Blowing in the Wind
Love it or hate it, Windmill Grass is a WA native which has been historically maligned, but has potential as a summer feed option.
Windmill Grass (Chloris truncata) is a native species commonly found across the Wheatbelt NRM region. It is a stoloniferous (grows runners), short-lived perennial, growing to a height of 16-45cm, with a summer growing period (Moore et al., 2006; Florabase, 2025). The grass has small fibrous leaves, offering moderate palatability. Its summer growth habit holds potential to fill the summer feed gap, though it may be considered a weed in cropping systems. In harsher conditions within its range, it behaves as an annual species. Windmill Grass typically requires more than 300mm of rainfall to establish in pastures. It is highly drought-tolerant, moderately frost-tolerant, and adaptable to various soil types. Its soil fertility needs are moderate, and while it can tolerate some waterlogging, it has no salinity tolerance.
With C4 metabolism, Windmill Grass remains dormant in winter, with flowering heads appearing 4-6 weeks after germination. The characteristic seed head features 5-13 spikes radiating in a windmill pattern, with sticky black seeds at maturity. It germinates quickly after summer rainfall. Seeds should be sown no deeper than 3-5mm, or even on the surface. Sowing is best done in early spring following rainfall, with a recommended rate of 5-15kg/ha. Established plants are moderately tolerant of most herbicides, allowing for some weed control (Moore et al., 2006).
Caution is needed when grazing Windmill Grass, as high intake levels can cause photosensitivity in cattle and sheep.
References:
Florabase 2025: https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/271
Moore, G; Sandford P and Wiley, T (2006): Perennial Pastures for Western Australia. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth. Bulletin 4690.https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1
Published eNews #402, May 2025