Toowoomba Canary-grass is a perennial, clumped or densely tufted, hairless, generally autumn and spring growing perennial grass. This species can become an imposing weed, growing to 1.2 metres with light blue green leaves, swollen stem bases and a distinctive cylindrical compact seed head. It flowers in spring and summer however the dry seed heads can persist on the plant all year.

Native to northern Africa, the Madeira Islands, the Canary Islands, southern Europe and western Asia, Phalaris is a common weed of disturbed areas in the Surf Coast, particularly where there is moisture. Once established this species is capable of withstanding droughts and forming large, thick infestations to the exclusion of native species. In good conditions they will grow all year.

Photos courtesy of Neil Tucker.