layer (eg. Ground cover, forbs, shrubs and trees).	MH	MH
12. Effect on threatened flora?	“can form dominant colonies” (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). No information about C. albula affecting threatened flora. M	M	L
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	Not toxic (ETNZF 2008) no spines, burrs (NZPCN 2008). May reduce food supply/ habitat because can dominate community and is unpalatable (NZPCN 2008). Unlikely to affect threatened fauna. ML – Minor effects on threatened species.; minor hazard OR reduction in habitat/food/shelter.	L	M
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	Not toxic (ETNZF 2008), no spines, burrs (NZPCN 2008). Unlikely to affect non-threatened fauna. But as it is unpalatable (NZPCN 2008; DPIW 2008). and can dominate communities (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001) may reduce the amount of food available to herbivorous fauna. ML – Minor effects on fauna spp.; minor hazard OR reduction in habitat/food/shelter.	ML	MH
15. Benefits fauna?	No information on C. albula benefiting fauna in literature (pers. Obs). unpalatable (NZPCN 2008; DPIW 2008) - But seeds may provide food to birds and rodents (Robertson 1984) and possibly marsupials. MH – provides some assistance in either food of shelter to desirable species.	MH	MH
16. Injurious to fauna?	Not toxic (ETNZF 2008) no spines, burrs (NZPCN 2008). L – no effect.	L	MH
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	seemingly unpalatable as it persists alongside cattle and sheep (NZPCN 2008; DPIW 2008). Seeds may provide food for pest birds or rodents. ML – Supplies food for one or more minor pest spp. (eg. Blackbirds or environmental insect pests).	ML	MH
18. Provides harbour?	No information in literature about C. albula providing harbour to pests. (pers. Obs). M	M	L
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	C. albula is the most important weed of all the native sedges of New Zealand – it invades newly sown pastures, and can form dominant colonies (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001). C. albula occupies considerable space in pastures of the South Island New Zealand. Not grazed by stock (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). ML – Minor impact on quantity of produce (eg. <5% reduction).	ML	MH
20. Impact quality?	This plant can invade pastures, and native grasslands and woodlands. It is locally significant as a pasture weed in New Zealand but is not a serious weed in Australia at this time - seemingly unpalatable as it persists alongside cattle and sheep (NZPCN 2008; DPIW 2008). Were it dominates could significantly reduce food availability. M	M	MH
21. Affect land value?	Sedges are susceptible to herbicides: 2,2-DPA, and MCPA (selective control) (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). Can be controlled so unlikely to affect land value. L – little or none.	L	MH
22. Change land use?	Unlikely to cause a change a priority in land use, can be controlled (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001) may become more of a problem in patchy, overgrazed pastures - M	M	L
23. Increase harvest costs?	If control is necessary the cost of chemicals would increase costs. Of providing food for livestock. ML – (minor increase in cost of harvesting – eg. Slightly more time or labour is required).	ML	MH
24. Disease host/vector?	No information in literature on C. albula being disease host/ vector. M -	M	L

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	Best suited for a well drained, sunny site in dry climates. This species dislikes humidity and soon dies if kept too moist (NZPCN 2008). Seed germinates at any time (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). C. albula germinates at constant temperatures (Leck & Schutz 2005). MH – requires natural seasonal disturbances such as seasonal rainfall, spring/ summer temperatures for germination.	MH	MH
2. Establishment requirements?	Stream banks (egnursey 2008) can tolerate considerable dryness but not prolonged submersion (egnursery 2008) A species of mainly alluvial terraces, colluvial slopes and river flats. It prefers free draining soils and is often a local component of grey scrub communities (a mix of small-leaved, dark twiggy plants). Seemingly unpalatable it often persists in paddocks alongside cattle and sheep (NZPCN 2008) open communities (ETNZF 2008) (all ‘open” areas). ML – Requires more specific requirements to establish (eg. Open space or bare ground with access to light and direct rainfall).	ML	MH
3. How much disturbance is required?	C. albula is the most important weed of all the native sedges of New Zealand – it invades newly sown pastures, and can form dominant colonies (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001). Requires community disturbance for regeneration (ETNZF 2008) ML – establishes in highly disturbed natural ecosystems (eg. Roadsides, wildlife corridors, or areas which have a greater impact by humans such as tourist areas or campsites) OR in overgrazed pastures/poorly growing or patchy crops. (MH _ etab. In riverine, grasslands, but not estab. well Pastures & vigorously growing crops)	ML	MH
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	“New Zealand hair sedge is a perennial, clump forming, grass-like herb” (DPIW 2008) - MH – grass, leguminous plant.	MH	H
5. Allelopathic properties?	None reported in literature (pers. Obs) M	M	L
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	This plant can invade pastures, and native grasslands and woodlands. It is locally significant as a pasture weed in New Zealand but is not a serious weed in Australia at this time (DPIW 2008). Seemingly unpalatable as it persists alongside sheep and cattle – sometimes heavily cropped by sheep and/or cattle (NZPCN 2008). Not grazed by stock (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). MH – Consumed but non-preferred OR consumed but recovers quickly; capable of flowering/ seed production under moderate herbivory pressure (where moderate = normal; not overstocking or heavy grazing).	MH	H
7. Normal growth rate?	“slow growing in their first season” (robs plants 2008) moderate grower (egnursery 2008)– growth rate probably similar to the same life form. ML growth rate equal to the same life form, OR there is widely conflicting evidence.	ML	MH
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	can tolerate considerable dryness but not prolonged submersion…hardy to below -9 degC. (egnursery 2008). This species dislikes humidity and soon dies if kept too moist (NZPCN 2008). Drought tolerant once established (Robs plants 2008) ML – tolerant to at least two and susceptible to at least one.	ML	MH
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	Easily grown from the division of whole plants and from fresh seed (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001; NZPCN 2008). H – Both vegetative AND sexual reproduction (vegetative reproduction may be via cultivation, but not propagation).	H	H
10. Number of propagules produced?	100-1000 seeds per plant (ETNZF 2008). ML – 50-1000.	ML	MH
11. Propagule longevity?	No information in literature on propagule longevity (pers. Obs). M	M	M
12. Reproductive period?	Sets seed every year (ETNZF 2008) and…”most carices are long living” (Schultz 2000). MH - Mature plant produces viable propagules for 3-10years.	MH	MH
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	Plants do not flower until at least two years old but reproduces vegetatively (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001)…no information on at what age it reproduces vegetatively (pers. Obs). Lateral spread: little (ETNZF 2008) ML – 2-5 years to reach reproductive maturity, OR for vegetative propagules to become separate individuals.	ML	M
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	“Its use as an ornamental in pebble gardens, for which it is sold under the name of ‘frosted curls’ has contributed to its spread (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). “dispersal mechanisms: unspecialised” (ETNZF 2008). – ML – Deliberate human dispersal (propagation or planting). Maybe dispersed by water or birds (Ridley 1930; Catling et al. 1990).	ML	MH
15. How far do they disperse?	“Its use as an ornamental in pebble gardens, for which it is sold under the name of ‘frosted curls’ has contributed to its spread (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001). Gravity (ETNZF 2008). Wouldn’t disperse far by gravity but maybe seed could be dispersed great distance by humans, birds or water. ML - Very few to none will disperse to one kilometre, most 20 -200m.	ML	MH

References

Catling, P. M., A. A. Reznicek, and W. J. Crins, eds. 1990. Systematics and ecology of the genus Carex (Cyperaceae). Canad. J. Bot. 68: 1405–1472

DPIW (2008) Weeds Pests & Diseases. Department of Primary Industries and Water. http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf?Webpages/SSKA-5D99FP?open

Egnursery (2008) http://www.egnursery.com/carex-albula-frosty-curls-hair-sedge (16 May 2008)

ETNZF (2008) Ecological traits of New Zealand Flora. Landcare research. http://ecotraits.landcareresearch.co.nz (30/05/2008)

FNZS (2008) Flora of New Zealand Series. http://floraseries.landcareresearch.co.nz?pages/taxon.aspx?id=-62d23697-38f8-4993- (29/05/2008).

NZPCN (2008) New Zealand plant conservation network. http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_search.aspx?scfSubmit=1&scfLatin_Name=Carex+albula (16 May 2008)

Ridley H.N 1930 The dispersal of plants throughout the World, p. 744. Reeve, Ashford.

Robertson, A. (1984) Carex in Newfoundland. Newfoundland Forest Research Centre.

Parsons, W. T. and Cuthbertson, E. G. (2001). Noxious weeds of Australia (2nd ed). CSIRO publishing. Australia.

Robs plants (2008) http://www.robsplants.com/plants/CarexAlbul.php (16/052008).

Schutz, W. & Leck, M. A. (2005) Regeneration of Cyperaceae, with particular reference to seed ecology and seed banks. Perspectives in plant ecology, Evolution and Systematics 7: 95-133.

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2008) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 12/6/08).

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2008) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 12/6/08).

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