Bull Mitchell grass (Astrebla squarrosa) in the Western Australian rangelands

Page last updated: Friday, 9 July 2021 - 11:08am

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

Bull Mitchell grass (Astrebla squarrosa) is one of many plant species found in the Western Australian rangelands.

This page provides a summary of the plant's value for pastoralism. Pastoral lessees and station managers can use this information to assess pasture condition and trend.

Indicator value

Bull Mitchell grass indicates the pasture is in fair condition when it is dominant. The grass is considered to be an intermediate species and it tends to be a decreaser under heavy grazing pressure.

Forage value

Bull Mitchell grass is less palatable to livestock than other Mitchell grasses. It can withstand grazing and drought and produces an abundance of fodder. 

Habitat

Black soil group (PDF 5.7MB).

General description

Bull Mitchell grass is an erect perennial grass that can grow 60–150cm tall, forming dense, leafy tussocks with a thickened, hairless butt covered in short scale-like leaves. The leaves are long, 3–6mm wide and flat. The seeds occur in single seed heads 7–19cm long with a paired row of seeds. The seeds feel rough to touch.