Get the Latest information on fighting weeds - Port Macquarie ...

A compilation 

of <strong>the</strong> 

most common weeds 

found on 

Port Macquarie Landcare 

sites. 

Material sourced from various internet sites. 

Edited by Peter Michael Bush Regeneration Supervisor.

INDEX 

Common Name Botanical Name 

Native Seedlings of <strong>the</strong> Port Macquarie Area 

Manual Weed Control Techniques 

African Olive & European Olive 

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata; Olea europaea 

subsp. europa vars. 

Agapanthus Agapanthus spp. 

Alexandra Palm Archontophoenix alexandrae 

Asparagus Fern Asparagus aethiopicus 

Balloon Vine Cardiospermum grandiflorum 

Bitou Bush 

Bitou Bush Native Look a Like 

Chrysan<strong>the</strong>moides monilifera 

Blue Billy Goat Weed Ageratum houstonianum 

Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides 

Broad Leaf Paspalum Paspalum wettsteinii 

Broad Leaf Privet Ligustrum lucidum 

Butterfly Flower Gaura lindheirmeri 

Camphor Laurel Cinnamomum camphora 

Canary Island Date Palm Phoenix canariensis 

Canna Lily Canna indica, Canna x generalis 

Cape Ivy Delairea odorata 

Castor Oil Plant Ricinus communis 

Cat’s ear Hypochaeris radicata L. 

Chinese Celtis Celtis sinensis 

Chinese Tallow Triadica sebifera 

Climbing Asparagus Asparagus plumosus 

Climbing Nightshade Solanum seaforthianum 

Cocos Palm Syagrus romanzoffiana 

Coffee Coffea arabica 

Coral Berry Ardisia crenata 

Coral Tree Erythrina x sykesii 

Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata 

Corky Passionflower Passiflora suberosa 

Cotoneaster Cotoneaster glaucophyllus 

Cotton Bush Gomphocarpus fruticosus 

Crimson Fountain Grass Pennisetum setaceum 

Crofton Weed Ageratina adenophora 

Duranta Duranta repens 

Dwarf Umbrella Tree Schefflera arboricola 

Elderberry Sambucus nigra

INDEX 


Elephants Ears Native Look a Like 

Elephants Ears, Taro Colocasia esculenta 

Farmers Friends Bidens pilosa 

Fishbone Fern Nephrolepis cordifolia 

Fishbone Fern Native Look a Like 

Five-leaved Morning Glory Ipomoea cairica 

Fleabane Conyza bonariensis 

Formosan or Taiwan lily Lilium formosanum 

Freckle Face Hypoestes phyllostachya 

Gazania Gazania linearis 

German Ivy Senecio macroglossus 

Giant White Bird of Paradise Strelitzea nicholai 

Ginger Lily Hedychium gardnerianum 

Glory Lily Gloriosa superba 

Golden wreath wattle Acacia saligna 

Green Amaranthus Amaranthus viridis L. 

Groundsel Bush Baccharis halimifolia 

Hen and Chickens Phyllanthus tenellus 

Himalayan Ash Fraxinus griffithii 

Impatiens Impatiens walleriana varieties 

Indian Hawthorn Rhaphiolepsis indica 

Inkweed Phytolacca octandra 

Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica 

Kaffir Plum Harpephyllum caffrum 

Khaki Plant Alternan<strong>the</strong>ra pungens 

Lantana Lantana camara 

Lantana Native Look a Like 

Liriope Liriope muscari 

Madeira Vine Anredera cordifolia 

Madeira Winter Cherry Solanum pseudocapsicum 

Mexican Fea<strong>the</strong>r Grass Nassella tenuissima 

Mist Weed Ageratina riparia 

Montbretia Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 

Morning Glory Ipomoea indica 

Moth Vine Araujia sericifera 

Moth Vine Native Look a Like 

Mo<strong>the</strong>r of Millions Bryophyllum spp. 

Murraya Murraya paniculata 

Night Scented Jasmine Cestrum nocturnum 

Noogoora Burr Xanthium pungens

INDEX 


Norfolk Island Hibiscus Lagunaria patersonii 

Ochna Ochna serrulata 

Ochna Native Look a Like 

Paddy's Lucerne Sida rhombifolia 

Palm Grass Setaria palmifolia 

Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana 

Panic Veldt Grass Ehrharta erecta 

Parrot Alstromoeria Alstroemeria pulchella 

Pennywort Hydrocotyle bonarienses 

Peruvian Summer Justicia peruviana 

Pink Tephrosia Tephrosia glomeruliflora 

Polygala Polygala myrtifolia 

Potato Weed Galinsoga parviflora 

Purple Top Verbena bonariensis 

Running Bamboo Phyllostachys spp. 

Silver Leaf Desmodium Desmodium uncinatum 

Singapore Daisy Sphagneticola trilobata 

Small Leaved Privet Ligustrum sinense 

Small Leaved Privet Native Look a Like 

South American Clover Richardia humistrata 

Spanish Bayonet Yucca aloifolia 

Spider Plant Chlorophytum comosum 

Stinking Roger Tagetes minuta L 

Sweet Viburnum Viburnum odoratissimum 

Thickhead Crassocephalum crepidioides 

Torpedo Grass Panicum repens 

Trad Tradescantia fluminensis 

Trad Native Look a Like 

Turkey Rhubarb Acetosa sagittata 

Umbrella tree Schefflera actinophylla 

Variegated Arrowhead Vine Syngonium podophyllum 

Vasey Grass Paspalum urvillei 

Whiskey Grass Andropogon virginicus 

White Passionfruit Passiflora subpeltata 

White Passionfruit Native Look a Like 

Wild Tobacco Bush Solanum mauritianum 

Wild Watsonia Watsonia meriana 

Winter Senna Senna pendula 

Winter Senna Native Look a Like

Native Seedlings of <strong>the</strong> Port Macquarie Area 

Cabbage Tree Palm Bangalow Palm Native quince 

Plum Pine Lolly Bush 

White Bolly Gum Hairy Rosewood Lilly Pilly

Tuckeroo 

Striped Cucumber 

Kangaroo Vine 

Illawarra Flame Tree 

Cheese Tree Sandpaper Fig

Manual Weed Control Techniques 

Any part of <strong>the</strong> plant capable of reproducing (ie tubers, rhizomes, seeds, berries or 

o<strong>the</strong>r propagules or <strong>the</strong> entire plant) should be placed in a suitable bag and removed 

off site. O<strong>the</strong>r debris material can be mulched on site. 

Technique: Hand Pull / Dig 

Consideration 

The plant should be small enough to ensure 

<strong>the</strong> entire root will be removed, or 

<strong>the</strong> plant should not be able to resprout from 

any remaining root system. 

Tools and Equipment 

Gloves, knife, hand trowel or similar. A 

wallboard saw has proved effective. 

Procedure 

Rake back ground mulch 

Insert knife or similar tool and loosen <strong>the</strong> soil around <strong>the</strong> plant roots. Keep soil 

disturbance to a minimum 

Grasp <strong>the</strong> stems or leaves of <strong>the</strong> plant at ground level and pull while freeing <strong>the</strong> roots 

with <strong>the</strong> knife 

Remove <strong>the</strong> plant and shake off excess soil 

Replace disturbed soil and any ground 

mulch 

Technique: Crown Cut 


The underground meristematic (growing 

heart) part of <strong>the</strong> plant only needs to be 

removed, or above ground in <strong>the</strong> case of 

palm species. 

The plant should not be able to resprout 

from <strong>the</strong> remaining root system. 


1

Gloves, knife. 

Procedure 


Grasp <strong>the</strong> plant at ground level ga<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>the</strong> stems or leaves toge<strong>the</strong>r 

Insert a knife so as to cut <strong>the</strong> root system below <strong>the</strong> crown or underground stems 

Remove <strong>the</strong> plant whilst cutting <strong>the</strong> lateral roots 

Ensure <strong>the</strong> knife is used for cutting ra<strong>the</strong>r than levering 

Replace <strong>the</strong> disturbed soil and ground mulch 

Technique: Rhizome / Tuber Trace 


The plant has a root system of 

underground rhizomes, tubers or similar 

organs from which new plants can 

reproduce. 


Gloves, hand trowel, knife or similar. 

Procedure 


Grasp <strong>the</strong> plant at ground level ga<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>the</strong> stems or leaves toge<strong>the</strong>r 

Insert a knife so as to cut <strong>the</strong> root system below <strong>the</strong> crown or underground stems. At 

ground level and using <strong>the</strong> appropriate tool, clear <strong>the</strong> soil from around <strong>the</strong> immediate 

root zone of <strong>the</strong> first rhizome or tuber 

Trace <strong>the</strong> underground lateral stems / roots 

and remove any secondary rhizomes or tubers 

Remove <strong>the</strong> roots, rhizomes, tubers and any 

attached soil 

Replace <strong>the</strong> disturbed soil and ground mulch 

Technique: Stem Scrape 

2


The stem is too small to be frilled with a chisel, yet large enough to be scraped 

without cutting right through 

The plant has aerial tubers which will drop and germinate if <strong>the</strong> plant is physically 

removed or <strong>the</strong> stem is cut through, and 

The herbicide is mixed to <strong>the</strong> recommended ratio. 


Knife, herbicide and herbicide applicator, appropriate clothing and safety wear. 

Procedure 

Scrape along <strong>the</strong> stem of <strong>the</strong> plant for approximately 150mm to expose <strong>the</strong> vascular 

tissue 

Apply herbicide to <strong>the</strong> exposed vascular tissue within 30 seconds after beginning <strong>the</strong> 

cut 

Do not take any fur<strong>the</strong>r action or disturb <strong>the</strong> plant until it is completely dead 

Any dead material which may be a fire hazard (eg. vines) should be removed for a 

distance of at least 6 - 10m from a property boundary 

Technique: Cut stump/Cut and Paint 


The plant should not have aerial tubers 

The weed debris will not substantially increase <strong>the</strong> 

local fire hazard, and 

The herbicide is mixed to <strong>the</strong> recommended ratio. 


Appropriate tools to cut stem (knife, secateurs, loppers, bush-saw or folding saw), 

herbicide and herbicide applicator, appropriate 

clothing and safety wear. 

3

Procedure 

With a flat cut, cut <strong>the</strong> stem/trunk as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as practicable, below any 

branching stems or side shoots 

Apply herbicide to <strong>the</strong> exposed vascular tissue within 30 seconds after beginning <strong>the</strong> 

cut 

Do not take any fur<strong>the</strong>r action or disturb <strong>the</strong> plant until it is completely dead 

Using Herbicide 

When using herbicides, handling and cleaning procedures should be undertaken in 

accordance with <strong>the</strong> label and <strong>the</strong> herbicide's Material Safety Data Sheet. Material 

Safety Data Sheets are made available by <strong>the</strong> manufacturer. 

Read <strong>the</strong> label before opening <strong>the</strong> container and follow <strong>the</strong> instructions exactly. 

Herbicides are poisons, and should be handled with <strong>the</strong> greatest respect. They can 

be absorbed very easily through <strong>the</strong> skin, by breathing <strong>the</strong> vapours, and by 

ingestion. 

Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, long pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, eye 

protection. Always wear waterproof gloves. A respirator is advised when mixing or 

pouring <strong>the</strong> liquid. 

Wash skin and equipment afterwards. Wash contaminated clothing separately. 

Clean up any spills, includng on your skin, with large amounts of water, or by 

shovelling up contaminated soil and disposing of it at <strong>the</strong> tip. All herbicide application 

mentioned in <strong>the</strong>se methods refer to <strong>the</strong> use of glyphosate360-based products only, 

unless o<strong>the</strong>rwise stated. 

4

African Olive Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata 

European Olive Olea europaea subsp. europa vars 

FAMILY: Oleaceae 

ORIGIN: Mediterranean region of Europe, Portugal, South Africa 

Noxious Weed Category: n/a 

Description 

Habit: much branched evergreen tree to 5-15m with drooping branchlets. Thin greyish bark covered by 

protruding lenticels. Leaves: narrow, lance-shaped to 5-10cm long and 2cm wide with prominent midrib 

and recurved tip, dark green on upper surface. African Olive leaves broader and yellowish-brown on lower 

surface c.f. European Olive leaves silvery-grey on lower surface. Flowers: small white to cream or 

greenish tubular flowers forming in racemes at branch tips in spring-summer. Fruit: green berries at first 

ripening to purplish-black in summer with African Olive’s fruit: round 1-2cm in diameter c.f. European fruit: 

oval shaped 2-5cm long. Roots: substantial tap root that gives rise to many laterals. (will re-shoot from any 

root stock left in ground). 

Ecology 

One of <strong>the</strong> most significant threats to <strong>the</strong> last remnants of Cumberland Plain woodlands in <strong>the</strong> Sydney 

Basin; threatens fur<strong>the</strong>r ecosystems in Sydney North. Forms dense mono-cultures beneath which no o<strong>the</strong>r 

vegetation remains. 

Dispersal 

Water, animals (foxes, rats & birds), humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, cars etc) and 

garden refuse dumping. 

Control 

HAND: dig/pull juvenile plants; bag and dispose of all berries.. CHEMICAL: cut or scrape and paint; foliar 

spray. 

African Olive European Olive 

Native look-a-like Plum Pine Podocarpus elatus. Differs 

in pungent-pointed leaves, with conifer smell when 

crushed, and dark blue fruit that sits below <strong>the</strong> large seed.

Common name: Agapanthus Latin name: Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis 

FAMILY: ALLIACEAE 

ORIGIN: South Africa 



Habit:vigorous tufted perennial. Leaves: Large thick glossy-green, strap-like leaves to 50cm. Flowers: 

Large globular flower heads in blue, mauve or white flowering in summer. Fruit: each flower produces 

many small black hard coated seeds which are held in a three-sided capsule. Roots: robust fleshy. 

Ecology 

Drought and shade tolerant, but will live in full sun and full shade. Clumps spread vegetatively and 

outcompete native ground covers (including seedlings of canopy trees, shrubs and vines). A water-hogging 

weed capable of killing mature trees presumably through dehydration. 

Dispersal 

Seed spread by wind and water, and people transporting trailers with de-headed flowers to <strong>the</strong> tip. 

Vegetative once established often through garden dumping. 


HAND: only practical for small clumps of <strong>the</strong> plant. When digging ensure that all <strong>the</strong> root material is 

removed. Dispose of contaminated soil or monitor for regrowth. It is important to pull out all roots from 

beneath <strong>the</strong> soil. Alternatively, cut <strong>the</strong> flower heads off before seeding to help prevent spreading. Brush 

cutting or mowing must be done regularly. SPRAY: Cut leaves off, brush-cut or mow to stimulate new 

growth, <strong>the</strong>n spray new growth with a registered herbicide. The area should be monitored for regeneration. 

Photos: Ku-ring-gai Council

Common name: Alexandra Palm Latin name Archontophoenix alexandrae 

FAMILY: Arecaceae 

ORIGIN: Queensland Australia 


Habit: This is a tall, solitary, handsome palm to about 25 metres (80 feet) tall with a spread of about 2 - 2.5 

metres (10 - 15 feet) and a graceful appearance. Leaves: The leaves, up to about 2 metres( 6-7 feet) long, 

are stiff pinnately compound fea<strong>the</strong>r-like fronds and have a tendency to rotate 90' to expose <strong>the</strong> whole leaf 

in profile (Figure 2). The leaflets are all in <strong>the</strong> same plane, bright green above with a silvery underside. (this 

distinguishes <strong>the</strong>m from <strong>the</strong> Bangalow Palm)The base of <strong>the</strong> petioles forms a bright green crownshaft that 

<strong>the</strong> leaves rarely droop below. The trunk is smooth and ringed with noticeable leaf scars and <strong>the</strong> base can 

be noticeably swollen. It can get to about 1/3 metre (one foot) in diameter. Flowers: Flowers are formed 

below <strong>the</strong> crownshaft with <strong>the</strong> creamy flower stalks holding amy<strong>the</strong>st purple flowers. Fruit: The round fruit, 

about 12 mm (1/2 inch) in diameter, turn bright red at maturity. 

Ecology: Occurs in NEQ to as far south as Brisbane. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 1000 m. 

Grows in swampy areas and along drainage lines in rainforest, gallery forest along seasonally dry creeks, 

vine forest, Melaleuca forest and mixed Eucalypt forest. 

Dispersal: Seed, usually spread by birds but also often as a contaminant of garden waste/mulch and to a 

lesser extent in flowing water of riparian systems. 


As for many woody weeds, control is best undertaken as early as possible while <strong>the</strong> plant is as small as 

possible. HAND: Seedlings can be hand-pulled, but young plants quickly develop a strong, fibrous root 

system making hand-pulling difficult. Juveniles can be chipped out. CHEMICAL: Juveniles can be cut close 

to ground level and immediately painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg Roundup Biactive). Larger palms 

can be treated by chiselling or drilling around <strong>the</strong> trunk close to <strong>the</strong> ground 100mm apart and filling with 

2mm of undiluted glyphosate per hole. 

Alexandra Palm Bangalow Palm

Underside of fronds: Bangalow on left Alexandra on right

Common name: Asparagus Fern Latin name: Asparagus aethiopicus 

FAMILY: Asparagaceae 


Noxious Weed Category: Environmental Weed may soon be listed as Wons 


Habit: This is a spiny shrub with sprawling to pendent stems with fibrous and tuberous roots.Leaves: 

are bright green, fern-like, with almost needle-like leaflets of up to eight in a cluster.Flowers: are white to 

pinkish and small. Fruit: is a bright, round, shiny, red berry. Each fruit contains 1 to a few seeds. 

Ecology: It germinates from a single-seeded fruit and is capable of flowering and fruiting after two to three 

years. It is shade tolerant and can invade relatively intact (undisturbed) forest systems. Once established, 

like o<strong>the</strong>r weedy Asparagus species, it competes aggressively for soil moisture and dense infestations can 

‘starve’ nearby deeper-rooted vegetation of water and nutrients. 

Dispersal: Seeds are spread by birds, water and dumping. Asparagus Fern can also reshoot from rhizome 

pieces left in <strong>the</strong> ground or dumped as garden waste. 


Manual: The numerous water tubers can be left in <strong>the</strong> ground as <strong>the</strong>y contain no food and <strong>the</strong> plant cannot 

reproduce from <strong>the</strong>m. Wear thick gloves, with secateurs cut off <strong>the</strong> stems about 20cm above soil level and 

bag. Don’t cut too low or you may lose sight of <strong>the</strong> crown. Check where stems join crown and use a knife or 

mattock to cut around <strong>the</strong> crown to sever roots and water tubers. Lift out crown, checking that it is entire 

and bag or hang in trees after removing water tubers. Seedlings may sprout where you have removed 

mature plants, <strong>the</strong>se can be sprayed with glyphosate and a penetrant

Balloon Vine Cardiospermum grandiflorum 

FAMILY: SAPINDACEAE 

ORIGIN: Tropical America, West Indies and Africa 

Noxious Weed Category: being nominated as a WoNS 


Habit: herbaceous perennial climber with stems to more than 10m long. Leaves: leaves 6-16cm long, on a 

leaf stalk 2-10cm long, with 3 leaflets each fur<strong>the</strong>r divided into 3; margins of leaflets irregularly too<strong>the</strong>d. 

Flowers: white, 4 petals. in clusters, stalk of <strong>the</strong> flower heads end in a pair of tendrils. Flowers for most of 

<strong>the</strong> year. Fruit: inflated membranous capsule, 6-ribbed, 4-8cm long, covered with short stiff hairs. each 

containing 3 blackish, round seeds, about 7mm wide. Roots: shallow and fibrous, fragments re-root readily. 

Ecology Seedlings germinate most of <strong>the</strong> year on disturbed land. Plants spread over ground or climb trees 

and shrubs. Common in moist gullies along <strong>the</strong> warm temperate to tropical coast of Qld and NSW. The 

combined weights of many hundreds of vine stems also acts to collapse <strong>the</strong> existing edges of infested 

rainforest stands. All local rainforest remnants are small and any reduction of <strong>the</strong>ir edges exposes <strong>the</strong> vital 

core areas of <strong>the</strong> forest to greater risk of weed invasion, entry of feral animals, fire, erosion and a number 

of o<strong>the</strong>r threats. 

Dispersal Water, animals (foxes, rats & birds), humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, cars 

etc) and garden refuse dumping. 


HAND: hand pull/Dig. CHEMICAL: scrape and Paint, skirting, foliar spraying using Roundup Biactive. 

Balloon Vine in flower Balloon Vine showing ripe fruit 

Native look-a-like: 

Slender Grape Cayratia clematidea

WEEDS of BYRON SHIRE 

Bitou Bush 

Chrysan<strong>the</strong>moides monilifera subsp. rotundata 

Family ASTERACEAE Life Form SHRUB 

Origin 

South Africa 


Sprawling or upright shrub to 

1.5 m high, with thick, alternate 

leaves having a distinct mid 

vein. Yellow daisy-like flowers 

are clustered at <strong>the</strong> tips of <strong>the</strong> 

stems. Fruit are fleshy and 

purplish black. Stems can layer 

and form adventitious roots like 

Lantana. 

Flowering time 

Mainly April - June 

Fruiting time 

All year 

Impacts 

Competes with native coastal 

species, forms dense, exclusive 

thickets and also climbs up 

trees. 

Habitat 

Disturbed coastal sites 

Reproduction/dispersal 

Bird dispersed seeds 

Water 

Weed status 

Noxious Class 4 

Locality notes 

Coastal 

Similar Native Species 

Myoporum boninerse subsp. 

Australe stackhousia spathulata

CONTROL METHODS for BITOU BUSH 

Methods 

SMALL INFESTATIONS: carefully handpull (smaller rootlets easily snap & reshoot), or cut, scrape & paint 

stump with glyphosate & water at 1:1.5, or foliar spray. 

LARGE INFESTATIONS: foliar spray with glyphosate & water at 1:200 (5ml/L) + sticker (in cooler, good 

growing conditions) or at 1:100 (10ml/L), (during warmer or less favourable growing conditions) or with 

metsulfuron methyl & water at 1gm/10L + surfactant (to avoid impacts to native grasses). Follow-up Bitou 

Bush seedling regeneration in a few months time and o<strong>the</strong>r weeds such as Glory Lily and Coastal Morning 

Glory that may occur in association with Bitou infestation. Repeated follow up treatments are necessary to 

reduce soil seed bank. 

Best season 

During cooler periods in good growing season for spray applications 

Permit 

Covered by off label permit 9907 for use in areas of native vegetation to control noxious and environmental 

weeds. Fur<strong>the</strong>r detail available at http://permits.apvma.gov.au/PER9907.PDF 

Byron Shire Council 

PO Box 219 Mullumbimby NSW 2482 

biodiversity@byron.nsw.gov.au 

www.byron.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity 

Last updated January 2010

Bitou Bush Native look-a-likes 

Headland Boobialla Myoporum boninense Sea Daisy Melan<strong>the</strong>ra biflora 

Dune Fan-flower Scaevola calendulacea

Blue Billy Goat Weed Ageratum houstonianum 

FAMILY: ASTERACEAE 

ORIGIN: Native to tropical America 

Noxious Weed Category: not applicable 


Habit: annual or short-lived perennial herb growing to 1m. Leaves: mostly opposite but sometimes (upper) 

alternate leaves almost triangular to egg-shaped (ovate) with bluntly too<strong>the</strong>d margins and ei<strong>the</strong>r blunt or 

pointed tip. Stems and leaves are softly hairy. Flowers: flowers are light lavender-blue florets to 3 mm 

grouped into fluffy heads to 7 mm across, lacking petals (ray florets). Basal flower (involucral) bracts 

obviously hairy. Flowering occurs throughout most of <strong>the</strong> year. Flowers throughout <strong>the</strong> year. Often 

confused with ano<strong>the</strong>r much less common, but very similar species Ageratum conyzoides (see below). 

Fruit: Blue Billy Goat Weed has a pappus that is shorter than <strong>the</strong> floret and glandular hairs on its involucral 

bracts. Ageratum conyzoides has a pappus which is longer than <strong>the</strong> floret and its involucral bracts are only 

sparsely hairy and never have glandular hairs. 

Roots: shallow and fibrous, fragments with stem sections attached re-root readily. 

Ecology 

It is a widespread weed of disturbed areas. A common weed but not a particularly damaging one 

Dispersal 

Wind, water, contaminated soil, dumping 


HAND: Seedlings/small infestations :Carefully crown out to hand remove, ensure to remove all 

rootletswhich can easily break and reshoot; or cut and paint stems with glyphosate & water at 1:1.5, or spot 

spray. In moist habitats place material off <strong>the</strong> ground to avoid re-shooting. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray plant 

with glyphosate & water at 1:75 (13.3ml/L) or 1:100 (10ml/L) during good growing season, or Metsulfuron 

methyl & water at 1.5g /10 L. In restoration sites undertake spray preparation by hand removing from 

around ferns and seedlings or pruning low leaves of non target species. To avoid impacts to native grasses 

or pasture during spray treatments use Metsulfuron methyl only. 

Billy Goat Weed.

Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides (syn. Myrsiphyllum asparagoides) 

FAMILY: 


Noxious Weed Category: Class 4 and a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) 


Habit:. Bridal Creeper is a wiry climber (stems only 1-2mm wide) and up to 3m long. Leaves reduced to 

scales.. Leaves: Its fern-like or leaf-like stems are small and lance-shaped to 3cm long. Flowers: Sprays of 

sweet smelling white to pink flowers. Each petal has a distinctive central green stripe. Fruit: Fruit is a small 

red to black berry. Roots: <strong>the</strong> root system is a complex of white starch and water-storing tubers attached to 

a horny flat crown. These robust fleshy masses crowd out all o<strong>the</strong>r roots down to a depth of 10-15cm. 

Ecology 

Drought and shade tolerant, but will live in full sun and full shade. Clumps spread vegetatively and 

outcompete native ground covers (including seedlings of canopy trees, shrubs and vines). A water-hogging 

weed capable of killing mature trees presumably through dehydration. Occupies both sands (hind-dunes) 

and clay soils in open forest to rainforest. Bridal Creeper is a massive problem in sou<strong>the</strong>rn states of 

Australia, but recent biological controls have had a significant impact in high infestation zones. 

Dispersal 

Escaped from garden sites (through dumping). The attractive berries are widely dispersed by birds. 


HAND: this species is best removed manually by cutting away stems and carefully bag all berries. 

Crowning requires tracing to current growing tip of root mass which is lateral ra<strong>the</strong>r than upper (as in most 

o<strong>the</strong>r asparagus species). 

Immature fruit (L), Mature fruit and yellowing leaves at end of growing season (R) 

Photos: Ku-ring-gai Council 

Native look-a-like: 

Wombat Berry Eustrephus latifolius

Common name: Broad Leaf Paspalum Latin name: *Paspalum mandiocanum (Syn. P. wettsteinii) 

FAMILY: POACEAE 

ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: not applicable 


Habit: tufted grass, which can root at nodes of tillers. Leaves: broad dark green Flowers: Fruit: typical 

paspalum type in an open head. Individual seeds not especially sticky, but will adhere to clo<strong>the</strong>s, boots 

and vehicles especially when wet, dropping once <strong>the</strong> surface dries. Roots: shallow and fibrous 

Ecology 

Significant transforming environmental weed. Grows in full sun and partial shade. Often grows on edges 

of paths (major incursion route), roads etc. Can penetrate and destroy groundcovers in intact vegetation. 

Water can transport this weed through good bush and deliver it deep within a remnant. Often a weed 

succession component following woody weed control. 

Dispersal 

Spreads on contaminated soil, animals, people, vehicles, mowing spoil, dumping and water. 


Slow to spread vegetatively, but spreads rapidly by seed and ‘flares up’ after woody weed control. Early 

control prior to o<strong>the</strong>r weeding or immediately after will reduce spread onto your site.. So to hold an 

infestation until spraying or weeding can occur, de-head and remove seed from <strong>the</strong> site. HAND: Hand-pull 

or crown out (crown segments easily missed if carelessly hand-pulled), old crowns or stolons likewise break 

and need to be carefully traced in or beneath o<strong>the</strong>r plants, CHEMICAL: glyphosate.

Common name: Broad Leaved Privet Latin name: Ligistrum lucidum (synonym) 

FAMILY: OLEACEAE 

ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: W5 (Environmental Weed) 


Habit: Evergreen tree to 10m, often growing as a dense stand along fence lines and water courses, but will 

form thickets in disturbed forest or neglected areas. Trunk whitish-grey and prominently covered in 

lenticels. Leaves: opposite, hairless, broad-lanceolate, dark-green above paler below Flowers: Fragrant, 

white flowers appear in Spring in large panicles Fruit: develops in Summer and is small, fleshy and 

purplish-black to 6mm Roots: Very large trees can form spur-type buttresses but roots are generally 

spreading and (sub)surface and capable of producing suckers. 

Ecology: Serious transforming weed of a range of forest types including wet sclerophyll and rainforest, but 

also pasture boundaries and degraded infrastructure areas. It’s aggressive surface roots are water-hogging 

and <strong>the</strong> upper limbs readily compete with nearby vegetation for space. It spreads predominantly by seed 

which animals – particularly birds – eat, but also via stem fragments which can be dispersed in riparian 

systems. The plant will coppice and root-sucker if damaged/grazed/incompletely killed. 

Dispersal: Seed, predominantly by birds, but seed also spread in water and o<strong>the</strong>r gravity means as well as 

garden waste, mulch etc. 


The plant is generally shallowly rooted so seedlings and juveniles can be hand pulled under most 

circumstances. However, use caution on steep and friable ground where uprooting <strong>the</strong> plant will cause soil 

damage. Dense germinations of seedlings can be foliar sprayed. In large natural systems, control outlying 

individuals and small clumps before moving onto <strong>the</strong> core infestation. 

HAND: Small plants to ~2 years of age. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with 1g 10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg 

Brushoff); cut stump to 100mm with undiluted glyphosate; chisel or drill and inject larger trees with 

undiluted glyphosate with 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible 

(also treat any dominant surface roots).

Common name: Butterfly flower / Clockweed Latin name: Gaura lindheirmeri, Gaura parviflora 

FAMILY: ONAGRACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Tufted, spreading shrub to 2m with arching stems and sprays of (mostly) white flowers. Leaves: 

Ei<strong>the</strong>r basal (rosette-like) or alternate, often attenuate (tapered) at <strong>the</strong> base, and reducing in size up stem, 

from 5 to 90mm long. Flowers: Many-branched, each white flower with 4 prominent petals Fruit: a capsule 

2-3mm wide, 9mm long Roots: Fibrous and tolerant of a range of sandy and clay soils. 

Ecology: A common garden escapee which flourishes in ruderal, roadside and o<strong>the</strong>r degraded and 

unmanaged areas, particularly on low-nutrient soils. It is a perennial which spreads readily by its tiny seeds 

on machinery such as slashes and road-building plant. Dense stands of Gaura can outcompete native 

grasses and heath plants. 

Dispersal: Seed, often as a contaminant of garden waste. 


The plant is generally shallowly rooted so seedlings and juveniles can be hand pulled or grubbed out under 

most circumstances. However, use caution on steep and friable ground where uprooting <strong>the</strong> plant will 

cause soil damage. Dense germinations of seedlings can be foliar sprayed. In large natural systems, 

control outlying individuals and small clumps before moving onto <strong>the</strong> core infestation. 

HAND: Small plants. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with 5mL 1L -1 fluroxypyr (eg Starane200).

Common name: Camphor Laurel Latin name: Cinnamomum camphora 

FAMILY: LAURACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Semi deciduous tree to 25m with rounded form in open-growing situations. Leaves: Simple, 

opposite, dark glossy above, paler below with dusty bloom, strong camphor smell when crushed, strongly 

3-veined from <strong>the</strong> base. Flowers: Inconspicuous cream-green Fruit: a black, single-seeded berry to 6mm 

Roots: Deeply rooted with old trees having spur-buttress-type surface roots. 

Ecology: A significant transforming weed of <strong>the</strong> eastern Australian seaboard, particularly in previouslycleared 

rainforest areas. The tree is considered a temporal substitute for native forest regeneration in <strong>the</strong> 

absence of substantial native alternatives. The camphor oil is moderately allelopathic (stops/limits <strong>the</strong> 

growth of competition within <strong>the</strong> dripline). Camphor laurel is a very long-lived tree and traditionally 

cultivated as a feature tree by municipalities and rural homesteads due to its stately appearance and 

longevity. 





possible. If controlling isolated individuals or dense stands/monocultures, seek strategic advice on control 

to minimize disruption to local ecology. HAND: Small plants to 2 years old can be hand pulled but when 

older than this <strong>the</strong> lignotuber (underground swelling of dormant buds) develops and can make hand-pulling 

difficult. Use caution when hand pulling on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: Plants too large for hand 

pulling – but up to 100mm diameter - can be cut close to ground level and immediately painted with 

undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Chisel or drill and inject larger trees with undiluted glyphosate 

@ 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible (also treat any dominant 

surface roots). 

White Bolly Gum or Neolitsea dealbata, 

Native look a like.

Common name: Canary Island Date Palm Latin name: Phoenix canariensis 

FAMILY: ARECAREAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Native to <strong>the</strong> Canary Islands and North Africa, <strong>the</strong> Canary Island Date Palm is a solitary palm with a 

strong trunk 10-40 metres tall. Its leaves are pinnate and are 4-6 metres long. The basal leaflets are 

compact sharp spines and <strong>the</strong> fruit is oval and orange in colour. Leaves: Compound, whorled to 3m with 

basal leaflets reduced to spines. Flowers: Large sprays of small creamy white flowers present within 

foliage Fruit: Orange-coloured and oval-shaped to 12mm Roots: Aggressively fibrously rooted. 

Ecology: Well suited to <strong>the</strong> tropics and sub-tropics, it grows readily from seed which often originates from 

municipal and private amenity plantings. Large numbers of seedlings can germinate and self-thin to lead to 

an impenetrable thicket of palms. Like many palms, <strong>the</strong> seed does not seem to require passage through 

gut to become viable. 




Special note: Fronds have long sharp spines which can penetrate skin. 




to ground level and immediately painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). For a larger 

palm: To gain access to fronds nearer <strong>the</strong> growing point, cut off most of <strong>the</strong> fronds with loppers or saw 

close to <strong>the</strong> trunk on one side. Cut off about 10 fronds at <strong>the</strong> growing point and, as above, immediately 

paint some glyphosate herbicide on <strong>the</strong> stump of each cut frond. Cover <strong>the</strong> whole surface of <strong>the</strong> cut with 

herbicide. NOTE: Do not cut off all fronds and <strong>the</strong>n treat with herbicide. Remove large dead trunks with a 

chain saw. A ladder or cherry picker may be needed to gain access to taller trees. Reshoots after cutting 

and poisoning, and also suckers from its roots. If removing from waterways or very steep land, please 

contact your local control authority for advice. 

Livistona australis or Cabbage Tree Palm 

Native look a like

Common name: Canna Lily Latin name: Canna indica, Canna x generalis 

FAMILY: CANNANACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Erect, herbaceous perennial to 2m high with no true stems. Stems are a collection of tightly furled 

leaf bases. Roots extensive and a fleshy rhizome is formed underground. Leaves: Leaves Dark green to 

multi coloured and striped, large (60 x 25cm), arranged alternately on ‘stems’. Flowers: Tubular flowers 

(yellows oranges, reds and pinks) formed in asymmetrical clusters. Spring-Autumn. Fruit: Black, globular 

seeds (5-7mm long) borne in capsule, and spread by birds. Roots: Aggressively fibrously rooted. 

Ecology: Well suited to damp/boggy ground in full sun positions, but because it can spread by <strong>the</strong> 

aggressive, creeping rhizome, it can invade into semi-shade. When ripe, <strong>the</strong> fruit capsule is unremarkable 

in colour but <strong>the</strong> 5mm seeds are spread by birds and by contaminated and dumped green/waste. 




HAND: Hand pull/dig, bagging all plant parts and removing from site. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with 

glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) for initial knockdown of large infestations, but long-term hand removal 

required.

Common name: Cape Ivy Latin name: Delairia odorata 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: Perennial, weakly-stemmed vine to 25m, but also ground-smo<strong>the</strong>ring. Leaves: Simple, alternate and 

lobed, palmately veined, fleshy and light green. Flowers: Conspicuous clusters of small, unpleasantly 

scented yellow, daisy-like flower heads. July - September. Fruit: An achene (hard-coated, no flesh) with a 

pappus (tuft of ‘hairs’). Roots: Shallow-rooted and generally not adventitious (ie rooting at nodes). 

Ecology: Tolerant of semi-shade to full sun, Capy Ivy is fast growing and quickly smo<strong>the</strong>rs o<strong>the</strong>r 

vegetation, often stunting and killing <strong>the</strong> ‘host’. Once elevated to canopy height, <strong>the</strong> wind-dispersed fruit 

can travel over long distances (>1km) and start new infestations. 

Dispersal: Seed which is readily spread by wind, water and as a soil contaminant. Is also capable of 

growing from stem fragments with a node. 


HAND: Hand pull/dig, bagging all plant parts and removing from site. Use caution not to damage host 

vegetation. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with 1.5g 10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) is effective.

Common name: Castor Oil Plant Latin name: Ricinus communis 

FAMILY: EUPHORBIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Perennial large shrub to small tree to 7m with open, spreading habit and smooth, grey trunk. 

Leaves: Simple, alternate and deeply lobed, palmately veined, soft and thin, dark green above, paler 

below. Flowers: Conspicuous terminal spikes of separate male and female flowers protruding beyond 

foliage (see photo). Fruit: Capsule containing numerous hard striped seeds to 7mm. 

Ecology: A disturbance specialist which rapidly colonises after flood, fire or clearing of land or weedy 

vegetation from dormant seed bank. Castor Oil Plant does not like full shade, but takes advantage of high 

light and heat conditions. The plant can grow up to 5m in <strong>the</strong> first year and set viable fruit. Fruit estimated to 

have a viability of up to 120 years and a dense seed bank can develop quickly within infestations. 

Dispersal: Seed which is readily spread by water and as a soil contaminant. 


Note: All parts of this plant should be considered poisonous and appropriate PPE used. 

HAND: Small plants can be hand-pulled. CHEMICAL: Dense infestations of seedlings or small plants can 

be foliar sprayed with glyphosate @ 2.0% + a non-ionic penetrant (eg Pulse or Rygel) @ 0.1%. Large 

plants can be cut-stumped with undiluted glyphosate (eg Roundup Biactive).

Common name: Cats Ear Latin name: Hypochaeris radicata 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: Rosetted annual, herb, 8-50cm high, leaves rough, bristly; yellow flower heads up to 3 cm across. 

Common weed of lawns, horticultural areas, roadsides & bushland. 

Leaves: A rosette of lanceolate, shallowly-lobed leaves with abundant rough hairs. Flowers: Conspicuous 

yellow flowers presented on occasionally-branched stems. Fruit: An achene (hard-coated, no flesh) with a 

pappus (tuft of ‘hairs’). 

Ecology: Like many Asteraceae plants of this type, Hypochaeris thrives in disturbed, high light and heat 

situations eg. post-fire, scarification by machinery, trampling, over-stocking etc. It produces abundant seed 

that rapidly germinates and also can resprout from <strong>the</strong> tap-root. 

Dispersal: Seed which is readily spread by wind and as a soil contaminant. 


HAND: Small plants can be hand-pulled, ensuring <strong>the</strong> tap-root is removed. CHEMICAL: Dense infestations 

of seedlings or small plants can be foliar sprayed with glyphosate @ 1.0% or 1g 10L -1 metsulfuron methyl 

(eg Brushoff) which will not kill surrounding grasses.

Common name: Chinese Celtis Latin name: Celtis sinensis 

FAMILY: CANNABACEAE/ULMACEAE 

ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: W3 


Habit: Deciduous, small to medium tree to 15m with broad crown and greyish trunk and branches. Leaves: 

Simple, alternate, slightly too<strong>the</strong>d (except for basal 1/3), mildly rough to touch, dark dull-green upper, paler 

beneath, 3-veined from <strong>the</strong> base. Flowers: Inconspicuous cream-green. Fruit: A single-seeded berry which 

ripens from green to orange to black at maturity. 

Ecology: A significant transforming environmental weed and agricultural weed, capable of forming dense 

impenetrable thickets. Chinese Celtis produces abundant fruit which readily germinates beneath <strong>the</strong> parent 

tree to form a dense stand where it outcompetes native vegetation. 

Dispersal: Seed which is readily spread by birds and occasionally as a contaminant of dumped garden 

waste or mulch. Seeds do not seem to require passage through gut for viability and hence dispersal in 

riparian systems – unaided by animals – is common. 



of seedlings or small plants can be foliar sprayed with glyphosate @ 10mL L -1 + 1g 10L -1 metsulfuron 

methyl (eg Brushoff). Plants too large for hand pulling – but up to 100mm diameter - can be cut close to 

ground level and immediately painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Chisel or drill and 

inject larger trees with undiluted glyphosate @ 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> 

ground as possible (also treat any dominant surface roots).

Common name: Chinese Tallow Latin name: Triadica sebifera (Syn. Sapium sebiferum) 

FAMILY: EUPHORBIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: A deciduous tree usually to 8m, with a spectacular maroon autumn leaf colour. Tallow tree should 

not be confused with <strong>the</strong> bleeding heart tree (Homalanthus populifolius), a native rainforest tree in <strong>the</strong> same 

Family (Euphorbiaceae). Leaves: Leaves are dark green above, paler below and distinctively heart-shaped 

with a blade to 9cm long and to 7.5cm wide. The leaves are arranged alternately and <strong>the</strong> petiole is often 

longer than <strong>the</strong> blade. Flowers: Tallow tree produces slender spikes approximately 100mm in length of tiny 

yellowish green flowers in late spring to summer. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. 

Fruit: The fruit is 1.2cm long and 1.4cm wide, initially green <strong>the</strong>n black, three lobed and contains three 

white seeds covered in a chalky coating of tallow. 

Ecology: A significant transforming environmental weed and agricultural weed, capable of forming dense 

impenetrable thickets. Over 130,000 seeds can be produced per tree per year. Germination success can 

be as high as 62% (Singh et. al. 1993). Tallow also spreads by suckering following cutting or burning. The 

tree is generally not tolerant of deep shade but is fast growing and capable of invading rainforest gaps and 

margins as well as partially shaded forests such as melaleuca swamps or wet sclerophyll. 

Dispersal: Seeds are eaten by birds and float on water, and hence are easily spread by floods (Hosking, 

pers. comm.). 



of seedlings or small plants can be foliar sprayed with glyphosate @ 1.0% + 1g10L -1 metsulfuron methyl 

(eg Brushoff). Plants too large for hand pulling – but up to 100mm diameter - can be cut close to ground 

level and immediately painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Chisel or drill and inject 

larger trees with undiluted glyphosate @ 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground 

as possible (also treat any dominant surface roots).

Common name: Climbing Asparagus Latin name: Asparagus plumosus 

FAMILY: ASPARAGACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: A perennial vine to 5m arising from an underground corm in <strong>the</strong> same fashion as edible asparagus 

A. officinalis. In some instances, however, a creeping rhizome can develop which may send up new stems. 

Leaves: Leaves are in fact fine cladodes (reduced stem segments) which encircle <strong>the</strong> branches at nodes 

giving <strong>the</strong> plant a ‘ferny’ appearance. The main lateral branches present in horizontal planes, as do <strong>the</strong> 

individual clusters of cladodes (this is a key identifier with o<strong>the</strong>r climbing asparagus). The base of each 

branchlet is often subtended by a thorn. Flowers: Small, inconspicuous and born singularly in branchlet 

axils. Fruit: The fruit is a spherical, single-seeded berry which ripens from green to black. 

Ecology: A. plumosus germinates from a single-seeded fruit and is capable of flowering and fruiting after 

two to three years. It is shade tolerant and can invade relatively intact (undisturbed) forest systems. Once 

established, like o<strong>the</strong>r weedy Asparagus species, it competes aggressively for soil moisture and dense 

infestations can ‘starve’ nearby deeper-rooted vegetation of water and nutrients. The plant does not spread 

vegetatively from stems (apart from <strong>the</strong> growing crown or rhizome) and requires gravity or an animal vector 

to facilitate this. 

Dispersal: Seeds are eaten by birds, can travel in water and are occasionally spread in contaminated 

garden waste. 


HAND: Seedlings quickly develop strong, clumping roots so even small plants may need crowning out. 

Plants only regrow from <strong>the</strong> crown or creeping rhizome so it is not essential to remove <strong>the</strong> entire root mass, 

but it is important to follow and remove all rhizomes. Larger plants can still be rogued out but may require 

<strong>the</strong> use of a mattock or similar. In all cases, ei<strong>the</strong>r remove <strong>the</strong> crown. CHEMICAL: Dense infestations of 

seedlings or small plants can be foliar sprayed with 1.5g10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff).

Common name: Climbing Nightshade Latin name: Solanum seaforthianum 

FAMILY: SOLANACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: A perennial vine to 6m with a tough stem and deeply lobed leaves, common in coastal environs. 

Leaves: Simple, alternate and deeply lobed (pinnatafid), dull green above, paler beneath. Flowers: 

clusters of mauve to lilac flowers with 5 fused petals (like many o<strong>the</strong>r Solanaceae) and yellow stamens. 

Fruit: is a red berry with many seeds to 7mm in diameter. 

Ecology: Climbing nightshade flourishes in forested coastal environments, including dry and wet 

sclerophyll and Littoral rainforest, although it has limited potential to invade undisturbed systems. It can, 

however, flourish in rainforest gaps (internal and external (ie edges)) where it is a quick grower and capable 

of rapidly spreading. At maturity it can smo<strong>the</strong>r o<strong>the</strong>r vegetation, competing with it for light (and moisture) 

and it also aggressively competes with native vines of similar niche (eg Stephania, Cayratia, Cynanchum, 

Marsdenia, Hardenbergia). 

Dispersal: Seeds are eaten and spread by birds. 


HAND: Seedlings and small plants can be hand-pulled, taken care to remove as much of <strong>the</strong> root mass as 

possible. If practicable, remove and fruit off-site too. Large plants may require <strong>the</strong> use of a mattock or 

similar. CHEMICAL: Dense infestations of seedlings or small plants can be foliar sprayed with 1.5g10L -1 

metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff). Large plants can be cut-paste with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp 

Biactive).

Common name: Cocos Palm Latin name: Syagrus romanzoffiana 

FAMILY: ARACACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Tree to 15m with single, straight trunk, frequently planted in municipal areas and private yards. 

Leaves: Large (to 3m), whorled and compound with many long leaflets. Seedlings do not have divided 

cotyledons as in Bangalow Palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana). Flowers: Cream to white in large, 

showy panicles. Fruit: is an orange, fleshy drupe (ie single seeded) 10mm in diameter. 

Ecology: Similar to that of Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis). Well suited to <strong>the</strong> tropics and 

sub-tropics, it grows readily from seed which often originates from municipal and private amenity plantings. 

Large numbers of seedlings usually germinate beneath parent trees and particularly where seed has 

‘rafted’ into piles along stream banks. Dense stands are uncommon, but large numbers can establish in 

forest types usually inhabited by o<strong>the</strong>r endemic palms such as Bangalow and Cabbage Palm (Livistona 

australis). 

Dispersal: Seeds are eaten and spread by birds, flying foxes, possums etc. 





to ground level and immediately painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Larger palms 

can be treated by chiselling or drilling around <strong>the</strong> trunk close to <strong>the</strong> ground 100mm apart and filling with 

2mm of undiluted glyphosate per hole. 

Livistona australis or Cabbage Tree Palm, 

Native look a like

Common name: Coffee Latin name: Coffea arabica 

FAMILY: RUBIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Shrub to 4m with dense, dark, glossy foliage to ground level. Usually a single trunk <strong>the</strong>n branching 

from 300mm upward. Leaves: Simple, opposite to 120mm, oblanceolate and drawn out to a ‘drip tip’, wavy 

margin. Adult leaves have several domatia in <strong>the</strong> axis’ of <strong>the</strong> mid-vein and several lateral veins. Flowers: 

Clustered, small white flowers in leaf axis’, fragrant. Fruit: A red, fleshy, ovoid (olive-shaped) drupe (ie 

single seeded) to 15mm. 

Ecology: Coffea Arabica is an emerging weed on <strong>the</strong> mid-north coast, but well established in nor<strong>the</strong>rn New 

South Wales where it has escaped cultivation from households and plantations into adjacent forests. It is 

particularly well suited to high-rainfall, frost-free, red-soil environs where it readily invades in-tact rainforests 

in deep shade conditions. The highly visible and palatable fruit are dispersed by birds and <strong>the</strong> plant is 

capable of rapid spread across a wide range. The tree is capable of setting viable fruit after 3 years. 

Dispersal: Seeds are eaten and spread by birds. People readily plant it as a feature tree or for its edible 

fruit. 



possible. HAND: Seedlings and juveniles can be hand-pulled, but young plants quickly develop a strong 

tap root. CHEMICAL: Juveniles can be cut close to ground level and immediately painted with undiluted 

glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) or sprayed with 1.5g10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) and/or 20mL 

L -1 of glyphosate. Larger plants can be treated by chiselling or drilling around <strong>the</strong> trunk close to <strong>the</strong> ground 

100mm apart and filling with 2mm of undiluted glyphosate per hole.

Common name: Coral Berry Latin name: Ardisia crenata 

FAMILY: MYRSINACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Shrub to single trunk to 2m with glossy foliage with red clusters of fruit presented within or below <strong>the</strong> 

foliage. Usually a single trunk <strong>the</strong>n branching from 300mm upward. Leaves: Simple, pseudo-whorled, to 

100mm, lanceolate with strongly crenate margins (see photo). Flowers: Small, white and clustered. Fruit: 

Red, fleshy, rounded drupe (ie single seeded) to 8mm. 

Ecology: Ardisia is an established weed on <strong>the</strong> mid-north coast but - for <strong>the</strong> most part - still in 

comparatively low infestation levels. It is hardy and capable of tolerating frost and deep shade conditions 

where it readily invades in-tact forest. The highly visible and palatable fruit are dispersed by birds and <strong>the</strong> 

plant is capable of rapid spread across a wide range. 

Dispersal: Seeds are eaten and spread by birds. People readily plant it as a feature tree or for its edible 

fruit. 



possible. HAND: Seedlings and juveniles can be hand-pulled, but young plants quickly develop a strong 

root system. Care should be taken when hand-weeding on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: Juveniles can 

be cut close to ground level and immediately painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) or 

sprayed with 1.5g10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) and/or 20mL L -1 of glyphosate. Larger plants can 

be treated by cut and paste with undiluted glyphosate.

Common name: Coral Tree Latin name: Erythrina x sykesii 

FAMILY: FABACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Fast-growing, deciduous tree to 25m; broad spreading crown; all parts of <strong>the</strong> tree are covered in 

short thorns; aggressive layering when felled. Leaves: Alternate to pseudo-whorled, compound with 3 

deltoid (triangular) leaflets, <strong>the</strong> middle on a long petiolule (leaf stalks); leaflets thin and dark green above – 

paler below Flowers: Showy clusters of red flowers appear in Spring when <strong>the</strong> tree is leafless Fruit: A pod, 

but this hybrid does not yet set viable seed. 

Ecology: A cultivated hybrid which has been (and is) widely planted as a stately feature tree on farms, 

suburban gardens and in municipal areas, <strong>the</strong> main vector of spread is humans and flowing water of 

riparian systems where rafted debris of trunk and branch parts readily strike roots and develop new 

infestations. The wood is pithy and <strong>the</strong> tree is vulnerable to stem-injection techniques of control. However, 

limbs which drop to <strong>the</strong> ground during necrosis can still have viable epicormic buds and begin to grow 

again. Similarly for <strong>the</strong> collapsed trunk of a treated tree. For this reason, retreatment is often required. 

Dispersal: Does not yet produce viable seed. Main means of dispersal is by humans through cultivated 

plantings and water movement of riparian systems. To a lesser degree in dumped garden waste and as a 

contaminant in soil (‘clean fill’) on farms and civil construction. 


Note: Exercise caution and use appropriate PPE when handling this plant as all parts have sharp thorns. 


possible. HAND: Seedlings and juveniles can be hand-pulled. Care should be taken when hand-weeding 

on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: Juveniles can be cut close to ground level and immediately painted 

with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) or sprayed with 1.5g10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg 

Brushoff). Larger plants can be treated by cut and paste with undiluted glyphosate. Chisel or drill and inject 

larger trees with undiluted glyphosate @ 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground 

as possible (also treat any dominant surface roots). If branches of <strong>the</strong> tree have made contact with <strong>the</strong> soil, 

it is likely that <strong>the</strong>y will have struck roots, so treat <strong>the</strong>se by <strong>the</strong> above methods. 

.

Common name: Coreopsis Latin name: Coreopsis lanceolata 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: A short lived perennial from <strong>the</strong> American prairies, Coreopsis is a bright yellow daisy carpeting rural 

roadsides in spring and early summer. Long lanceolate leaves in basal clusters. Leaves: Lanceolate, basal 

rosette developing into a tuft, green above, whitish beneath. Flowers: Yellow, compound ‘daisy’-like, 

singularly on peduncle (flower stalk) to 60cm, ray florets (outer petals of flower head) are too<strong>the</strong>d on <strong>the</strong> 

ends. Fruit: An achene (hard-coated) with 2 papery ‘wings’, small (1-2mm). 

Ecology: A short lived perennial herb which produces abundant seed that germinates readily under high 

light and heat conditions; well suited to road-sides, burned heath, dunes, compacted turf or recreation 

areas, overstocked/degraded pasture on poor soils. Coreopsis is now a widespread environmental weed on 

poor soils and in open grassland and woodland. It is spread rapidly by wind and forms interconnected root 

mats. 

Dispersal: Its tiny seeds are spread rapidly by wind along roads and railway lines. Also spreads 

vegetatively via underground rhizomes. To a lesser degree in dumped garden waste and as a contaminant 

in soil (‘clean fill’) on farms and civil construction. 

Control: Hand weeding is time consuming but successful. Each sister plant must be traced and removed. 

Seeds are long lived, so new seedlings will need to be weeded out every year. 

Spraying with a glysophate at 10mL L -1 flowering is successful. 

.

Common name: Corky Passion Flower Latin name: Passiflora suberosa 

FAMILY: PASSIFLORACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Annual scrambler/vine to 5m, straggling habit which can ground-cover as well as smo<strong>the</strong>r low 

vegetation, particularly on forest edges and in o<strong>the</strong>r gaps. Older stems are white and particularly 

corky/pithy. Leaves: Simple, alternate and lobed. Three lobes, each drawn to a blunt point. Flowers: 

White, singular and showy – typical of o<strong>the</strong>r Passifloraceae. Fruit: A black berry with multiple seeds. 

Ecology: It is usually most successful in <strong>the</strong> sub-canopy, where it smo<strong>the</strong>rs small trees, shrubs and even 

<strong>the</strong> ground cover species. It germinates readily in partial shade to full sun and can also spread by layering 

along older sections of <strong>the</strong> stem where it contacts <strong>the</strong> ground. The fruit is palatable to animals, particularly 

birds and this helps <strong>the</strong> plant spread quickly over a wide range. 

Dispersal: Fruit are eaten and spread by birds, but also likely by terrestrial vertebrates such as rats. Less 

common is <strong>the</strong> active spread by humans as <strong>the</strong> plant is valued by some as an ornamental. 

Control: 

HAND: Hand weeding is time consuming but successful. It is important to remove as much of <strong>the</strong> root 

mass as possible, particularly where <strong>the</strong> stem has layered. CHEMICAL: Dense infestations can be foliar 

sprayed with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 . Large plants can be treated by cut-scrapepaint 

with undiluted glyphosate. 

.

Common name: Cotoneaster Latin name: Cotoneaster glaucophyllus 

FAMILY: ROSACEAE/MALACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Shrub to 4m, often multiple trunks arising from <strong>the</strong> base which take on an arching habit. The tree 

has a dull green appearance punctuated with clusters of bright red berries when in fruit. Leaves: Simple, 

alternate, discolourous (upper and lower surfaces distinctly different in colour), <strong>the</strong> lower surface with a 

wooly covering of hairs, leaves up to 10cm long. Flowers: In white clusters. Each flower about 8 mm wide, 

5-petalled. Flower stalk densely hairy. Flowers spring and summer. Fruit: A red berry to 10mm with multiple 

yellow seeds, presented in clusters. 

Ecology: Common ornamental. Widely naturalised on <strong>the</strong> fringes of urban bushland and roadsides near 

plantings. At least nine species of Cotoneaster have naturalised in Australia. The fruit is palatable to 

animals, particularly birds and this helps <strong>the</strong> plant spread quickly over a wide range. It is aggressive in <strong>the</strong> 

mid and understory of some forest types, although not well suited to <strong>the</strong> deep shade of rainforest. It invades 

heathland and heathy woodland, lowland grassland and grassy woodland, dry sclerophyll forest and 

woodland, damp sclerophyll forest, wet sclerophyll forest, riparian vegetation, freshwater wetland 

(seasonal), and rock outcrop vegetation (Carr et al 1992). It’s aggressive habit and ability to form dense 

thickets enables it to outcompete desirable vegetation. 

Dispersal: Fruit are eaten and spread by birds, but also likely by terrestrial vertebrates such as rats. Seeds 

can be transported in flowing water of riparian systems. Also spread by humans as <strong>the</strong> plant is valued by 

some as an ornamental. 


HAND: Cotoneaster can be dug out, and seedlings and small plants hand pulled. CHEMICAL: Seedlings 

can be spot sprayed with glyphosate & water at 10mL L -1 + surfactant (eg Pulse or Rygel). The plant 

suckers readily so large plants can be treated by cut, scrape and paint stump, or stem inject with undiluted 

glyphosate.

Common name: Cotton Bush / Swan Plant Latin name: Gomphocarpus fruiticosus 

FAMILY: APOCYNACEAE/ASCLEPEDIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Erect, short-lived perennial shrub to 2m. Stems densely covered with apressed (laying flat) short 

weak soft hairs when young, becoming hairless with age. Leaves 4–12.5 cm long, 0.5–1.5 cm wide, upper 

and lower surfaces with scattered hairs; hairs on leaf stalk to 1 cm long. Flowers: White to 15mm in 

clusters. Fruit: A green inflated pod, turning brown with age, covered with soft spines to 1 cm long, splitting 

to release seeds; pod with inner wall separated from outer wall by an air space and seeds within inner 

chamber; pod stalk S-shaped. Seeds numerous, ovoid, flat, about 0.6 cm long and ending in a tuft of white 

silky hairs (pappus) about 3 cm long. 

Ecology: Grows well in areas of disturbance such as grazed pasture or degraded farmland, but also 

readily colonises areas of ephemeral inundation, creek banks etc. Prefers full sun. Inflated fruit releases 

windblown seeds, but spread also facilitated by contaminated soil, garden waste and on vehicles and 

machinery. Dense stands of Cotton Bush compete with desirable vegetation. 

Dispersal: Inflated fruit releases windblown seeds, but spread also facilitated by contaminated soil, garden 

waste and on vehicles and machinery. 


Note: Plants contain milky sap which may be irritable to some so PPE should be worn. 

HAND: Recommended for small infestations only. CHEMICAL: Dense or large and diffuse infestations can 

be foliar sprayed with 10ml L -1 glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive).

Common name: Crimson Fountain Grass Latin name: Pennisetum setaceum and P. alopecuroides 


ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: 


Habit: Tufted or clump-forming perennial grass to 1m. Flowers: Flowers Inflorescence spike-like and 

fea<strong>the</strong>ry, purplish, at <strong>the</strong> end of long canes; flowers Summer-Winter. P. setaceum – seed heads to 30cm 

long, P. alopecuroides – seed heads to 8cm long. Fruit: Small (

Common name: Crofton Weed Latin name: Ageratina adenophora 


ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: W4 


Habit: A large branched herb up to2 m high with triangular to diamond-shaped dark green leaves, 

sometimes slightly hairy with obvious veins. Flowers: Flowers are small, white and daisy-like, clustered in 

heads. Fruit: A small achene (hard-coated seed) with a bristly ‘tail’. 

Ecology: Spreads rapidly; mature Crofton weed plants can produce between 10 000 and 100 000 seeds 

per year. Seeds are very light (25 000 seeds/g) and are windborne over long distances to invade previously 

non-infested areas.The seeds require light to stimulate germination so that invasion commonly takes place 

on bare, disturbed sites and only rarely on heavily vegetated areas. Places where Crofton weed is 

commonly found include: land cleared but not revegetated with pasture, roadsides and waste areas, State 

forests. Once established, seedlings tolerate shade and grow rapidly. In this way, small infestations of 

Crofton weed rapidly increase in size unless controlled. Crofton weed reduces <strong>the</strong> ecological value of bush 

land, lowers crop yields and reduces <strong>the</strong> carrying capacity of grazing land. 

Dispersal: Windborne over short-long distances, but also as a contaminant of soil, machinery, animals and 

people. 


HAND: Dig out and remove off site. CHEMICAL: Dense or large and diffuse infestations can be foliar 

sprayed with metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) 1.5g 10L -1 . 

Clerodendrum tomentosa or Lolly Bush 

Native look a like

Common name: Duranta (‘Sheena’s Gold’) Latin name: Duranta repens and D. erecta. 

FAMILY: VERBENACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: A large shrub with many trunks up to 6m with arching branches covered in straight spines. It has a 

golden-green appearance and – when in fruit – is often festooned in large racemes of orange berries. 

Flowers: Lilac to 15mm in long racemes from Spring to Autumn. Fruit: An orange berry to 8mm with 

multiple seeds. 

Ecology: Common ornamental but only and emerging weed in <strong>the</strong> Hastings region where it is occasionally 

naturalised on <strong>the</strong> fringes of urban bushland and roadsides near plantings. The fruit is palatable to animals, 

particularly birds and this helps <strong>the</strong> plant spread quickly over a wide range. It is aggressive in <strong>the</strong> mid and 

understory of some forest types, and although not well suited to <strong>the</strong> deep shade of rainforest it can flourish 

on edges and in gaps. 

Dispersal: The fruit is palatable to animals, particularly birds and can spread quickly over a wide range. It 

is still widely planted and as such humans are a primary dispersal vector. 


Note: Plants are covered in sharp spines and caution should be exercised when working with this plant, 

including <strong>the</strong> use of appropriate PPE. 

HAND: Duranta can be dug out, and seedlings and small plants hand pulled. Caution should be exercised 

when hand removing on loose, steep or friable ground. CHEMICAL: Large plants can be treated by cutpaint 

with undiluted glyphosate or by chiselling or drilling around <strong>the</strong> trunk close to <strong>the</strong> ground 100mm apart 

and filling with 2mm of undiluted glyphosate + metsulfuron methyl at 1g L -1 per hole. Dense infestations 

should be slashed and <strong>the</strong> regrowth treated as above.

Common name: Dwarf Umbrella Tree Latin name: Schefflera arboricola. 

FAMILY: ARALIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Shrub to about 2 m high but occasionally larger; often multiple trunks; fan-like foliage presents facing 

outward. Flowers: Terminal panicles bearing small clusters or umbels, greenish to white. Leaves: 

Compound, palmate with about 7-11 glossy green leaflets, each to 11 cm long. Fruit: Fruit a purple berry 

when ripe. 

Ecology: Widely planted as a garden ornamental, it is often in ready proximity to bushland areas where it 

is readily dispersed by animals, particularly birds. The seeds can germinate in shaded rainforest 

environments, but is better suited to more open light conditions such as wet sclerophyll, heathy forest as 

well as ruderal and unmanaged areas (easements, rural infrastructure etc). The plant competes with 

desirable vegetation and whilst thickets are uncommon, it is a threat to forest biodiversity. 




HAND: Seedlings and small plants can be hand pulled. Caution should be exercised when hand removing 

on loose, steep or friable ground. CHEMICAL: Large plants can be treated by cut-paint with undiluted 

glyphosate or by chiselling or drilling around <strong>the</strong> trunk close to <strong>the</strong> ground 100mm apart and filling with 

2mm of undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) per hole. 

Dwarf Umbrella Tree and Umbrella Tree Seedlings

Common name: Elderberry Latin name: Sambuccus nigra. 

FAMILY: ADOXACEAE/CAPRIFOLIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Freely coppicing shrub to 3m Flowers: Upturned umbels of showy, white flowers at canopy. Leaves: 

Compound, pinnate with about 7-11 too<strong>the</strong>d leaflets, each to 5 cm long. Fruit: Fruit a purplish black berry 

to 5mm. 

Ecology: Widely planted as a garden ornamental, it is often in ready proximity to bushland areas where it 

is readily dispersed by animals, particularly birds. It is better suited to more open light conditions such as 

wet sclerophyll, heathy forest as well as ruderal and unmanaged areas (easements, rural infrastructure 

etc). The plant competes with desirable vegetation and whilst thickets are uncommon, it coppices readily 

from <strong>the</strong> lower trunk. 




HAND: Seedlings and small plants can be hand pulled. Caution should be exercised when hand removing 

on loose, steep or friable ground. CHEMICAL: Large plants can be treated by cut-paint with undiluted 

glyphosate or by chiselling or drilling around <strong>the</strong> trunk close to <strong>the</strong> ground 100mm apart and filling with 

2mm of undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) per hole. Dense infestations can be slashed and 

treated as above.

Common name: Elephant’s Ears/Purple Taro Latin name: Colocasia esculenta/Xanthosoma violaceum 

FAMILY: ARACEAE 

ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: Class 4 (Locally Controlled) (Colocasia spp.) 


Habit: A variable species of perennial herb 1-2 m tall; large “elephants ears” leaves grow from <strong>the</strong> base, 

upper surface glossy green to bluish-black. Occurs in many variants. Flowers: Flowers appear on a fleshy 

stalk enveloped by a long yellow bract (spa<strong>the</strong>). Leaves: Leaves are usually very large, arrowhead shaped, 

dark green and velvety. Fruit: Fruit a small berry, in clusters on <strong>the</strong> fleshy stalk. 

Ecology: In some parts of <strong>the</strong> world this fast growing wild taro (C. esculenta) is harvested for its potato-like 

tubers and it can be easily grown by re-sowing sections of <strong>the</strong> same. It spreads rapidly by vegetative 

means (rhizomes as well as tuber parts) and this is fur<strong>the</strong>r enabled by its preference for boggy and 

waterlogged conditions. On occasion it sets viable seed, but this is not considered a primary means of 

spread. 

Dispersal: It is still widely planted and, as such, humans are a primary dispersal vector. Tubers can be 

distributed in <strong>the</strong> flower water of riparian systems, particularly during flood disturbance. 


Note: Care should be taken when handling all plant parts, as <strong>the</strong> tissue contains needle-shaped raphides in 

un-cooked plant cells — severe gastrointestinal distress can occur. The initial affect on <strong>the</strong> mouth is an 

immediate painful irritation, burning and swelling of <strong>the</strong> lips, tongue and o<strong>the</strong>r mouth parts with a 

subsequent feeling of local anaes<strong>the</strong>sia. It is also toxic to handle, care needs to be taken with removal. 

Wear gloves and avoid coming into contact with plant parts. 

HAND: For individual plants or small infestations, dig up rhizome and dry out. Larger infestations :dig up 

and remove, though this can cause a large amount of soil disturbance. CHEMICAL: The plants can be 

sliced across near <strong>the</strong> base with a cane knife and neat glyphosate dabbed on <strong>the</strong> stem, if possible mostly 

on <strong>the</strong> green part of <strong>the</strong> new leaf which takes up <strong>the</strong> poison best. This will kill <strong>the</strong> tuber and possibly new 

plants that are growing by sprouting from <strong>the</strong> roots nearby. Trial foliar spray with glyphosate and water at 

1:50 (20ml/L) &/or metsulfuron methyl (e.g. Associate®) at 1.5g/10 L + non ionic surfactant (repeated 

treatments needed); or trial cut, scrape and paint or drill & inject of rhizome with glyphosate and water 1:1.5 

&/or metsulfuron methyl at 10g/1L. Trial wiping of leaves with metsulfuron methyl mix. Only use metsulfuron 

methyl in terrestrial areas. To control dense patches of <strong>the</strong> plant near waterways, trial glyphosate 1:9 (via a 

splatter gun) or 1:20 with a wickwiper. Use only formulas that are registered for use near waterways. 

Usually some material will be left and new plants will continue to emerge, which have to be treated 

gradually. O<strong>the</strong>rs will appear after having drifted downstream, and yet o<strong>the</strong>rs will come up from seed.

Elephants Ears Native Look a Like: Alocasia brisbanensis or Cunjevoi

Common name: Farmer’s Friends/Cobbler’s Pegs Latin name: Bidens pillosa 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: An erect annual or perennial herb with branching habit to about 1m high. Flowers: Individual flowers 

are yellow but are tiny and held in dense terminal clusters in a widely branching flowering head. Each 

flower cluster has four or five short, broad, white "petals" but <strong>the</strong>se do not persist for very long. Leaves: 

Leaves are deeply divided into three too<strong>the</strong>d lobes, with <strong>the</strong> terminal lobe larger than <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two. Fruit: 

The seeds are black, about 1cm long, with 2 or 3 barbed awns at <strong>the</strong> tip. These adhere to clothing. 

Ecology: Generally found growing in full sun or partial shade on grazing land, roadsides or waste ground, 

but it also invades remnant grassy vegetation in farming areas. It will tolerate dry infertile soils and often is 

most prolific on warm north-facing rocky slopes. Burrs are a nuisance on sheep and o<strong>the</strong>r fleece-producing 

livestock, and to people. 

Dispersal: Fruit adhere to hair/fur/clothing and are a contaminant of soil and garden waste. They also are 

capable of floating on water. 


HAND: Chip or hand pull prior to <strong>the</strong> burrs forming, or spot spray. Take care to avoid walking through 

seeding plants and spreading <strong>the</strong> seed. If removing seeding plants, bag <strong>the</strong>m for burning or deep burial, to 

avoid spreading <strong>the</strong> seed. It is successful to pile <strong>the</strong>m in full shade to stop germination. Aim to shade out 

areas of infestation. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray of 10mL L -1 glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) is effective, 

but non-selective. 1.8mL L -1 2,4-D amine (eg Amicide625) will not kill grasses.

Common name: Fishbone Fern Latin name: Nephrolepis cordifolia (Syn. N. auriculatata) 

FAMILY: DAVALLIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Fern with underground stem densely covered with pale brown scales; <strong>the</strong> above ground stems 

slender and wiry. Has rounded tubers just below surface. Flowers: n/a. Leaves: Fronds erect or hanging 

downwards, <strong>the</strong> leaves are dull lime green and narrow, often with a row of pale dots on <strong>the</strong> upper surface 

near <strong>the</strong> leaf margin. Fruit: n/a. 

Ecology: A common weed of different bushland types as it is often dumped as refuse. Because of its rapid 

and aggressive vegetative spread, it readily moves into bushland from neighbouring suburban/periurban 

land when left unmanaged. It can outcompete and overwhelm native groundcovers and prevent <strong>the</strong> 

regeneration of desirable seedlings. It can reproduce by wind and water-borne spores all year round, 

making long range dispersal and spread possible. 

Dispersal: Creeping underground rhizomes, wind, water and soil-borne spores, dumped garden waste, 

propagation by division by humans. 


HAND: Use hand weeding on small infestations; or as a means to prepare an infestation for spraying to 

avoid off-target damage; or as follow-up in large infestations once knock-down has been effective. 

CHEMICAL: Foliar spray of glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 20mL L -1 + metsulfuron methyl (eg 

Brushoff) 1.5g 10L -1 + non ionic surfactant (e.g. Agral®, Pulse or Rygel) at 1mL L -1 .

Fishbone Fern Look a Likes 

Pellaea falcate or Sickle Fern 

Doodia aspera or Prickly Rasp Fern

Common name: Five Leaved Morning Glory/Mile-a-minute Latin name: Ipomoea cairica 

FAMILY: CONVOLVULACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: A fast-growing, perennial vine to 30m with trailing and twining stems, rooting at <strong>the</strong> nodes; stems 

with milky sap when cut/broken. Flowers: Funnel-shaped and hairless, violet to purplish violet with a darker 

throat, rarely white. Leaves: Leaves alternate, palmate, divided almost to <strong>the</strong> base with 5-7 lobes drawn to 

a blunt tip. Fruit: A dry capsule to 15mm with 4-5 hard brown seeds. 

Ecology: An aggressive bushland invader and significant transforming weed across a range of vegetation 

types. It is a fast grower and – although not a comparatively prolific seeder – capable of spreading and 

(re)infecting over long ranges by spread of floating seed in flowing fresh water, coastal and estuarine salt 

water and more generally as a contaminant of soil and garden refuse. On roadsides it rapidly spreads by 

grading and slashing machinery as well as short-range vegetative spread when <strong>the</strong> ground-running stems 

root adventitiously. 

Dispersal: Although widely recognised as an environmental weed, Morning Glory is still valued by some for 

its showy flowers and quick-growing hardy habit, but it is seldom propagated. However, as a transforming 

weed, non-management of this weed provides opportunities for continued spread. It is capable of spreading 

and (re)infecting over long ranges by spread of floating seed in flowing fresh water, coastal and estuarine 

salt water and more generally as a contaminant of soil and garden refuse. On roadsides it rapidly spreads 

by grading and slashing machinery as well as short-range vegetative spread when <strong>the</strong> ground-running 

stems root adventitiously. 


HAND: Seedlings and small plants can be hand pulled. Cut vertical stems at a height that ensures no rerooting 

with <strong>the</strong> ground can be made. Trace back <strong>the</strong> stem and where it roots adventitiously, grub out, 

including – if possible – <strong>the</strong> main root system. This is likely to be time-consuming, but will ensure a good 

initial knockdown. CHEMICAL: Do as for above hand weeding, but cut-scrape-paint adventitious and main 

stem/roots with undiluted glyphosate. For dense, smo<strong>the</strong>ring infestations within foliar spray height, use 

1.8mL L -1 2,4-D amine (eg Amicide 625) or 5mL L -1 2,4-Dichlorprop (Lantana600) or glyphosate (eg 

RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 +/- metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.0g L -1 .

Common name: Fleabane Latin name: Conyza spp. 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: Erect, fast-growing, annual herb to 1.5m, usually single stemmed, but occasionally 2 or more. Dull 

green appearance and topped with large, dense, fluffy cream/off-white seed head. Flowers: Small, 

clustered, upturned and typical of ‘Daisy’ family with constricting sepals (ie it does not present ‘open’ as in 

Coreopsis sp. or Gazania sp.) (see photo). Leaves: Forms a basal rosette; stem leaves simple, alternate, 

lanceolate to 15cm, hairy and irregularly, deeply crenate (‘too<strong>the</strong>d’ but teeth rounded, not pointed). Fruit: 

An achene (hard-coated) with a tuft of hairs (pappus). 

Ecology: A disturbance specialist, particularly on bare ground or after ripping, cultivating, scarifying or 

flood events where water can expose bare ground on creek banks or open inter-tussock spaces between 

clumping grasses. Each plant can produce up to 110 000 viable seeds that can lay dormant in <strong>the</strong> seed 

bank for many years waiting for disturbance to break dormancy. Although usually associated with dryland 

cropping areas, because of both <strong>the</strong> long-range dispersal by wind and long dormancy, fleabane can appear 

unexpectedly in rainforest gaps or on revegetation sites after pasture conversion. 

Dispersal: The pappus of hairs enables <strong>the</strong> seed to be carried over very long distances on wind, but it also 

spreads readily on vehicles, clothing, machinery or even wildlife, to which <strong>the</strong> seeds can adhere. 


Note: The most effective control for fleabane is direct competition from o<strong>the</strong>r vegetation which provides <strong>the</strong> 

shade and coolness to prevent fleabane germination. 

HAND: Individual plants can be chipped or hand pulled, but this disturbance often triggers mass 

germination of dormant seed in <strong>the</strong> disturbed soil. If practical, bag off any seed heads. CHEMICAL: For 

spot-spraying or dense infestations use glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 . Note: off-target 

plants also killed or browned off may provide a short term opportunity for more fleabane seeds to 

germinate, so be prepared for follow-up.

Common name: Formosan (or Taiwan) Lily Latin name: Lilium formosanum. 

FAMILY: LILIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Deciduous perennial herb with annual flowering stalks 1-2m long. Flowers: Large trumpet shaped 

highly fragrant flowers, pure white on <strong>the</strong> inside, pink or purple/brown stripes on <strong>the</strong> outside bearing 

prominent yellow an<strong>the</strong>rs. Summer flowering. Leaves: Mid to dark green, elongated, linear, sessile leaves 

(no leaf stalk “petiole”) are arranged spirally or whirled along <strong>the</strong> stems. Fruit: Copious papery winged 

seeds borne in a large capsule. 

Ecology: Bulb lays dormant for much of <strong>the</strong> year <strong>the</strong>n emerges to quickly flower and seed, hence is 

unaffected by frosts and to a large degree, fire. 

Dispersal: Seeds, bulbs and bulb scales spread by water, wind, humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving 

equipment, car tyres etc) and garden refuse dumping. 


HAND: Infestations can be dug out, but <strong>the</strong> bulb and any small bulbils forming around <strong>the</strong> old bulb must 

also be removed and disposed of safely (by burning or deep burial). Removing <strong>the</strong> flowers as soon as <strong>the</strong>y 

have finished, before seed production can occur, can buy a bit more time for full removal of <strong>the</strong> plant. 

CHEMICAL: For spot-spraying or dense infestations use glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 , 

although follow-up hand-weeding will be essential.

Common name: Freckle Face Latin name: Hypoestes phyllostachya. 

FAMILY: ACANTHACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Erect, perennial herb/small shrub often grown in gardens for its attractive leaves marked with pink 

dots. Flowers: Magenta, lavendar or blue flowers sometimes with white inside during summer. Leaves: 

Simple, alternate, variegated, ovate, dark green to 10cm. Foliage coloration is often more pronounced in a 

shaded location. Fruit: An elongated capsule to 15mm containing numerous flattened seeds. Seeds often 

released explosively over a short distance. 

Ecology: A significant, transforming weed of rainforests, which is capable of invading undisturbed areas. 

Forms dense monocultures, excluding desirable species. Fast-growing with a persistent seedbank. 

Dispersal: Seeds, bulbs and bulb scales spread by water, wind, humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving 

equipment, car tyres etc) and garden refuse dumping. 


HAND: Small infestations can be hand-pulled. Use caution on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: For spotspraying 

or dense infestations use glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 + metsulfuron methyl at 

1.5g L -1 .

Common name: Gazania Latin name: Gazania linearis. 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: Tough, low-growing perennial herb with lance-shaped leaves and brightly coloured daisy-like 

flowers. Flowers: Compound ‘daisy’ head with prominent ray florets; bronze, yellow and orange tones. 

Leaves: Simple, lanceolate, discolourous (upper and lower leaf surfaces different colours) to 15cm. Basal 

leaves form a rosette <strong>the</strong>n – with age – a tufted clump. Fruit: An achene (hard coated seed) with a small 

tuft of hairs attached (pappus). 

Ecology: As for many daisies, it thrives in high light and heat conditions, particularly roadsides, dunes and 

abandoned areas of industry with poor soils. In natural systems it is a significant transforming weed and 

acts by forming dense monocultures, excluding desirable species. Fast-growing with a persistent 

seedbank. 

Dispersal: Seeds, spread by water, wind, humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, car tyres 

etc) and garden refuse dumping. Still highly valued as an ornamental and landscape plant. ‘Sterile’ hybrids 

are being bred, but are as–yet unproven over <strong>the</strong> long term. 


HAND: Young plants can be hand-pulled, but older plants with tap-roots may need deeper digging. Use 

caution on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: For spot-spraying or dense infestations use metsulfuron 

methyl at 1.5g L -1 + a non-ionic surfactant (eg Pulse or Rygel) at 1mL L -1 .

Common name: German Ivy Latin name: Senecio macroglossus. 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: Perennial vine to 5m with twining habit, fleshy 3 or 5-lobed leaves. Flowers: Compound ‘daisy’ head 

with prominent ray florets; cream to off-white. Leaves: Simple, 3 or 5-lobed, fleshy to 6cm. Fruit: An 

achene (hard coated seed) with a small tuft of hairs attached (pappus). 

Ecology: A popular ornamental, German Ivy has escaped cultivation and found its way into shaded areas 

on <strong>the</strong> verges of rainforests. It can scramble through <strong>the</strong> understory or smo<strong>the</strong>r low-growing vegetation 

where it competes and interferes with <strong>the</strong> regeneration of desirable species. The seeds can fall and 

germinate locally or be spread over long distances by wind or water. Even if – in <strong>the</strong> course of weed control 

– vertical stems are severed, <strong>the</strong> fleshy stems can continue to keep flowers metabolising and go on to 

produce viable seed. 

Dispersal: Seeds, spread by water, wind, humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, car tyres 

etc) and garden refuse dumping. Still valued as an ornamental and landscape plant. 


HAND: Plants are shallow-rooted and can be hand-pulled. If possible, remove as much of <strong>the</strong> vertical vine 

and flowers as possible without damaging <strong>the</strong> host plant. Use caution on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: 

For spot-spraying or dense infestations use metsulfuron methyl at 1.5g L -1 + a non-ionic surfactant (eg 

Pulse or Rygel) at 1mL L -1 .

Common name: Giant White Bird of Paradise Latin name: Strelitzia nicolai 

FAMILY: STRELITZIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m (20 ft) and <strong>the</strong> clumps formed 

can spread as far as 3.5 m (12 ft). Flowers: A dark blue bract, white sepals and a bluish-purple "tongue". 

The entire flower can be as much as 18 cm high by 45 cm long and is typically held just above <strong>the</strong> point 

where <strong>the</strong> leaf fan emerges from <strong>the</strong> stem. Leaves: Up to 1.8 m long, grey-green and arranged like a fan at 

<strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> stems. Fruit: A large, triangular, woody pod with orange fleshy seeds. 

Ecology: A fast-growing, but late-flowering, plant with an aggressive form and habit. Can spread by gravity 

and animal dispersed seed, but humans are <strong>the</strong> primary vector of spread. 

Dispersal: Seeds spread occasionally by animals, humans (planting) and garden refuse dumping. Still 

highly valued as an ornamental and landscape plant. 


HAND: Small plants are shallow-rooted and can be hand-pulled. Use caution on steep or friable soils. 

CHEMICAL: Cut close to <strong>the</strong> ground and paint with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive).

Common name: Ginger Lily/Gardner’s Ginger/Kahili Ginger Latin name: Hedychium gardnerianum 

FAMILY: ZINGIBERACEAE 

ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: Class 4 (Locally Controlled) 


Habit: A showy garden ginger native to India, it forms dense colonies, choking understory and creek banks. 

Flowers: Inflorescence (a group of flowers) is spike-like and erect. Flowers are bright yellow, fragrant and 

appear in Summer to Autumn. Leaves: Leaves are entire (having smooth edges) or are very shallowly 

lobed, and hairless. The leaf sheaths are also hairless. Ligule (appendage between <strong>the</strong> leaf and stem) is a 

broad and smooth membrane, up to 2.5 cm long and 2 cm wide. Fruit: Fruit is an oblong capsule, which 

is thin-walled with orange valves within. Seeds are bright scarlet, shiny and numerous. 

Ecology: A significant transforming weeds of a range of forest types including wet sclerophyll, swamp 

sclerophyll, subtropical rainforest and freshwater wetlands. It can invade into in-tact (undisturbed), fully 

shaded environs where it forms monocultures, interfering with critical ecological processes. 

Dispersal: Capable of spread over short to long range by arboreal and terrestrial animals, flowing water of 

riparian systems or as a contaminant of dumped garden waste. Sections of rhizome can re-shoot after a 

period of dormancy and partial desiccation. 


HAND: Dig or hand-pull and remove fruit and rhizomes off-site for disposal. Rhizomes can be crushed after 

digging up and stock-piled for rotting. CHEMICAL: Horizontally cut stems close to <strong>the</strong> rhizome, <strong>the</strong>n paint 

with metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 6g L -1 (winter) or 1g L -1 (spring and summer). 

Native look alike: Native Ginger: Alpinia caerulea

Common name: Glory Lily/Gloriosa/Flame Lily Latin name: Gloriosa superba 

FAMILY: COLCHICACEAE 

ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: Class 4 (Locally Controlled) 


Habit: Perennial scrambler/vine with underground tuber and climbing stems up to 4 m long. Leaves have 

an extended tip functioning as a tendril. Capsules contain small red seeds. Flowers: Flowers are showy, 

yellow, orange or red, with “petals” turned back to expose <strong>the</strong> stamens Leaves: Leaves simple, 

alternate/pseudo-whorled, entire, stem-clasping. Fruit: Fruit is an oblong capsule, green – drying to brown 

– with numerous hard, red seeds (see photo). 

Ecology: A significant transforming weed, particularly of dunes and dune-scrub, but will also grow readily 

in clay soils. Grows from seed or tuber fragments and forms dense monocultures that exclude desirable 

vegetation. Seeds are bird attracting and capable of spreading over long range, but most spread appears to 

be short-distance seed-drop and rhizome growth. Foliage and stems die off after fruiting (Autumn) and reemerge 

in late Spring/Summer. A second emergence of stems is common in January/February. 

Dispersal: Capable of spread over long range by birds and short range by seed drop and rhizome. Soil 

contaminated with seed or tuber parts. 


Note: All plant parts are poisonous if ingested and can cause severe skin irritation upon contact. Use 

appropriate PPE. 

HAND: Dig small infestations and remove all plant parts. For larger infestations, control any outlying plants 

before moving into <strong>the</strong> core area. Because of <strong>the</strong> seasonal window of opportunity for control, if all plants 

can not be removed, prevent seed production and integrate with chemical control. CHEMICAL: Difficult to 

kill with single application of herbicide, but repeat treatments of metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.5g L -1 

+ glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 20mL L -1 + a non-ionic penetrant (eg Pulse or Rygel) at 1mL L -1 .

Common name: Golden Wreath Wattle Latin name: Acacia saligna 


ORIGIN: AUSTRALIA (W.A.) 



Habit: Large shrub to small tree to 8m with distinctive ‘wattle’ flowers; dull blue-grey drooping foliage; 

flattened seed pods. Usually single trunked, but will coppice freely. Flowers: Yellow, globular (spherical), 

appearing in Spring Leaves: Not true leaves, but phyllodes (modified stems); pendulous (drooping), dull 

blue-grey, up to 3cm wide and 20cm long, obvious midvein. Fruit: A brown, flattened pod that can vary 

from straight to strongly curled. 

Ecology: A native of Western Australia, but widely planted as an ornamental and to a greater degree as a 

tree of erosion control. Tolerant of dry conditions, poor and compacted soils and exposure. Fast-growing 

and capable of rapid spread as it grows freely under generally poor conditions where o<strong>the</strong>r species 

struggle. Now a common invader of dune scrub and similar systems, ruderal areas, roadsides and 

easements etc. 

Dispersal: Seed, spread by humans, water, insects, birds, contaminated soil on machinery, footwear etc. 


HAND: Hand pull small plants. Larger trees strongly rooted and difficult to control manually. CHEMICAL: 

Dense infestations of seedlings or small plants can be foliar sprayed with glyphosate @ 10mL L -1 + 

metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1g 10L -1 . Plants too large for hand pulling – but up to 100mm diameter - 

can be cut close to ground level and immediately painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). 

Chisel or drill and inject larger trees with undiluted glyphosate @ 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and 

as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible (also treat any dominant surface roots).

Common name: Green Amaranth Latin name: Amaranthus viridis 

FAMILY: AMARANTHACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Semi-erect, spreading herb to 0.5m, mealy green rhombic (resembling 4-sided) leaves, terminal 

inflorescence a spike. Flowers: Inconspicuous, densely crowded into terminal spikes. Leaves: Rhombic, 

ovate to lanceolate, to 15 cm long; long-petiole. Fruit: Tiny, hard, brown to black seeds shed from a small, 

thin skinned ‘berry’. 

Ecology: A minor weed, principally a plant of disturbed areas, poorly managed farmland, roadsides, 

ruderal areas. Fast-growing with aggressive tap-root which can reshoot after cutting, grazing, fire etc. 

Prolific seeder. Seed very persistent in soil. 

Dispersal: Seed, spread by humans, water, contaminated soil on machinery, footwear etc. 


HAND: Hand pull or grub out small plants, removing <strong>the</strong> tap root. Larger plants will prove difficult to control 

manually. CHEMICAL: Dense infestations of seedlings or larger plants can be foliar sprayed with 

glyphosate @ 10mL L -1 .

Common name: Groundsel Bush Latin name: Baccharis halimifolia 


ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: Class 3 (Regionally Controlled) 


Habit: Groundsel bush is a densely branched shrub usually no more than 3 m high. Stems are green, 

maturing to brown and woody. Bark of mature plants is deeply fissured. Flowers: Male and female flowers 

are borne on separate plants. Male flowers are pale yellow and open around mid to late March, slightly 

earlier than <strong>the</strong> female flowers. Female flowers are white and inconspicuous at <strong>the</strong> end of branches until 

seeds are fully developed. Then <strong>the</strong> plant has a fluffy appearance, with tufts of white hair (around late 

March to early April) that begin to blow <strong>the</strong> fluffy seeds in <strong>the</strong> breeze from mid to late April. Leaves: Leaves 

are dull green, alternate, wedge shaped, 2.5–5 cm long and 1–2.5 cm wide, with a few lobes in <strong>the</strong> upper 

part. Fruit: Seed is a small and hard-coated (achene) with a tuft of hairs (pappus) for wind dispersal. 

Ecology: 

Groundsel bush rapidly colonises disturbed areas, especially overgrazed pastures. It competes with 

pasture species for water and nutrients. It spreads rapidly from windborne seed groundsel bush can form a 

dense understorey, suppressing growth of native plants and interfering with <strong>the</strong> natural ecosystem. 

Groundsel bush can become abundant in <strong>the</strong> vegetation along watercourses and in coastal woodlands and 

forest areas if not controlled. 

Dispersal: Seeds are readily transported by wind, running water, vehicles and machinery. Soil disturbance 

in infested areas usually leads to substantial germination. Fur<strong>the</strong>r infestation occurs unless <strong>the</strong> ground is 

sown to pasture, o<strong>the</strong>r competitive ground cover or native vegetation sown or encouraged. Seeds 

germinate in partial shade so long-term maintenance of sites is essential. 


HAND: Hand pull if practical, ensuring <strong>the</strong> main root mass is removed. Larger bushes can be mattocked 

out, but trees will require machinery or chemical control. CHEMICAL: Dense or large infestations should be 

reported to Council’s Noxious Weeds Officer. Sparse or individual plants can be controlled by cut-stump 

application of undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive).

Common name: Hen and Chickens/Phyllanthus Latin name: Phyllanthus tenellus 

FAMILY: PHYLLANTHACEAE/EUPHORBIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Annual or short-lived perennial herb to 50cm, delicate fern-like foliage, open-branched appearance. 

Flowers: Inconspicuous, green/cream in leaf axils hanging pendulously, to 3mm. Leaves: Simple, entire, 

alternate, obovate, 2-ranked (arranged on opposite sides of <strong>the</strong> branch but in <strong>the</strong> same plane), to 25mm. 

Fruit: Small greenish berry to 3mm hanging pendulously on long peduncle (flower/fruit stalk). 

Ecology: Typically a weed of gardens and neglected areas, P. tenellus is an inconsequential pest. Fastgrowing 

and capable of rapid spread, <strong>the</strong> seeds are released explosively over short distances and can 

remain persistent for several years in <strong>the</strong> seed bank. 

Dispersal: Over short distances by <strong>the</strong> explosive release of seeds from <strong>the</strong> fruit. Longer range dispersal as 

<strong>the</strong> result of contaminated garden waste, soil, footwear, tools etc. 


HAND: Hand pull any age plant as it is shallowly rooted. CHEMICAL: Light overspray with glyphosate (eg 

RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 .

Common name: Himalayan Ash Latin name: Fraxinus griffithii 




Habit: A quick growing, very hardy, drought tolerant, evergreen small tree (to 15m), single greyish trunk, 

dense foliage. Flowers: Spring-flowering, small and white in panicles. Leaves: Opposite, compound, 9-15 

leaflets to 25mm, wavy margins and slightly too<strong>the</strong>d and glossy in seedlings and juveniles but becoming 

entire and dull with age. Fruit: A single, winged samara, in drooping bunches which persist for months on 

<strong>the</strong> tree. Each fruit contains a single seed. 

Ecology: A serious emerging threat to a range of vegetation communities. It has been widely planted as a 

street and ornamental tree for its rapid growth and hardy nature. Seed germinates en mass in full sun to 

deep shade. The winged seed tends not to fall far from <strong>the</strong> parent tree but it is highly mobile in water, green 

waste and as a contaminant of mulch. It exploits creek or stormwater pathways into bushland where 

infestations can quickly start. It forms dense thickets and can out compete native and o<strong>the</strong>r desirable 

vegetation. 

Dispersal: Short range by local seed drop and wind-blow. Longer range dispersal in water and deliberate 

planting, and as <strong>the</strong> result of contaminated garden waste, soil, footwear, tools, etc. 


HAND: Hand pull young plants. Dig out larger plants. Use caution on steep ground or friable soils. Trees 

will require chemical control or heavy machinery. CHEMICAL: Infestations of seedlings or juveniles to 1m 

can be foliar sprayed with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L-1 + metsulfuron methyl (eg 

Brushoff) at 1.5g L-1. Plants too large for hand pulling – but up to 100mm diameter - can be cut close to 

ground level and immediately painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Chisel or drill and 

inject larger trees with undiluted glyphosate @ 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> 

ground as possible (also treat any dominant surface roots).

Common name: Impatiens/Busy Lizzy Latin name: Imaptiens walleriana 

FAMILY: BALSAMINACEAE 



Habit: Bushy, succulent-stemmed tender perennial that grows in a spreading mound 15-60cm tall 

depending on variety. Shade tolerant, favouring moist conditions. Fibrous root system tolerant of a wide 

range of soil types from sand to clay. Flowers: Large (to 5cm across), fleshy, with 5 petals. Pink, rose, red, 

lilac, purple, orange, white & bicolors. Spring-Autumn. Leaves: Ovate to elliptic leaves light to dark green, 

sometimes with a bronze-red cast and serrated edges. The opposite leaves are arranged spirally around a 

thick, green or brownish, brittle stem. Fragments of stem re-root readily. Fruit: Explosive capsules contain 

hundreds of small, viable seeds, which are expelled some distance when ripe. 

Ecology: Readily sold at most nurseries and local markets, <strong>the</strong>se colourful plants spread easily by seed 

and fragments. Commonly found along drains and water courses. 

Dispersal: Seed and vegetation is spread by water, humans, contaminated soil (earthmoving equipment, 

car tyres etc) and garden refuse dumping. 


HAND: Hand pull/dig, bagging all plant parts and removing from site. CHEMICAL: Infestations of seedlings 

or juveniles to 1m can be foliar sprayed with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 . Inspect and retreat 

for new germinations.

Common name: Indian Hawthorn Latin name: Rhaphiolepis indica 

FAMILY: ROSACEAE/MALACEAE 



Habit: Drought hardy, evergreen, low growing, spreading shrub to 1-1.5 m high. Flowers: Panicle of star 

shaped flowers 10 mm diam. Petals are white or pink, with five petals, and may be lightly fragrant. Leaves: 

Dark green on top, paler below; thick, lea<strong>the</strong>ry, serrated, ovate to elliptic or obovate, 3–7 cm long, 5–30 mm 

wide, pubescent or hairy at first, sharply too<strong>the</strong>d. Fruit: Blue-black fruits each containing 1 or 2 seeds. 

Ecology: A commonly cultivated garden plant especially in coastal areas due to its ability to tolerate 

drought conditions. It has an aggressive root system and growth habit, enabling it to out compete abutting 

vegetation. It produces masses of palatable fruit which are dispersed over long ranges by arboreal animals, 

but seed will also germinate locally after dropping from <strong>the</strong> bush. Hence, it can readily spread in water, soil 

and downslope with gravity. 

Dispersal: Seed spread by animals (mainly birds), humans (deliberate planting), contaminated soil 

(earthmoving equipment, car tyres etc) and garden refuse dumping. 


HAND: Hand pull/dig seedlings and small plants. Remove fruit also if practical to do so. CHEMICAL: 

Dense infestations of seedlings or small plants can be foliar sprayed with glyphosate @ 10mL L -1 + 

metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1g 10L -1 . Plants too large for hand pulling – but up to 100mm diameter - 

can be cut close to ground level and immediately painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). 

Chisel or drill and inject larger trees with undiluted glyphosate @ 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and 

as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible (also treat any dominant surface roots).

Common name: Inkweed Latin name: Phytolacca octandra 

FAMILY: PHYTOLACCACEAE 



Habit: Erect, short-lived perennial herb with woody base, growing to 2m tall with an open branching habit. 

Stems are green with a reddish tinge, smooth and hairless. Often found in moist areas but may be found in 

any disturbed area where birds have dropped <strong>the</strong> seed. Flowers: Flowers are small, greenish-white 

and arranged in dense spikes, spring to summer. The stalks are 1-2cm long. Leaves: Leaves are elliptic 

to pear or lance shaped, green turning red. The hairless leaf to 16cm long has an entire margin with petiole 

(stem) to 40mm long. Fruit: Fruit is a berry with reddish-purple juice when ripe and crushed. The colour of 

<strong>the</strong> fruit changes from red to purple-black when ripe. The fruit is 8-lobed and 8-seeded. 

Ecology: A weed of ruderal areas, degraded land, unmanaged stockyard areas, degraded natural areas. It 

is primarily a bird dispersed weed over long range, but contaminated soil is also a vector of spread. Seeds 

can also be spread in flowing water. The plant can take on a more prostrate form if trampled or damaged 

and continue to flower and fruit. The tap-root will reshoot after slashing or burning. 

Dispersal: Seed spread by animals (mainly birds), humans (deliberate planting), contaminated soil 

(earthmoving equipment, car tyres etc) and, to a lesser degree, garden refuse dumping. 


HAND: Small plants are easily removed by hand, but larger plants develop a large tap-root from which it 

can resprout. CHEMICAL: Dense infestations or large plants can be foliar sprayed with glyphosate @ 

20mL L -1 + metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.5g 10L -1 .

Common name: Japanese Honeysuckle Latin name: Lonicera japonica 

FAMILY: CAPRIFOLIACEAE 

Noxious Weed Category: Class 5 (Restricted Plant) 


Habit: Semi-deciduous vigorous climber or scrambling shrub, usually climbing into <strong>the</strong> canopy. Young 

stems are pubescent (having short, weak soft hairs). Old stems woody with a flaky bark. Flowers: Flowers 

are paired, white to creamy yellow, fragrant and <strong>the</strong> nectar is sweet to taste. Leaves: Oval to lance shaped, 

glossy, lea<strong>the</strong>ry and deep green with a prominent central vein. The leaves are opposite. The leaf tip may be 

slightly pointed or broadly rounded. The leaf margins are entire and smooth, but often lobed on juveniles 

and new growth. Both surfaces are sparsely hairy but upper surface becomes hairless with age. Fruit: Oval 

shaped and shiny black. 

Ecology: A significant transforming weed of a range of forest types, including wet and dry sclerophyll, 

swamp oak and rainforest. It acts as an aggressive groundcover where it interferes with succussional 

processes and in <strong>the</strong> mid-story and canopy it constricts and smo<strong>the</strong>rs o<strong>the</strong>r vegetation, eventually leading 

to partial or full collapse of <strong>the</strong> canopy. The fruit are widely spread by arboreal animals as well as in flowing 

water. 

Dispersal: The fruit are widely spread by arboreal animals as well as in flowing water. The plant 

aggressively roots adventitiously and will form new plants if layering stems are broken off. Stem fragments 

are also capable of re-layering – particularly in riparian environments – thus leading to new infestations. 







glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 + metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.5g L -1 .

Common name: Kaffir Plum Latin name: Harpephyllum caffrum 

FAMILY: ANACARDIACEAE 



Habit: Tree to 15m with single trunk and densely upwardly curving branching habit and shiny sickle-shaped 

leaflets. Flowers: Male and female, small whitish to yellowish colored flowers, are born on separate trees 

from summertime to autumn near <strong>the</strong> ends of <strong>the</strong> branches. Leaves: bright green, alternate, pinnate with 9 

to 13 curving shiny multiple leaflets, pubescent when young, each up to 8cm long. Leaves are crowded 

toge<strong>the</strong>r towards <strong>the</strong> ends, shaping a thick crown at <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> tree. Fruit: Small, oval formed, dark red 

fruit with a pleasant, sweet and tart-acid flavor, about 3cm long, with a thin skin, follow <strong>the</strong> flowers from 

summertime to autumn. 

Ecology: An emerging woody weed of <strong>the</strong> Hastings region, particularly in <strong>the</strong> coastal belt where it has 

been planted as a municipal and private amenity. The fruit are widely spread by arboreal animals as well as 

in flowing water and seeds can germinate in a little as 7 days. Seeds can germinate in moderate shade but 

<strong>the</strong> tree itself can withstand exposed conditions, including salt-laden coastal wind. The tree is vigorous in its 

habit and can compete with native vegetation. 

Dispersal: The fruit are widely spread by arboreal animals, thus leading to new infestations over potentially 

long ranges. The tree is valued as a human food source and hence can be spread by this vector also, 

leading to long-range adirectional infestations. 





initial knockdown. CHEMICAL: Dense infestations of seedlings or small plants can be foliar sprayed with 

glyphosate @ 10mL L -1 + 1g 10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff). Plants too large for hand pulling – but 

up to 100mm diameter - can be cut close to ground level and immediately painted with undiluted 

glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Chisel or drill and inject larger trees with undiluted glyphosate @ 2mL 

per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible (also treat any dominant surface 

roots).

Common name: Khaki Weed Latin name: Alternan<strong>the</strong>ra pungens 

FAMILY: AMARANTHACEAE 



Habit: Prostrate, perennial herb arising from a tap root but with sprawling habit that roots at branch nodes. 

Small axillary flowers give rise to clustered prickly seeds. Generally a weed of unmanaged turf and 

parkland areas. Flowers: Small and grouped toge<strong>the</strong>r in leaf axils as clusters 8-12 mm long and 6-10 mm 

wide; flowering occurs from spring to autumn. Leaves: The leaf blades are obovate (egg-shaped) or elliptic 

in shape to 6cm long. Simple, opposite and often differing in size, leaf margins are somewhat wavy. Fruit: 

A prickly burr, about 1 cm long. 

Ecology: Well adapted to disturbed and ruderal areas of full exposure on a range of soil types. Prostrate 

habit, capable of rooting adventitiously to form new plants, but principally spread by prickly seeds attaching 

to footwear, tyres and in soil to spread over short to long distances. Aggressive layering of branchlets can 

form a dense groundcover monoculture, excluding desirable groundcovers and impeding seed germination. 

Dispersal: Prostrate habit, capable of rooting adventitiously to form new plants, but principally spread by 

prickly seeds attaching to footwear, tyres and in soil to spread over short to long distances. 


HAND: Grub out and remove all plant parts off site. Solarising will eventually kill plants but not seed. 

CHEMICAL: Dense infestations of seedlings or small plants can be foliar sprayed with glyphosate @ 10mL 

L -1 . Monitor and re-treat as required.

Common name: Lantana Latin name: Lantana camara 


Noxious Weed Category: W4 (Noxious) for ‘Red Lantana’/W5 (Environmental Weed) for all o<strong>the</strong>r. 


Habit: Lantana is a heavily branched shrub that can grow in compact clumps, dense thickets or as a 

climbing vine. Flowers: Throughout most of <strong>the</strong> year in clustered, compact heads about 2.5 cm in diameter. 

Flower colours vary from pale cream to yellow, white, pink, orange and red. Leaves: About 6 cm long and 

are covered in fine hairs. They are bright green above, paler beneath and have round-too<strong>the</strong>d edges. 

Leaves grow opposite one ano<strong>the</strong>r along <strong>the</strong> stem. When crushed <strong>the</strong> leaves produce a distinctive odour. 

Fruit: Round, berry-like fruit to 5mm that turn from glossy green to purplish-black when ripe. 

Ecology: Lantana is native to <strong>the</strong> tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. It is found 

throughout most coastal and subcoastal areas of eastern Australia, from Far North Queensland to sou<strong>the</strong>rn 

New South Wales. It grows in a wide variety of habitats, from exposed dry hillsides to wet, heavily shaded 

gullies. An aggressive plant which rapidly colonises canopy gaps and <strong>the</strong> margins of native forests and can 

form impenetrable thickets. It grows so densely that it inhibits <strong>the</strong> survival of native species. It is often seen 

in monocultures where it is <strong>the</strong> only plant species surviving. Lantana is also allelopathic, which means it 

secretes chemicals into <strong>the</strong> soil which can inhibit <strong>the</strong> growth of o<strong>the</strong>r species. The berries are eaten by 

birds and o<strong>the</strong>r vertebrates and seed is spread over short to long distances this way but also in flood 

waters or contaminated soil. Stem fragments will strike and root under favourable conditions. 

Dispersal: The berries are eaten by birds and o<strong>the</strong>r vertebrates and seed is spread over short to long 

distances this way but also in flood waters or contaminated soil. Stem fragments will strike and root under 

favourable conditions. 


Note: See also <strong>the</strong> Lantana Best Practice Mangement guide for detailed <strong>information</strong>. 

HAND: Generally shallowly rooted, so seedlings and small plants can be hand-pulled. Larger plants can be 

dug or mattocked. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray only when plants are healthy and follow label directions 

regarding seasonality. Use glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 for foliar spray or undiluted for 

cut-stump.

Lantana Native Look a Likes 

Trema aspera, Poison Peach 

Lantana Seedling

Common name: Liriope Latin name: Liriope sp. (Inc. L. spicata) 

FAMILY: ASPARAGACEAE/RUSCACEAE 

Noxious Weed Category: n/a. 


Habit: Clump-forming, strappy-leaved plant to 0.4m. Flowers: Racemes (spikes) of lilac (and variant) 

flowers to 5mm held terminally on a stalk within and above <strong>the</strong> foliage. Leaves: Strap-like to 1cm wide to 

50cm long drawn to a blunt point. Fruit: Black berries to 6mm. 

Ecology: Plants flower and fruit after 2 years to produce abundant berries which are capable of 

germinating in deep shade. The plant is tolerant of a range of soils and can crow in fully exposed situations 

including coastal hind-dunes, riparian areas and ruderal areas. 

Dispersal: The berries are eaten by birds and o<strong>the</strong>r vertebrates and seed is spread over short to long 

distances this way but also in flood waters or contaminated soil. Infestations also spread locally from fruit 

dropped around <strong>the</strong> parent plant 


HAND: Seedlings and small plants can be hand-pulled. Larger plants can be dug or mattocked. 

CHEMICAL: For spot-spraying or dense infestations use glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 20mL L -1 +/- 

1.0g L-1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff). 

Seedlings from 2 mature plants

Common name: Madeira Vine/Lamb’s Tail Latin name: Anredera cordifolia 

FAMILY: BASELLACEAE 



Habit: A hairless perennial climber; producing tubers on roots and at nodes on aerial stems; stems usually 

herbaceous with aerial tubers, but sometimes stems woody. Flowers: Long, white spikes, similar to a 

‘lamb’s tail’. Leaves: Simple, alternate and entire, heart-shaped and fleshy. Fruit: Not known to set viable 

seed in Australia. 

Ecology: A significant transforming weed and aggressive climber which overtops forest canopy and 

eventually leads to canopy collapse and ecosystem failure. Tends to favour disturbance to trigger 

propagule dormancy such as flooding, earthmoving work, woody weed removal and anything that increases 

light penetration to <strong>the</strong> ground layer. It is often a successor to deep-shade tolerant vine weeds such as 

cat’s-claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati) which open forest gaps from within by similar overtopping 

methods. Capable of germinating in partial shade, but well suited to forest edges and ecotones, ruderal 

areas, unmanaged gardens etc. It can grow as much as 1 metre/week under favourable conditions and is 

very difficult to control. It is not known to set viable seed in Australia, but <strong>the</strong> tuber bank is persistent for up 

to 10+ years in <strong>the</strong> soil. Flourishes under a wide range of conditions from hind dunes to dry sclerophyll to 

rainforest. 

Dispersal: A riparian system specialist, it thrives on <strong>the</strong> disturbance of water flow and flooding to disperse 

tubers and stem fragments downstream. It also moves steadily downslope in forest situations by <strong>the</strong> 

gradual over-topping and tuber rain. Tubers often spread in dumped garden waste and during civil 

construction. 


Note: A wide range of control options are available. For volunteer bushcare, only a couple of <strong>the</strong> 

many techniques are described. For large infestations, report to Council’s Noxious Weeds Officer. 

HAND: Under most situations, tubers can be dug out and removed off-site – it tends to be just <strong>the</strong> scale of 

<strong>the</strong> problem that is <strong>the</strong> limiting factor. All effort should be made to prevent <strong>the</strong> plant from climbing and 

producing stem tubers. Pulling vines from trees tends to lead to tubers stripping off and can damage <strong>the</strong> 

host tree. CHEMICAL: Vertical stems can be scraped from ground level on alternate sides for 50cm 

sections and painted with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive); ground-level infestations can be 

foliar sprayed with ei<strong>the</strong>r Option 1) glyphosate at 20mL L -1 +/- metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.5g 

10L -1 or Option 2) fluroxypyr (eg Starane200) at 15mL L -1 + a non-ionic surfactant (eg Pulse) at 1mL L -1 .

Common name: Madeira Winter Cherry Latin name: Solanum pseudocapsicum 


Noxious Weed Category: n/a. 


Habit: Low-growing perennial shrub to 1.5m. Flowers: White and similar in appearance to <strong>the</strong> common 

tomato. 5 petals fused toge<strong>the</strong>r (a calyx tube) and yellow stamens in <strong>the</strong> centre. Leaves: Simple, alternate 

and entire with slightly wavy margins, drawn to a blunt point, to 6cm long and 1.5cm wide. Mid and lateral 

veins distinct. Fruit: Spherical orange berry to 1.5cm with multiple seeds. 

Ecology: Capable of germinating in partial shade, but well suited to forest edges and ecotones where seed 

is often deposited by birds. As for many Solanaceae plants, <strong>the</strong> seed bank is persistent for several years in 

<strong>the</strong> soil and can withstand relatively high temperatures. Readily dispersed by birds attracted to <strong>the</strong> colourful 

fruit. 

Dispersal: Readily dispersed by birds attracted to <strong>the</strong> colourful fruit. As seed can often survive composting 

temperatures (55+ degC), it can be spread in this material or dumped garden waste. 


HAND: Generally shallow rooted, so seedlings and small plants can be hand-pulled. Larger plants can be 

dug or mattocked. CHEMICAL: For spot-spraying or dense infestations use glyphosate (eg RoundUp 

Biactive) at 10mL L -1 . Cut-paste with undiluted glyphosate close to ground level.

Common name: Mexican Fea<strong>the</strong>r Grass Latin name: Nassella tenuissima 

FAMILY: 

Noxious Weed Category: W1 (Noxious throughout <strong>the</strong> State of NSW) 


Habit: 

Mexican fea<strong>the</strong>r grass is a densely tufted perennial grass. It is almost identical to serrated tussock, except 

when it is in seed. Flowers: The flower head is 15–25 cm long and is green or purplish. A leaf-like sheath 

encloses <strong>the</strong> lower section of <strong>the</strong> flower head. The flower head does not detach from <strong>the</strong> plant. This is one 

of <strong>the</strong> identifying features that differentiate it from serrated tussock. With serrated tussock <strong>the</strong> flower head 

fully projects from <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath and detaches at maturity. Leaves: The leaves are tightly rolled so that 

<strong>the</strong> edges overlap, 0.25–0.5 mm wide, up to 60 cm long; outer surface roughened, with a ligule (membrane 

at leave blade and stem junction) 0.5 to 2.5 mm long, opaque, papery and usually smooth and hairless. 

The leaves roll smoothly between <strong>the</strong> fingers like a needle. Fruit: The awn (bristle-like appendage) is 4.5–9 

cm long and is attached to <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> seed. The seed is 2–3 mm long encased by two purple or 

reddish-brown, 6–10 mm long glumes (clasping ‘sheaths’). By comparison, serrated tussock awns are 2– 

3.5 cm, and are offset in <strong>the</strong>ir attachment to <strong>the</strong> seed. 

Ecology: 

Mexican fea<strong>the</strong>r grass (Nassella tenuissima), is a potentially serious new weed. It is feared that if Mexican 

fea<strong>the</strong>r grass becomes naturalised it has potential to infest up to 65% of NSW. It is closely related to 

serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma), a major pasture and environmental weed in temperate Australia. 

The two species can only be distinguished from each o<strong>the</strong>r when flowering. Mexican fea<strong>the</strong>r grass is also 

related to Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) which is highly invasive in native grasslands. Mexican 

fea<strong>the</strong>r grass is a highly adaptable grass species, and could spread throughout most of Australia, causing 

major economic and environmental damage. It is capable of surviving in extremely variable climates and 

soil types, and is able to tolerate prolonged periods of drought. Naturalised populations will be difficult to 

identify, as it is similar to o<strong>the</strong>r weedy grass species. 

Dispersal: In mid spring to summer, Mexican fea<strong>the</strong>r grass propagates freely from seed on well-drained 

soils where competition from o<strong>the</strong>r vegetation has been reduced. Seed spreads by wind and in 

contaminated fodder, soil and on vehicles, but also readily attaches to animals and livestock. 


Note: If you suspect <strong>the</strong> presence of this plant, do not attempt to remove it, but instead contact 

Councils Noxious Weed Officer or <strong>the</strong> NSW Department of Primary Industry immediately.

Common name: Mist Weed/Mistflower Latin name: Ageratina riparia (Eupatorium riparium) 




Habit: 

An upright or sprawling herb to 1 m. Flowers: Flowers are small, white and daisy-like, clustered in heads. 

Leaves: Simple, opposite and entire with finely too<strong>the</strong>d margins; lance-shaped or narrow oval to 15cm, 

sometimes slightly hairy and with obvious venation. Fruit: A small achene (hard-coated seed) with a bristly 

‘tail’ (pappus). 

Ecology: Spreads by wind and water-born seed, but also as a contaminant of soil and on people, animals 

and vehicles. Favours shaded, damp places where seedlings and layering (vegetative) spread rapidly 

outcompete desirable species. Plants can reproduce before 1 year of age and infestations can grow 

rapidly. Stem fragments will root to form new plants. 

Dispersal: Wind and water-borne over short-long distances, but also as a contaminant of soil and on 

people, animals and vehicles. Stem fragments will root to form new plants. 


HAND: Dig out and remove off site. CHEMICAL: Dense or large and diffuse infestations can be foliar 

sprayed with 1.5g 10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) or glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 

during good growing conditions, but prior to flowering. Cut and paste when required with undiluted 

glyphosate. Ensure plants do not remain in contact with <strong>the</strong> ground to avoid layering or re-rooting.

Common name: Montbretia Latin name: Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 

FAMILY: IRIDACEAE 

Noxious Weed Category: 


Habit: 

Montbretia is a perennial tufting herb to 1m which dies back annually. It is strappy-leaved – almost grasslike 

in appearance - and often mistaken for Watsonia (Watsonia spp.). Flowers: Bright orange, trumpetshaped 

to 5cm dia. with approx. 6 petals, which form in two rows along each stem. Leaves: Strap-like up to 

3x90cm, drawn to a blunt tip, originating at <strong>the</strong> base of <strong>the</strong> clump. Fruit: A dry, 3-lobed, brown capsule that 

produces few seeds. 

Ecology: Emerges in Spring (after dying back previous Autumn) usually along with new plantlets that have 

spread from <strong>the</strong> creeping, underground rhizome as well as seedlings. The plant can over-run gardens, 

bushland, roadside areas and stream sides. It tolerates a wide range of conditions and can take over and 

displace indigenous grasses, groundcovers and block <strong>the</strong> regeneration of overstory species. 

Dispersal: Primarily vegetative with <strong>the</strong> creeping rhizome that forms a dense infestation, but seed and 

bulbs are also readily spread in flowing water, by people propagating and distributing <strong>the</strong> plant and as a 

contaminant of soil on footwear, machinery etc and in dumped garden waste. 


Note: In all instances, repeat treatments will be required to exhaust <strong>the</strong> soil bank of bulbs. 

HAND: Dig out and remove off site, ensuring <strong>the</strong> network of bulbs and rhizomes are removed. Bulbs can 

be rooted deeper in sandy soils. CHEMICAL: Dense or large and diffuse infestations can be foliar sprayed 

with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 during good growing conditions, but prior to fruit-set. 

Wick-wipe with glyphosate at 100mL L -1 .

Common name: Morning Glory Latin name: Ipomoea indica 

FAMILY: CONVOLVULACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: A fast-growing, perennial vine to 30m with trailing and twining stems, rooting at <strong>the</strong> nodes. Flowers: 

Funnel-shaped and hairless, violet-blue violet with a darker throat. Leaves: Leaves simple, alternate, 

varying from heart-shaped to 3-lobed. Fruit: A dry capsule to 15mm with 4-5 hard brown seeds. 

Ecology: A significant transforming weed across a range of vegetation types as well as ruderal areas, 

roadsides and untended gardens etc. Widely regarded as an environmental weed, Morning Glory is still 

valued by some for its showy flowers and quick-growing hardy habit, but it is seldom propagated. However, 

as a transforming weed, non-management on this weed provides opportunities for continued spread. It is a 

fast grower and capable of spreading quickly by overtopping vegetation and dropping seed ahead of <strong>the</strong> 

parent plant (to expand <strong>the</strong> infestation) and by rooting adventitiously which allows <strong>the</strong> creeping stems to 

move through <strong>the</strong> understory for 20m or more before ascending a host. It can also behave as a 

groundcover, smo<strong>the</strong>ring native grasses, herbs and canopy seedling regeneration. 

Dispersal: Seed disperses readily in riparian systems in flowing water. On roadsides it rapidly spreads by 

grading and slashing machinery as well as short-range vegetative spread when <strong>the</strong> ground-running stems 

root adventitiously. 







1.8mL L -1 2,4-D amine (eg Amicide 625) or 5mL L -1 2,4-Dichlorprop (Lantana600) or glyphosate (eg 

RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 +/- metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.0g L -1 .

Common name: Moth Vine Latin name: Araujia sericifera (Syn A. hortorum) 

FAMILY: APOCYNACEAE/ASCLEPEDIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: A fast-growing, perennial vine to 10m with pendulous, spearhead-shaped (hastate) leaves, all plant 

parts exude copious milky sap when cut/broken. Flowers: White, funnel-shaped to 15mm. Leaves: Simple, 

opposite, entire, spearhead (hastate) shaped to 15cm; upper surface dull dark-green, lower surface paler. 

Fruit: Choko-shaped to 12cm. Green at first, <strong>the</strong>n ripening to brown and woody at which time it splits down 

both sides to release wind-borne seeds. Seeds are an elongated achene (hard-coated) with a tuft of hairs 

(pappus) at one end to facilitate wind-dispersal. 

Ecology: A significant transforming weed across a range of vegetation types as well as ruderal areas, 

roadsides and untended gardens etc. Smo<strong>the</strong>rs host vegetation from ground-covers to small trees. 

Produces abundant wind, water and soil dispersed seeds. Does not handle deep shade but favours 

disturbed edges and gaps or semi-shade understory with little competition. 

Dispersal: Seeds released in <strong>the</strong> mid-story and canopy are wind-dispersed over short to long range by use 

of <strong>the</strong> tuft of parachute-like hairs. Seeds spread readily in water and as a contaminant on footwear and 

clothing, contaminated soil on machinery etc. 


Note: Wear gloves when handling this plant and avoid getting <strong>the</strong> sap on <strong>the</strong> skin or in <strong>the</strong> mouth or eyes. 

HAND: Young plants are easily hand-pulled if growing in loose soil. Large plants can be dug out. When 

removing any species of vines, be careful about pulling <strong>the</strong>m down, as this can damage <strong>the</strong> supporting 

plant. Try to control vines before seed has formed to avoid this problem, but if fruits are present (even if 

<strong>the</strong>y are still green), <strong>the</strong>y should be collected and removed off site. CHEMICAL: Cut-scrape-paint with 

undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Seedlings and young plants can be spot-sprayed with 

glyphosate @ 13mL L -1 .

Native Look a Like: The native climbers Marsdenia rostrata (below left)and Parsonsia straminea (below 

right may be confused with Moth Vine, but both have greener foliage and clear instead of milky sap.

Common name: Mo<strong>the</strong>r of Millions Latin name: Bryophyllum spp. (Including B. pinnatum, B. delagoense) 

FAMILY: CRASSULACEAE 

ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: W3 (Regionally Controlled) 


Habit: Erect, smooth fleshy succulent stems to 2 m, with green- pink grey stems.Flowers: Produced in a 

cluster at <strong>the</strong> tip of long stems. Flowers are drooping, bell-shaped, orange-red to scarlet, 4-lobed to 2-3 cm 

long. Flowers mainly Winter-Spring. Leaves: Leaves vary depending on <strong>the</strong> species, but all are succulent 

ei<strong>the</strong>r cylindrical or boat shaped and have many small teeth on <strong>the</strong> leaf tip or margins that produce new 

plantlets (vegetative reproduction).Fruit: Dry capsule, producing hundreds of tiny black seeds. Prolific 

seeder. 

Ecology: In dense infestations, mo<strong>the</strong>r-of-millions is a significant transforming weed across a range of 

vegetation types. It can be mat-forming and will grow under <strong>the</strong> poorest of conditions in areas such as a 

crack in a rock, gravel on <strong>the</strong> side of a road or on cliff faces, sand dunes and pastures. It has been known 

to recover from >50% cell desiccation. 

Dispersal: Prolific seeder, but is best known for its spread by plantlets produced on <strong>the</strong> leaves which can 

drop to <strong>the</strong> ground and take root. If broken away from <strong>the</strong> parent plant, all plant parts will grow to new 

individuals. It is by this means that it rapidly spreads along roadsides (slashing/grading/stock movement) 

and riparian systems (flooding disturbance). In natural areas, its rate of spread is much reduced, but 

steadily grows by seedling and plantlet drop. 


Note: All plant parts are extremely poisonous so care should be taken when handling. 

HAND: Plants are generally shallow rooted and can be easily removed and bagged. Do not attempt to 

solarise or compost <strong>the</strong> plants. The challenge for effective control is <strong>the</strong> persistent seedbank and <strong>the</strong> sheer 

volume of tiny plantlets within an infestation. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with glyphosate (eg RoundUp 

Biactive) at 20mL L -1 and/or metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.5g L -1 . 

B. pinnatum B. delagoense B. delagoense

Common name: Murraya/Mock Orange/Orange Jessamine Latin name: Murraya paniculata subsp. 

exotica 

FAMILY: RUTACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Shrub or small tree to 12m with glossy foliage. Flowers: Fragrant. Flowers irregularly throughout <strong>the</strong> 

year but mainly late spring to early autumn. Leaves: Opposite, compound with 3-7 leaflets, glossy dark 

green above, paler below, smelling of citrus when crushed. Fruit: A drupe (fleshy and single seeded) to 

2cm, ripening to orange-red, olive shaped with a tapered tip. 

Ecology: Shade tolerant and dispersed by arboreal and terrestrial animals, Murraya is a prolific producer of 

fruit which can spread readily over long ranges, starting new infestations. Some ‘sterile’ hybrids have been 

developed for <strong>the</strong> horticulture sector but have known to produce viable seed. The plant is a fast and 

aggressive grower which can out-compete desirable vegetation. 

Dispersal: Widely grown for cultivated use, humans are <strong>the</strong> most significant dispersal vector over short to 

wide ranges. The fruit are favoured by birds, bats etc which also spread <strong>the</strong> seeds over long distances. 

Seeds can also be spread in garden waste and in flowing water of riparian system. 


HAND: Seedlings and small plants can be hand-pulled. Use caution on steep or friable soils as <strong>the</strong> plant 

develops a tap-root from a young age. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 

20mL L -1 or 1g 10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff); cut stump to 100mm with undiluted glyphosate; 

chisel or drill and inject larger trees with undiluted glyphosate with 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart 

and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible (also treat any dominant surface roots).

Common name: Night Scented Jasmine Latin name: Cestrum nocturnum 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: Shrub to 4m (often multiple stems) with long, arching branches covered in raised lenticels. Flowers: 

Tubular to 2.5cm, fragrant and held in elongated clusters. Leaves: Simple, alternate with entire margins to 

15cm, drawn to a blunt tip. Fruit: A white spherical berry to 6mm. 

Ecology: Shade tolerant and dispersed by arboreal and terrestrial animals it is a prolific producer of fruit 

which can spread readily over long ranges, starting new infestations. The plant is a fast and aggressive 

grower which can out-compete desirable vegetation. 

Dispersal: The fruit are favoured by birds, bats etc which also spread <strong>the</strong> seeds over long distances. 

Seeds can also be spread in garden waste and in flowing water of riparian systems. 


HAND: Seedlings and small plants can be hand-pulled. Use caution on steep or friable soil. CHEMICAL: 

Foliar spray seedlings with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 20mL L -1 or 1.5g 10L -1 metsulfuron methyl 

(eg Brushoff); cut stump larger plants with undiluted glyphosate; chisel or drill and inject larger trees with 

undiluted glyphosate with 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible 

(also treat any dominant surface roots).

Common name: Noogoora Burr Latin name: Xanthium sp. (Including X. pungens, X. occidentale et al) 


ORIGIN: 

Noxious Weed Category: W4 (Locally Controlled) 


Habit: Multi-stemmed or single stemmed herb growing up to 2 m high. Flowers: separate male and female 

flowers on <strong>the</strong> same plant. The cream or creamy green male flowers are clustered at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> 

branches, or in <strong>the</strong> upper leaf axils while <strong>the</strong> yellowish green to brown female flower heads occur in <strong>the</strong> leaf 

junctions. Leaves: Simple, alternate, broad-ovate to triangular, 50-150 mm long, 50-150 mm wide, 3- or 5lobed, 

too<strong>the</strong>d margins. The upper leaf surface is darker green than <strong>the</strong> under surface and prominently 3veined 

with purplish veins. Fruit: The burrs are ellipse-shaped, 15-25 mm long, hairy, covered with 

numerous small hooked spines and with 2 longer stout and straight spines (or 'beaks'). Two seeds formed 

in each burr, one larger than <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r. 

Ecology: Major weed of disturbed soil, flood plains and <strong>the</strong> agricultural land of Australia, particularly in 

Queensland, <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory and New South Wales. Grows rapidly after flooding in river systems 

forming dense thickets. The two seeds within <strong>the</strong> fruit germinate in different years. 

Dispersal: The burrs of Noogoora Burr are covered in hooked spines and transport readily by attaching to 

livestock, clothing and o<strong>the</strong>r fibrous material. They are also spread in mud and soil, road gravel and road 

making equipment. Air cavities around <strong>the</strong> seeds assist <strong>the</strong> burrs to float on water and hence much of <strong>the</strong> 

spread in Australia has been along waterways and across flood plains. 



Foliar/spot spray with metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 7.5g 100L -1 .

Common name: Norfolk Island Hibiscus Latin name: Lagunaria patersonia subsp. patersonia 

FAMILY: MALVACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Tree to 15m, occasionally with multiple stems arising from a fluted trunk. Flowers: Pale pink to 

mauve, 5 petals bending back once mature. Leaves: Lance-shaped to oval with a blunt tip, dull-green 

above, paler and hairy below. Fruit: A dry capsule lined with sharp hairs with orange-red kidney shaped 

seeds. 

Ecology: An aggressive habit enables Lagunaria to compete strongly with desirable vegetation and can 

form dense thickets that exclude o<strong>the</strong>r trees. Not particularly well suited to deep shade, but will invade a 

range of forest types on different soils, and is suited to ephemerally wet areas such as wetlands and 

swamp sclerophyll but also exposed low-nutrient soils, ruderal areas, abandoned farm-lots, areas of 

disturbance etc. 

Dispersal: Seed dispersed locally by dehiscent fruit, but red seeds also likely to be spread by some bird 

species. The tree is still widely planted ornamentally and hence humans are a significant dispersal vector. 


Note: Most parts of <strong>the</strong> plant are covered in sharp hairs that can embed in <strong>the</strong> skin. Use caution and 

appropriate PPE. 


Foliar spray with 1g 10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff); cut stump to 100mm with undiluted glyphosate; 

chisel or drill and inject larger trees with undiluted glyphosate with 2mL per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart 

and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible (also treat any dominant surface roots).

Common name: Ochna/Mickey Mouse Plant Latin name: Ochna serrulata 

FAMILY: OCHNACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Dense shrub to 2m, often with multiple trunks, stems with many lenticels (raised spots). Flowers: 

Bright yellow, surrounded by green sepals that turn bright red and curve backward when young fruits 

develop. Leaves: Simple, alternate, finely serrated, drawn to a blunt tip; tough, glossy green above and 

paler below; hairless. Fruit: A drupe (fleshy and single seeded) to 7mm that ripens from green to black. 

Ecology: An extremely aggressive and significant transforming weed which competes strongly with 

desirable vegetation and can form dense and impenetrable thickets that exclude o<strong>the</strong>r understory 

vegetation and inhibit canopy species regeneration. Not particularly well suited to deep shade, but will 

rapidly invade a range of forest types on different soils as well as ruderal areas, abandoned farm-lots, 

areas of disturbance, rainforest edges/gaps etc. 

Dispersal: Seeds which drop from a parent freely germinate, helping create dense monocultures. Fruit are 

dispersed over long ranges in <strong>the</strong> gut of animals as well as riparian systems, contaminated mulch, dumped 

garden waste etc. The rootstock readily and aggressively suckers when damaged. 


HAND: Plants very early develop <strong>the</strong> characteristic S-shaped root structure. Often when hand-pulling is 

attempted it breaks away and enable <strong>the</strong> plant to re-shoot from below ground, fur<strong>the</strong>r complicating nonchemical 

control. However, in soft and sandy soils, small plants can often be hand-pulled, but care should 

be taken to avoid snapping <strong>the</strong> root. Digging is not recommended as <strong>the</strong> root anchors deeply. CHEMICAL: 

For seedlings and plants to 50cm, foliar spray with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 20mL L -1 + 1.5g 

10L -1 metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff); larger plants with a basal diameter to 20mm can be treated by 

stem-scrape and paint with undiluted glyphosate. From ground level up to at least 30cm, scrape back <strong>the</strong> 

thin bark (on all stems if multi-stemmed) to expose <strong>the</strong> green vascular tissue (cambium) for at least ½ <strong>the</strong> 

circumference. Immediately paint <strong>the</strong> green tissue – it dries very quickly which will impede <strong>the</strong> translocation 

of <strong>the</strong> poison. Use caution not to scrape too deeply which will result in poisoning tissue that does not 

translocate to <strong>the</strong> roots. For larger plants, ei<strong>the</strong>r treat by chisel or drill and inject with undiluted glyphosate 

with 2mL per cut/hole, holes 50mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible (also treat any dominant 

surface roots) or basal bark with fluroxypyr (eg Starane200) in diesel at a rate of 35mL L -1 . Basal spray can 

be applied with a paint-brush or low-pressure spray nozzle from ground level to 30cm around <strong>the</strong> entire 

trunk and treating all stems.

Ochna Native Look a Like 

Streblus brunonianus: Whalebone, has a small green/yellow fruit and more finely tapering leaf tips. 

Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Blueberry Ash.

Common name: Paddy’s Lucerne/Sida Latin name: Sida rhombifolia (Syn. S. retusa) 

FAMILY: MALVACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Erect, perennial shrub to 1.5m high. Flowers: Yellow to off-white to 15mm, solitary in <strong>the</strong> axis’ of 

leaves. Leaves: Simple, alternate, coarsely serrated, drawn to a blunt tip; thin, dull green above and paler 

below; to 4cm. Fruit: A schizocarp (split into pie-like segments) which dehists (releases) hard, angular 

seeds to 3mm. 

Ecology: A common weed of a range of untended or degraded areas including gardens, roadsides, farmlots, 

ruderal areas etc. The persistent seedbank also makes Sida common in <strong>the</strong> early stages of ‘greenfield’ 

revegetation sites. It prefers disturbance conditions and can reproduce in its first year. Produces abundant 

hard-coated seed with long viability. Long taproot for moisture-seeking. Will re-shoot from <strong>the</strong> crown if 

slashed, grazed, burnt etc. 

Dispersal: Seeds which drop from a parent freely germinate, helping create dense infestations. Fruit are 

dispersed over long ranges as a contaminant of garden waste, soil on machinery, vehicles etc. 


HAND: The long tap-root can make hand-pulling difficult. Soil disturbance from hand pulling can also 

trigger fur<strong>the</strong>r germination from <strong>the</strong> soil seed bank. Use caution on steep or friable soils. From a broader 

management perspective, <strong>the</strong> plant can be shaded out and germination inhibited by competition from native 

groundcovers and/or canopy. CHEMICAL: Large, woody plants can be cut-paste with undiluted glyphosate 

(eg RoundUp Biactive). For any spray control, plants most importantly need to be healthy. Use glyphosate 

at 20mL L -1 or picloram+triclopyr (eg Grazon Extra) at 5mL L -1 . Repeated applications may be necessary.

Common name: Palm Grass/Highland Pit-Pit Latin name: Setaria palmifolia 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: Perennial grass to 1.5m. Flowers: Inflorescence (grouping of flowers) is a large open panicle 

(roughly pyramidal in shape) presented at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> culm (stem), shows strong red-purple tinge when 

in flower. Leaves: Broad and prominently veined longitudinally with a strong pale-green midvein; strap-like 

and drawn to a point. Fruit: Abundant seed dropped from <strong>the</strong> panicle; small to 2mm. 

Ecology: An escaped ornamental that produces prolific seed. The plants are strongly rooted and form 

tussocks that exclude o<strong>the</strong>r vegetation. It is tolerant of shade and prefers damp areas. 

Dispersal: Seeds which drop from a parent freely germinate, helping create dense infestations. It is 

dispersed over long ranges in riparian water flow and during grass cutting. 


HAND: Chip, crown or mattock out clumps, being careful to exacerbate erosion risk. CHEMICAL: Spot 

spray with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 or wick-wipe with glyphosate at 100mL L -1 . Use 

caution in riparian situations to minimize runoff.

Common name: Pampas Grass Latin name: Cortaderia selloana 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: Large, long lived perennial tussock-forming ornamental grass to 4.5 m tall. Flowers: Large fea<strong>the</strong>ry 

heads on stems (culms) to 3 m tall; white-beige (C. selloana), or pink-mauve (C. jubata). Up to 50 plumes 

formed on one mature plant. Both single sex and bisexual plants exist; Summer-Winter flowering. Leaves: 

Light green, up to 2 m long and finely tapering with prominent midrib and sharp edges that will cut <strong>the</strong> skin. 

A rim of hairs (to 3 mm long) at leaf base (ligule). Fruit: Small (2 mm), short-lived, up to 100,000 seeds set 

per plume. 

Ecology: Produces masses of wind and water-borne seed that can spread over long ranges. Forms dense 

monocultures that exclude o<strong>the</strong>r vegetation. Fires burn with intense heat and interfere with ecological 

processes including regeneration/succession. Well suited to waterlogged and damp areas particularly 

coastal heath and floodplains. 

Dispersal: Seed, primarily by wind, but also as a contaminant of soil on people, tools, machinery etc. 


HAND: Small plants can be chipped or crowned out. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with glyphosate (eg 

RoundUp Biactive) at 13mL L -1 .

Common name: Panic Veldt Grass/Ehrharta Latin name: Ehrharta erecta 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: Perennial grass to 0.5m. Flowers: Inflorescences borne on stems, 10-80 cm long and grow at any 

time during <strong>the</strong> year. The stem can be upright or curved, often branched near <strong>the</strong> base and sometimes 

tinged red. Leaves: Bright green, flat leaf blade with soft hairs on surface, to 5-20 cm long, 2-10 mm wide, 

stems rounded, prominent mid-vein on <strong>the</strong> underside of leaf. Fruit: Profuse and rapid production of 3 mm 

long and oval-shaped, shiny seeds. They range from immature green to a bleached, dry appearance. 

Seeding can occur every 6 weeks and viability approaches 100%. Seed thought to have a viability of up to 

4 years. 

Ecology: An aggressive, perennial grass almost constantly in seed, Ehrharta spreads rapidly excluding 

many small native ground cover species. Vigorous, shade-tolerant, with a network of fine, dense, waterhogging 

roots; can out-compete native ground covers in nearly all soil conditions. Once disturbed – or if 

competition is removed (eg spray-outs of o<strong>the</strong>r weedy groundcovers) – dormant seedbank immediately 

flushes up and creates a dominant monoculture. 

Dispersal: Seed is spread over long ranges by contamination of footwear/clothing, soil on tyres, tools, 

machinery, grass-cutting equipment and also in flowing water of riparian systems. Over short distances, <strong>the</strong> 

seed is spread by wind, animals and human activity including bush regeneration. The breaking down of 

wind rakes and storm shutters facilitates higher wind velocities which aggravates <strong>the</strong> spread. 


Note: Do not underestimate <strong>the</strong> impact of this seemingly innocuous grass. Develop a strategy for limiting 

and reducing <strong>the</strong> infestation before rushing in. Exercise good weed hygiene by cleaning off tools and 

clothing before leaving a contaminated site, working from clean areas toward infested areas and avoiding 

movement through infested areas on <strong>the</strong> way to clean areas. 

HAND: Remove seed (‘dead-head’) <strong>the</strong>n crown out or spray outlying individuals to contain spread, <strong>the</strong>n 

work toward <strong>the</strong> core infestation working from ‘bad’ to ‘good’. CHEMICAL: Spray with glyphosate (eg 

RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 . Repeated applications essential to exhaust seed bank.

Common name: Parrot Alstroemeria Latin name Alstroemeria pulchella 

FAMILY: ALSTROEMERIACEAE 

ORIGIN: Brazil 



Habit: Erect perennial with numerous unbranched stems with spoon-shaped leaves to 1 m high. Tuberous 

underground roots. Leaves: Twisting from <strong>the</strong> base, to 1m Flowers: Loose clusters 4-5cm across, red and 

green with black spots, at tops of stems. Fruit: Approximately-spherical capsule with prominent ribs to 

15mm diameter. Reddish brown seeds to 3mm. 

Ecology: Spreads from seed and colonises a range of soil types under varying conditions including shade 

to full sun. Spreads vegetatively via underground tubers. Dense infestations can outcompete desirable 

vegetation, particularly species dependent on germinating seed ra<strong>the</strong>r than vegetative spread. 

Dispersal: Seed drops locally and germinates and also can be dispersed in flowing water. Also as a 

contaminant of dumped garden waste, soil etc. 


HAND: Remove <strong>the</strong> entire plant including <strong>the</strong> roots. CHEMICAL: Cut individual stems near ground and 

paint with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Follow up usually required to exhaust seed bank 

and dormant tubers.

Common name: Pennywort Latin name: Hydrocotyl bonariensis 

FAMILY: APIACEAE 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: Perennial herb with rhizomes, stems creeping and rooting at <strong>the</strong> nodes; to 50cm Leaves: Fleshy, 

peltate (leaf stalk (petiole) attaches to leaf blade (lamina) in from <strong>the</strong> margin); lamina mostly 30–120 mm 

diam., shallowly lobed, margins or lobes crenate (rounded ‘serrations’). Flowers: White to creamy yellow in 

umbels (multiple ‘branches’ of flowers arise from a single point) to 6cm diameter. Fruit: A small ellipse to 

3mm with prominent ribs. 

Ecology: Coloniser of coastal dunes and on sandy soil on cliff faces, along creeks and swamps near <strong>the</strong> 

coast, weed of coastal lawns. Dense infestations can outcompete desirable vegetation, particularly species 

dependent on germinating seed ra<strong>the</strong>r than vegetative spread. 

Dispersal: Spreads primarily via creeping rhizome. Seed drops locally and germinates. 


HAND: Very difficult to control manually. Remove <strong>the</strong> entire plant including <strong>the</strong> roots. CHEMICAL: Trial 

wick-wiping with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 100mL L-1 or foliar spray with metsulfuron methyl 

(eg Brushoff) at 1.5g 10L -1 .

Common name: Peruvian Summer/Ribbon Bush Latin name: Hypoestes aristata 

FAMILY: ACANTHACEAE 

ORIGIN: Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Africa 



Habit: Erect shrub to 1.5m. Leaves: Simple, opposite, entire, thin with a soft covering of hairs, prominent 

venation. Flowers: Pale pink to lilac in clusters held in leaf axils; obvious 2-lipped and long stamens. Fruit: 

A flattened oblong capsule which splits down both sides to explosively dehist seeds. Seeds hard and 

flattened. 

Ecology: A weed of riparian vegetation, forest margins, urban bushland, open woodlands, roadsides, 

disturbed sites and waste areas. Tolerant of deep shade but prefers some disturbance (edges and gaps) to 

take hold. Can reproduce from seed as well as stem fragments and layering when it can form dense 

thickets that exclude o<strong>the</strong>r vegetation by aggressive, shallow roots and shade. 

Dispersal: Seed is dispersed locally when released explosively from <strong>the</strong> fruit. Seed, stem and root 

fragments can be spread in soil, contaminated garden waste, and in flowing water of riparian systems. . 


HAND: Seedlings and small plants - remove <strong>the</strong> entire plant including <strong>the</strong> roots. Plants will re-root if left in 

contact with <strong>the</strong> soil. CHEMICAL: Cut-paste with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive); foliar spray 

with glyphosate at 20mL L -1 + metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.5g L -1 + a non-ionic surfactant (eg 

Pulse). Repeat applications may be necessary.

Common name: Pink Tephrosia Latin name: Tephrosia glomeruliflora 


ORIGIN: Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Africa 



Habit: Erect shrub 1–2 m high, branches hairy. Leaves: Leaves compound, alternate, 5–12 cm long; 

leaflets 11–21, oblanceolate to oblong, 15–40 mm long, 5–10 mm wide. Flowers: Pale pink to mauve in 

racemes up to 15cm long. Fruit: Pod straight and flattened when green, twisted once seeds dehist and pod 

dries, 5–7 cm long, 7–9 mm wide. 

Ecology: Widely naturalised in eastern Australia (i.e. in south-eastern, central and nor<strong>the</strong>rn Queensland 

and in <strong>the</strong> coastal districts of nor<strong>the</strong>rn and central New South Wales). Typically a plant of poorly managed 

gardens, roadsides, ruderal areas, forest margins etc. Shallow rooted, but does not root adventitiously or 

layer from prostrate stems. 

Dispersal: Seed is dispersed locally when released from <strong>the</strong> fruit. Seed, can be spread in soil, 

contaminated garden waste etc. 


HAND: Hand pull seedlings and small plants and remove seed pods if practical to do so. Use caution on 

steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: Cut-paste with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive); foliar spray 

with glyphosate at 10mL L -1 .

Common name: Polygala Latin name: Polygala myrtifolia 


ORIGIN: Africa 



Habit: Erect shrub, usually 1–2.5 m high, densely leaved. Leaves: Leaves simple, alternate to pseudowhorled 

at ends of branches, usually elliptic to broad-elliptic, 10–50 mm long, 4–15 mm wide, apex obtuse, 

hairless to sparsely hairy. Flowers: ‘Pea’-type, in racemes to 5cm long, lilac. Fruit: A circular capsule to 

10mm diameter. 

Ecology: Favours disturbance including fire, but flourishes on degraded forest edges and in gaps. Seeds 

have long viability and disturbance of o<strong>the</strong>r weed control activities may trigger germination. Dense 

infestations compete with <strong>the</strong> regeneration of o<strong>the</strong>r native species. 

Dispersal: Seed is dispersed locally when released from <strong>the</strong> fruit. Seed, can be spread in soil, 

contaminated garden waste etc. 


HAND: Hand pull seedlings and small plants and remove seed pods if practical to do so. Use caution on 

steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: Cut-paste with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive); foliar spray 

with glyphosate at 20mL L -1 . Repeat applications may be required.

Common name: Potato Weed Latin name: Galinsoga parviflora 


ORIGIN: 



Habit: A small, short-lived, herbaceous plant with upright or semi-upright stems growing 10-60 cm tall. 

Leaves: Paired leaves (25-60 mm long) have variously too<strong>the</strong>d to almost entire margins. Flowers: 

Presented on long peduncles (flower stalks); 5 tiny white 'petals' (ray florets) and a yellow centre. Fruit: 

Small and hard to 1.5mm long; held within <strong>the</strong> dry inflorescence. 

Ecology: A common weed of gardens, footpaths, parks, crops and disturbed sites. It can sometimes also 

be found growing in riparian vegetation and disturbed natural vegetation, but it is not a significant 

environmental weed. Prefers areas of disturbance where <strong>the</strong> abundant seed readily germinates. Shallowrooted. 

Dispersal: Reproduces only from seed which is spread in contaminated soil, garden mulch, dumped 

garden waste etc. Locally dropped seed germinates forming dense infestations. 


HAND: Hand pull seedlings and small plants. Use caution on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: Foliar 

spray with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 . Repeat applications may be required to exhaust 

<strong>the</strong> seed bank.

Common name: Purple Top Latin name: Verbena bonariensis 


ORIGIN: South America 



Habit: Long-lived herbaceous plant with upright stems growing 60-200 cm Leaves: Simple, opposite and 

too<strong>the</strong>d; a slightly sandpapery texture; stems four-angled in cross-section. Flowers: Clustered at <strong>the</strong> ends 

of long branchlets; lilac to purple. Fruit: A schizocarp (fruit divided like segments of a pumpkin) with 4 

mericarps (individually seed cases – a segment of <strong>the</strong> ‘pumpkin’). 

Ecology: A common weed of roadsides, pastures, grasslands, open woodlands, riparian vegetation, crops, 

orchards, gardens, disturbed sites and waste areas in warmer temperate, sub-tropical and occasionally 

also tropical environments. A prolific seeder capable of forming dense infestations. 

Dispersal: Reproduces only from seed which is spread in contaminated soil, garden mulch, dumped 

garden waste, during grass cutting/slashing etc. Locally dropped seed germinates forming dense 

infestations. 


HAND: Hand pull seedlings and small. Use caution on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with 

glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 . Repeat applications may be required to exhaust <strong>the</strong> seed 

bank. Larger plants can be cut-paste with undiluted glyphosate.

Common name: Running Bamboo Latin name: Phyllostachys spp. (Including P.aurea, P. nigra) 


ORIGIN: China 



Habit: Running bamboos with tall woody stems (culms) and fea<strong>the</strong>ry leaves from side-shoots and growing 

tips. Culms have a groove down one side of <strong>the</strong> stem between <strong>the</strong> internodes, alternating side to side. 

Leaves: Long and narrow, tapered to a point, golden yellow, giving a fea<strong>the</strong>r appearance. Flowers: 

Flowers and seeds produced after long irregular intervals. Fruit: Long, narrow and tapered to 15mm, only 

sporadically produced. 

Ecology: Thickets compete with native vegetation, roots form dense mats up to 60cm deep. Can regrow 

vigorously after slashing, fire, digging. 

Dispersal: Generally by vegetative expansion, occasionally from wind dispersed seeds. Humans are <strong>the</strong> 

primary source of dispersal as <strong>the</strong> plant transplants easily to form new infestations. 


HAND: Only attempt digging out if shallow-rooted. This will result in significant disturbance, potentially 

causing a flush of o<strong>the</strong>r weeds. CHEMICAL: Cut and paste individual stems close to <strong>the</strong> ground and poison 

<strong>the</strong> outer ring of vascular tissue with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Brush-cut to ground level 

and spray with glyphosate at 20mL L -1 . Repeat treatments required. 

P. aurea P. nigra P. aurea 

P aurea

Common name: Silver Leaf Desmodium/Velcro Vine Latin name: Desmodium uncinatum 





Habit: Sprawling or climbing vine with stems to about 1.5 m long. Leaves: Compound, alternate, three 

leaflets on stalks 2.0-5.5 cm long. Leaflets (2-10 cm long) have pointed tips and <strong>the</strong>ir upper surfaces have a 

distinct silvery stripe, hairy on both sides. Flowers: Pea-type, in elongated clusters at <strong>the</strong> tips of <strong>the</strong> stems 

or in <strong>the</strong> upper leaf axils. Pink or purplish flowers (7-10 mm long) usually turn bluish or bluish-green as 

<strong>the</strong>y age. Fruit: Elongated pods (1-3 cm long) are covered in hooked hairs, and readily separate into 3-10 

small one-seeded segments. 

Ecology: A weed of pastures, riparian vegetation, forest margins, open woodlands, roadsides, parks, 

lawns, footpaths, disturbed sites and waste areas. Grows rapidly and produces flowers and fruit within first 

year. Smo<strong>the</strong>rs low-growing vegetation, competing for light and competes with native vines, shrubs and 

groundcovers. Hooked hairs can entrap small wildlife eg lizards and frogs. 

Dispersal: This species reproduces mainly by seed, but its creeping stems may produce roots when <strong>the</strong>y 

come into contact with moist soil. The fruit separate into one-seeded segments, that readily become 

attached to animals, clothing and vehicles. Seeds may also be dispersed by water and in contaminated 

agricultural produce. 


Note: The fine, hooked hairs enable plant parts to adhere to clothing, so check clothing before moving from 

infected areas toward clean to avoid spreading <strong>the</strong> pest. 

HAND: Grub out seedlings and small to medium-sized plants. Use caution on steep or friable soils 

CHEMICAL: For larger-stemmed plants, cut-scrape-paint close to ground-level with undiluted glyphosate 

(eg RoundUp Biactive). For infestations, foliar spray with metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.5g 10L -1 + 

1mL L -1 of non-ionic surfactant (eg Pulse).

Common name: Singapore Daisy Latin name: Sphagneticola trilobata 


ORIGIN: Pan-Central/South America 

Noxious Weed Category: W5 (Restricted Plant) 


Habit: A long-lived (i.e. perennial) herb with a creeping (i.e. prostrate), scrambling or climbing habit. 

This mat-forming (i.e. stoloniferous) plant often creates a dense ground cover (usually 15-30 cm tall but 

occasionally up to 70 cm tall) that crowds out <strong>the</strong> growth of o<strong>the</strong>r species. It may also climb a short distance 

up trees or over o<strong>the</strong>r vegetation. Leaves: Simple, opposite, lobes with too<strong>the</strong>d margins; glossy green 

above, duller beneath. Flowers: Yellow and daisy-like with prominent ray florets, to 3.5cm diameter. Fruit: 

Viable seed is only sparingly produced; narrow and tapered to 5mm. 

Ecology: Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) is regarded as a significant environmental weed in 

Queensland, and a minor or potential environmental weed in New South Wales and Western Australia. It is 

also listed in <strong>the</strong> Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) and is among <strong>the</strong> top 100 of <strong>the</strong> world’s worst 

invasive alien species. Left unmanaged, it forms monocultures inhibiting <strong>the</strong> germination and establishment 

of all o<strong>the</strong>r species. It is not well suited to deep shade and this should be considered as part of a restoration 

strategy. 

Dispersal: This plant usually reproduces vegetatively by stem fragments, while viable seeds are rarely 

produced. Stem fragments readily take root where <strong>the</strong>y come into contact with <strong>the</strong> ground and can 

develop into new plants. Such segments are commonly spread in dumped garden waste, by mowing and 

slashing, and during floods 


HAND: small infestations can be hand-weeded for removal off site. Adopt a staged removal to mitigate 

erosion risk as Singapore Daisy often performs <strong>the</strong> function of groundcover. CHEMICAL: For large 

infestations foliar spray with metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.5g 10L -1 + 1mL L -1 of a vegetable-based 

adjuvant (eg Synetrol).

Common name: Small Leaved Privet/Chinese Privet Latin name: Ligustrum sinense 


ORIGIN: China/South-East Asia 



Habit: A large shrub or a small tree usually growing less than 3 m tall, but occasionally reaching 4-5 m in 

height. Leaves: Simple, opposite, slightly hairy on <strong>the</strong> underside midvein; no oil dots (which separates it 

from ‘lily-pillies’; to 7cmx3cm but usually smaller. Flowers: Small and white and produced in dense 

clusters. Fruit: Abundant, bluish black to 6mm. 

Ecology: Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) is most commonly found in wetter tropical, sub-tropical and 

temperate regions. It is a particularly common weed of rainforest areas and waterways, but is also a weed 

of urban bushland, gullies, open woodlands, waste areas, disturbed sites and roadsides. Privet tends to 

grow in more fertile soils and forms dense thickets that enable it to shade out o<strong>the</strong>r plants. Its root system 

reduces <strong>the</strong> availability of water and nutrients for competing native species, and when <strong>the</strong> roots or stems 

are damaged or cut <strong>the</strong>y sucker prolifically. 

Dispersal: This species reproduces by seed, root suckers, and it also resprouts after its stems 

are deliberately cut or o<strong>the</strong>rwise damaged. Its seeds are readily dispersed by fruit-eating (i.e. frugivorous) 

birds and o<strong>the</strong>r animals. They may also be spread by water or in dumped garden waste. 


HAND: Privet is generally shallowly rooted but has a dense network of surface roots. Therefore, seedlings 

and small plants can be hand-weeded, but use caution of steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: For large 

infestations foliar spray with metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.0g 10L -1 . Plants too large for hand pulling 

– but up to 100mm diameter - can be cut close to ground level and immediately painted with undiluted 

glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). Chisel or drill and inject larger trees with undiluted glyphosate @ 2mL 

per cut/hole, holes 100mm apart and as close to <strong>the</strong> ground as possible (also treat any dominant surface 

roots).

Small Leaved Privet Native Look a Like 

May be confused with <strong>the</strong> native Backhousia Myrtifolia: Grey Myrtle. They grow in similar habitats, but <strong>the</strong> 

native myrtle has oil glands in its leaves (clearly visible when <strong>the</strong> leaf is held up to <strong>the</strong> sun). Also, when 

crushed Grey Myrtle leaves smell similar to <strong>the</strong>ir relatives, <strong>the</strong> eucalypts. 

Syzygium smithii or Lilly Pilly seedlings may be confused with <strong>the</strong> Small Leaf Privet. 

Breynia oblongifolia or Coffee Bush can also be confused with this weed. 

. 

Syzygium smithii seedling 

Native Look a Like Breynia oblongifolia 

or Coffee bush

Common name: South American Clover / Mexican Clover Latin name: Richardia brasiliensis 

FAMILY: RUBIACEAE 




Habit: A short-lived (i.e. annual) herbaceous plant with creeping (i.e. prostrate) or sprawling stems. 

Leaves: The oppositely arranged leaves are simple and borne on stalks (i.e. petioles) 4-12 mm long. 

These leaves (8-50 mm long and 3-28 mm wide) are oval (i.e. elliptic) in shape with entire margins 

and pointed tips (i.e. acute apices). They are also hairy and rough to touch (i.e. pubescent and scarbous), 

especially along <strong>the</strong> edges. Flowers: Clusters of minute, white flowers 1-3mm long at <strong>the</strong> ends of branches 

and in leaf axils. Fruit: The mature fruit split apart into three one-seeded segments (i.e. mericarps) when 

mature. These 'seeds' (2.5-3 mm long) are brown in colour. 

Ecology: A common weed of parks, gardens, footpaths, lawns, roadsides, disturbed sites, waste areas, 

crops and degraded pastures. Richardia spreads via abundant seed production as well as by its layering 

stems that can form new plants if broken from <strong>the</strong> parent. 

Dispersal: Seed and stem fragments that can take root if damaged and dispersed. They can also spread in 

soil, contaminated garden waste and as a contaminant of machinery, tools etc. 


HAND: Seedlings and small plants can be hand-weeded. Use caution of steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: 

For foliar spray, use glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 or wick-wipe at 100mL L -1 .

Common name: Spanish Bayonet Latin name: Yucca aloifolia 

FAMILY: 

ORIGIN: 



Habit: A shrubby plant with upright (i.e. erect) stems usually growing 1-3 m tall, but occasionally forming 

colonies up to 7 m in height. Leaves: Succulent; long and narrow and densely alternately arranged along 

<strong>the</strong> stems. These leaves (70-100 cm long and 2.5-6 cm wide) have entire or very finely too<strong>the</strong>d margins 

and a pointed tip ending in a sharp blackish coloured spine 1-2 cm long. They are hairless and dark green 

or bluish-grey in colour. Flowers: Autumn-flowering; arranged in large branched clusters (0.5-2 m long) at 

<strong>the</strong> top of flowering stems 1-3 m tall (i.e. in terminal panicles). The individual flowers are borne on stalks 

(i.e. pedicels) 2-4 cm long and hang downwards (i.e. <strong>the</strong>y are pendant). These flowers (5-7 cm long) have 

six white or cream coloured 'petals'. Fruit: Large fleshy capsule (3.5-9 cm long and 2-4 cm wide), oblong in 

shape. 

Ecology: A hardy plant that forms impenetrable thickets of tough leaves, spiny leaves. Seed that drops 

near <strong>the</strong> plant can form new individuals enabling <strong>the</strong> patch to spread, but seed and plant parts such as 

stem segments and rosettes can be spread through <strong>the</strong> dumping of garden waste and as a contaminant of 

soil etc. 

Dispersal: Spread by humans as a horticultural plant. Seed that drops near <strong>the</strong> plant can form new 

individuals enabling <strong>the</strong> patch to spread, but seed and plant parts such as stem segments and rosettes can 

be spread through <strong>the</strong> dumping of garden waste and as a contaminant of soil etc. 


HAND: Dig out or use machinery. Remove and destroy all plant parts off-site. Use caution of steep or 

friable soils. CHEMICAL: Use cut-paste or drill/chisel and inject with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp 

Biactive).

Common name: Spider Plant/Ribbon Plant Latin name: Chlorophytum comosum 

FAMILY: ANTHERICACEAE 

ORIGIN: Africa 



Habit: A long-lived herbaceous plant usually growing 25-35 cm tall, but occasionally reaching up to 60 cm 

in height. It forms dense tufts of leaves and has tuberous roots 5-10 cm long Stems arch over and root 

where <strong>the</strong>y contact <strong>the</strong> ground, forming a new plant. Leaves: Succulent; strap-like to 45cm long, often 

green/white striped. Flowers: Arranged in small clusters along <strong>the</strong> flowering stems. Fruit: Small, threesided, 

lea<strong>the</strong>ry capsule (4-10 mm long). 

Ecology: Plants become established in native habitats when <strong>the</strong>y are introduced to <strong>the</strong> area in discarded 

garden refuse. Once established <strong>the</strong>y spread by plantlets and individual clumps can spread quite 

extensively, excluding native plants in <strong>the</strong> ground layer of natural vegetation. 

Dispersal: This species reproduces by seed and also vegetatively via <strong>the</strong> small plants (i.e. plantlets) that 

develop along <strong>the</strong> flowering stems. Seeds and plantlets are most commonly spread in dumped garden 

waste. 


HAND: Dig out and remove off-site. Use caution on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with 

glyphosate (RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 + metsulfuron methyl (eg Brushoff) at 1.5g 10L -1 . Follow up 

required.

Common name: Stinking Roger Latin name: Tagetes minuta 





Habit: An erect annual herb to 2.5m. All parts of <strong>the</strong> plant give off a strong fragrance when crushed or 

disturbed. Leaves: Thin and compound with a ‘fea<strong>the</strong>ry’ appearance. The leaflet margins are serrated. 

Stinking Roger is often mistaken by <strong>the</strong> those unaccustomed to seeing it for Cannabis sativa – 

marijuana/Indian hemp. Fruit: Grouped in clusters of small, erect open-ended capsules. The seed is similar 

to that of Cobbler’s Pegs (Bidens pilosa). 

Ecology: The germination of seed is highly light-dependent and plants do not usually establish in healthy, 

intact ecosystems with leaf litter or shade. Hence, Stinking Roger is often found on <strong>the</strong> margins of 

bushland, ruderal areas, untended garden areas etc. 

Dispersal: Although seed is presented at <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> mature plant (well placed for wind-dispersal) <strong>the</strong> 

seed does not have a pappus (‘parachute’-like hairs) and is quite dense, so most seed falls in <strong>the</strong> vicinity of 

<strong>the</strong> parent, eventually leading to dense seed banks and mass-germinations which readily outcompete o<strong>the</strong>r 

species. Seeds are <strong>the</strong>refore also commonly spread in soil and on contaminated tools and machinery, but 

also occasionally on people and in <strong>the</strong> hair/fur of livestock. 


HAND: Hand-pulling is easy and effective but <strong>the</strong> disturbance often triggers a fur<strong>the</strong>r mass germination. 

Brushcutting of dense stands will kill <strong>the</strong> adult plants (annuals) and enable better access for follow-up 

spraying. CHEMICAL: Foliar spray with glyphosate (RoundUp Biactive) at 10mL L -1 when <strong>the</strong> plants are up 

to waist height. Above this height, off target damage is difficult to manage. For selective control that leaves 

grasses unaffected use metsulfuron methyl (eg BrushOff) at 1g L -10 and lightly overspray.

Common name: Sweet Viburnum Latin name: Viburnum odoratissimum 

FAMILY: ADOXACEAE/CAPRIFOLIACEAE 

ORIGIN: Nor<strong>the</strong>rn hemisphere pan-asian. 



Habit: A shrub to small tree with dense, glossy foliage and fragrant white flowers. Leaves: Thick and 

opposite with finely too<strong>the</strong>d margins, to 15cm. Fruit: Olive-shaped and grouped in clusters, black to red. 

Ecology: Sweet viburnum seed germinates in a range of soil types and from partial shade to full sun. It is 

well suited to colonising forest edges and ecotones. Fruits develop after a few years and are readily eaten 

by birds which can disperse <strong>the</strong>m over long distances, often depositing <strong>the</strong>m from a perch on <strong>the</strong> edge of 

bushland, continuing <strong>the</strong> spread. 

Dispersal: Primarily spread by people as a popular feature and hedging plant, sweet viburnum fruit are 

highly visible and sought-after by birds which pass <strong>the</strong> seed in a new location for possible germination. 


HAND: Hand-pull seedlings. Use caution on steep or friable soils. CHEMICAL: Cut and paste or drill/chisel 

and inject with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp).

Common name: Thickhead Latin name: Crassocephalum crepidioides 


ORIGIN: Africa and Madagascar. 



Habit: An annual herb to 1.0m high with thin leaves and apical clusters of nodding pale red flowers. 

Leaves: Thin and pale green, often simple but also deeply dissected into lobes with too<strong>the</strong>d margins. Fruit: 

Similar to many thistles, it is an achene with a pappus of hairs which enable easy wind dispersal. The 

flowers nod over when unpollinated, but become erect as <strong>the</strong> seeds mature and dry. 

Ecology: Like many o<strong>the</strong>r daisy family annuals (thistles, fleabane etc), thickhead thrives in disturbed areas, 

particularly with elevated light and heat levels (edges, gaps, gardens, overgrazed pasture, post-flooding). It 

grows rapidly and produces abundant seed which can lay dormant in <strong>the</strong> soil for <strong>the</strong> next disturbance 

event. 

Dispersal: Seed disperses over medium to long range by wind and as a contaminant of machinery and 

vehicles, and over short distances by <strong>the</strong> above means and also by local seed drop. 


HAND: Hand-pulling seedlings is effective but <strong>the</strong> disturbance can often trigger ano<strong>the</strong>r mass germination. 

Mulching over hand-pulled areas is effective for <strong>the</strong> short-to-medium term. Ensure <strong>the</strong> root mass is shaken 

free of soil and ei<strong>the</strong>r elevated or piled where roots can not strike. CHEMICAL: A light overspray of 

glyphosate (eg RoundUp) at 10mL L -1 will control thickhead.

Common name: Torpedo Grass Latin name: Panicum repens 


ORIGIN: Mediterranean. 



Habit: Perennial grass with dull-green foliage, pale-to-white florets (flowers) and an aggressive, creeping 

rhizome, particularly in sandy soils. The habit is distinct as <strong>the</strong> culms (stems) often lay on <strong>the</strong> ground and 

curve upward to 1m long. Leaves: Dull-green 2-6mm wide and to 25cm long. Fruit: The inflorescence 

(entire flower ‘head’) is 7-15cm long and each floret is whitish (an uncommon feature in grasses as most 

are green) 2-3mm long). 

Ecology: Spreads mostly by <strong>the</strong> aggressive creeping rhizome but also, less commonly, produces viable 

seed. Plant is dormant during cooler months and re-emerges with vigor in warmer wea<strong>the</strong>r. Dense 

infestations outcompete o<strong>the</strong>r species. 

Dispersal: Once considered to be a possible ponded pasture species (ie human dispersal). Fragments of 

rhizomes may be inadvertently spread on heavy machinery. Main method of spread is vegetative. 


Note: Very difficult and time-consuming to eradicate due to <strong>the</strong> deeply-rooted rhizome and sheer extent of 

some infestations. 

HAND: Recommended for small infestations. Use trowels or garden forks to chase <strong>the</strong> root system, <strong>the</strong>n 

dispatch into green waste. Consider weed succession from major disturbance such as this (particularly 

Acetosa in coastal areas). CHEMICAL: Also difficult, but a trial application of glyphosate (eg RoundUp 

Biactive) @ 10mL L -1 + metsulfuron methyl @ 1.5g 10L -1 + vegetable-based adjuvant (eg Synetrol Horti-Oil) 

@ 1mL L -1 Has so far given good results nine months after application.

Common name: Trad / Wandering Jew Latin name: Tradescantia fluminensis (Syn. T. albiflora) 

FAMILY: COMMELINACEAE 

ORIGIN: South America. 



Habit: Perennial, ground-covering herb with fleshy leaves, rooting aggressively at <strong>the</strong> nodes. Leaves: Dark 

green, fleshy, elliptical and drawn to a blunt tip, to 3cm, <strong>the</strong> sheath which clasps <strong>the</strong> stem is very short. 

Fruit: A small capsule, usually with 6 seeds. Flowers: White and 3-‘petaled’. 

Ecology: Shade tolerant and capable of invading undisturbed forest. It spreads rapidly by adventitious 

rooting at <strong>the</strong> nodes. Not widely considered to spread by seed, but viable seed is known to form. Dense 

infestations outcompete and smo<strong>the</strong>r o<strong>the</strong>r species and will climb to approximately 1 metre. 

Dispersal: Water and vegetative spread are <strong>the</strong> two main methods. However, bush turkeys can also rake 

up and spread <strong>the</strong> plant over short distances. No longer a popular garden ornamental, it is often found in 

dumped green waste from which new infestations can begin. 


Note: Can be difficult and time-consuming to eradicate due to persistence and sheer extent of some 

infestations. 

HAND: Recommended for small infestations. Use a rake to pile up dense mats <strong>the</strong>n trample and solarise. 

For small infestations, hand weed into a bucket for green waste disposal. CHEMICAL: Also difficult, but 2 

to 3 applications of fluroxypyr (eg Starane Advanced 333gL -1 ) @ 9mL L -1 + a non-ionic surfactant (eg 

Pulse) @ 1mL L -1 is very effective. Monitor and hand-weed regrowth. At Rushcutter we have had good 

success using Roundup Biactive @ 5ml to 1L with follow up.

Common name: Commelina / Scurvy weed Latin name: Commelina diffusa (Syn. C. cyanea) 

FAMILY: COMMELINACEAE 




Habit: Perennial, ground-covering herb with fleshy leaves, roots freely at <strong>the</strong> nodes. Leaves: Light green, 

fleshy, lanceolate and drawn to a blunt tip, to 5cm x 2cm, <strong>the</strong> sheath which clasps <strong>the</strong> stem is quite long 

compared with Wandering Jewt. Fruit: A small capsule. Flowers: Pale blue and 3-‘petaled’. 

Ecology: Similar ecology to Wandering Jew but not as aggressive. 

Dispersal: Water and vegetative spread are <strong>the</strong> two main methods. However, bush turkeys can also rake 

up and spread <strong>the</strong> plant over short distances. 


n/a.

Common name: Turkey Rhubarb / Acetosa Latin name: Acetosa saggitata 

FAMILY: POLYGONACEAE 




Habit: Perennial scrambling vine to 3m with reddish stems and arrowhead-shaped leaves. Leaves: Light 

green and arrowhead-shaped (ie saggitate), alternate on stem, to 7cm. Fruit: A small, dry papery capsule 

with 3 lobes and 3 hard seeds. Flowers: In large, open-branching terminal clusters to 50cm, individual 

flowers are small and green-to-cream-to-reddish. Flowers and fruits more aggressively in warmer months. 

Ecology: Seeds are presented terminally on <strong>the</strong> stems (well suited to wind dispersal) and <strong>the</strong> papery 

fruiting body can be blown over open ground for considerable distances. From an early age <strong>the</strong> root 

develops into a swollen tuber and <strong>the</strong>n can sprout new underground stems that creep and form new tubers 

and often a new above-ground stem – effectively a new plant. This starchy reserve is an impediment to a 

high percentage chemical kill. The ascending stems smo<strong>the</strong>r low-growing host vegetation and exclude 

o<strong>the</strong>r species. 

Dispersal: By wind and water but also as a contaminant of soil on people, tools, machinery and vehicles, 

garden mulch and green-waste dumping. Tubers (and tuber fragments) are also spread in contaminated 

soil. 


Note: Eradication can be very time-consuming and expensive. Identify high-priority assets to protect and 

ei<strong>the</strong>r aim to contain or gradually reduce <strong>the</strong> core infestation size. The breaking down of woody weeds such 

as bitou and lantana can allow accelerated seed spread and needs to be carefully considered. 

Hand: Seedlings can be hand-pulled. Use a trowel or garden fork to dig up larger tubers. Remove all plant 

material off site for deep burial at landfill. Chemical: Foliar spray with metsulfuron methyl (eg BrushOff) 

1.5g 10L -1 or picloram+triclopyr (eg Grazon Extra) @ 2mL L -1 with kill off all above-ground material (not 

seed) and part of large tubers – <strong>the</strong>se often re-sprout and will require ongoing treatment.

Common name: Umbrella Tree Latin name: Schefflera actinophylla 

FAMILY: ARALIACEAE 

ORIGIN: Eastern Australia, north of <strong>the</strong> Tropic of Capricorn 



Habit: Tree to 15m with prominent large, palmate leaves, grey-white trunk and long, deep-red 

inflorescence spikes protruding from <strong>the</strong> crown. Flowers: Deep red and held in long, arching ‘spikes’ to 

75cm long. Leaves: Palmate (ie compound with multiple leaflets radiating from <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> petiole (leaf 

stalk)) and up to 10 leaflets per leaf. Leaflets have smooth margins and are up to 40cm long and 10cm 

wide. 

Ecology: In its native range, Umbrella Tree plays a balanced role in <strong>the</strong> natural landscape. However, in 

sou<strong>the</strong>rn regions (particularly south-east Queensland and north of <strong>the</strong> Hunter Valley NSW), <strong>the</strong> tree is 

troublesome and displaces native vegetation. It is also an aggressive rooting plant and can interfere with 

building foundations and water/sewerage pipes. Trees are fast-growing and produce abundant fruit which 

are spread in waterways but more commonly by birds and flying foxes. They are tolerant of semi shade to 

full sun and often colonise forest edges and ecotones. 

Dispersal: Primarily by birds and flying foxes, but also capable of layering from sections of <strong>the</strong> trunk if 

felled trees are left on <strong>the</strong> ground. 


Hand: Seedlings and small plants quickly develop a strong tap root, so hand-pulling can be difficult. Use 

caution in steep or friable soils. Elevate <strong>the</strong> trunk sections of felled or pulled plants to avoid layering or rerooting. 

Chemical: Cut-paste or chisel/drill and treat with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive).

Common name: Variegated Arrowhead Vine Latin name: Syngonium podyphyllum 

FAMILY: ARACEAE 

ORIGIN: Mexico to Panama 



Habit: Scrambling fleshy vine with large, alternate, deeply lobed leaves. Flowers: Green and tubular, but 

largely indistinct. Leaves: Alternate and very fleshy, but tough. Stems aggressively root to <strong>the</strong> substrate 

where <strong>the</strong>y contact, including trees, timber, soil and rock. Not a parasite, but smo<strong>the</strong>ring, heavy, dense 

foliage can collapse trees and restrict understory native species establishment. 

Ecology: The plant spreads rapidly by vegetative means which is <strong>the</strong> primary method of spread. It is 

tolerant of full sun to full shade (though grows less quickly in <strong>the</strong> latter) and thrives in waterlogged areas or 

with permanent soil moisture. In natural systems it outcompetes native understory plants (including woody 

regeneration) and is a serious ecological brake in rainforest, wet sclerophyll and swamp sclerophyll and <strong>the</strong> 

ecotones <strong>the</strong>reof. 

Dispersal: Primarily humans, historically, but is still transplanted or sold as a hardy, shade-tolerant 

groundcover or ‘plant of interest’. New populations start through <strong>the</strong> dumping of green waste into and on 

<strong>the</strong> edges of forests or by yarded plantings being allowed to ‘escape’ into adjacent bush. 


Note: Exercise caution when handling <strong>the</strong> plant as all parts should be considered poisonous and/or irritable 

to <strong>the</strong> skin. It is difficult and time-consuming to eradicate, but with concerted follow up success can be 

achieved. 

Hand: Rogue out <strong>the</strong> rooting stems with a mattock, fork or boning knife. Use caution in steep or friable 

soils. Remove <strong>the</strong> stem sections to avoid layering or re-rooting and dispose of in municipal green waste. 

Chemical: Small infestations: Prise off tree trunks and destroy or paint foliage with metsulfuron methyl & 

water at 1g/L + surfactant or scrape and paint stem with metsulfuron methyl at 1g/L &/ or glyphosate & 

water at 1:1.5.Scrape stem but do not sever. Large infestations: foliar spray with glyphosate & water at 1:50 

(20ml/L) & metsulfuron methyl & water at 1.5g/10L + non ionic surfactant, and scrape & paint aerial stems.

Common name: Vasey Grass / Giant Paspalum Latin name: Paspalum urvillei 


ORIGIN: Argentina and Uruguay 



Habit: Large, clumping, perennial grass to 2.5m with long ‘nodding’ seed heads. Flowers: Small, green 

and nondescript, but numerous. Each raceme (an asymmetrical spike) has up to 25 florets. Leaves: Long 

and narrow (55cmx1.5cm). Culms (stems) become thick and tough with age. 

Ecology: The plant spreads rapidly by seed and is capable of colonising in semi-shade to full sun. Larger 

tussocks shade out o<strong>the</strong>r species in <strong>the</strong> inter-tussock spaces. Produces abundant seed that can spread in 

water, contaminated soil, dumped garden refuse or on people, machinery and tools. Plants tend to go thick 

and rank in winter if not slashed or grazed, but will renew <strong>the</strong>ir aggressive growth habit in warmer months. 

Dispersal: Anecdotally reported as anything from a deliberate pasture introduction to a roadside batter 

stabilising grass, Vasey grass is now widely naturalized on a range of soils. In urban and peri-urban 

bushland areas, it’s main method of invasion is by grass cuttings ejected into adjacent bushland, walkers 

unwittingly carrying it on footwear and creeks and waterways penetrating into <strong>the</strong> bush. 


Hand: Hand-pull small plants, using caution on steep or friable soils. Larger plants can be mattocked out 

but ensure <strong>the</strong> root mass is shaken free of soil and <strong>the</strong> elevated to prevent regrowing. Chemical: Spot 

spray when healthy with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) @ 10mL L -1 . For large infestations, patchburning 

once <strong>the</strong> plants have browned off will destroy much of <strong>the</strong> seed bank.

Common name: Whiskey Grass Latin name: Andropogon virginicus 

Family: POACEAE 

Origin: Eastern USA and California 


Habit: A perennial tufted grass to 1.3m with culms and leaves drying off seasonally to a whiskey colour. 

Leaves: Thin and loosely tufted, tend not to stand tall with <strong>the</strong> inflorescences. Flowers: Non-descript, but 

held closely along <strong>the</strong> main stem. Fruit: Presented with a cottony tuft of ‘hairs’ for wind dispersal. 

Ecology: After a winter dormancy, new leaf growth appears in Spring. Shortly after, culms and 

inflorescences grow and by summer, <strong>the</strong> plant is producing seed and beginning its characteristic browning 

off. Whisky grass grows on a wide variety of soils, preferring loose, sandy, moist sites with low fertility and is 

an indicator of low phosphorus soils. It also is a shallow rooted plant. It does particularly well in areas of high 

soil moisture and in ephemeral wetland areas it can form dense stands out-competing native grasses, 

sedges and similar. 

Dispersal: Seed is blown over short to medium range by virtue of its fine tuft of hairs. It is also a 

contaminant of hay, soil on machinery and on vehicles which have driven through infestations. 


Hand: The plants are shallow rooted so can be chipped, crowned or hand-pulled. Chemical: Use 

glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) @ 10mL L -1 but ensure treatment is done before <strong>the</strong> setting of seed. Prior 

to formation of inflorescences <strong>the</strong> plants can be difficult to spot.

Common name: White Passionfruit/White Passionflower Latin name: Passiflora subpeltata 

Family: PASSIFLORACEAE 

Origin: Eastern USA and California 


Habit: A perennial vine 10m with dull-green 3-lobed leaves. Leaves: 3-lobed and alternate on <strong>the</strong> stem, 

covered in a fine powdery bloom offering some moisture repellancy. Flowers: Showy – typical of <strong>the</strong> family 

of plants – and white. Fruit: A spherical green ‘passionfruit’ with white pith and seeds to 50mm dia. Inedible. 

Stems: The lower base of older stems tends from green to whitish. 

Ecology: White passionfruit is a very adaptable and widespread species. It is tolerant of partial shade (in 

deep shade it struggles but still survives) to full sun and a range of soils. It can also withstand harsh saltladen 

wind. It rapidly climbs its host plant, covering it in a blanket of foliage. The fruit are conspicuously 

presented although only ripening to green, unlike many edible passionfruit varieties. 

Dispersal: Fruit are readily eaten off <strong>the</strong> vine by birds and possibly flying foxes and dispersed of short to 

long distances. It seems likely also that rats and o<strong>the</strong>r terrestrial animals also aid its spread by ingesting and 

later passing <strong>the</strong> seeds. Fruit which simply falls to <strong>the</strong> ground and rots often gives rise to multiple seedlings. 

The plants can spread by forming root suckers. 


Hand: Small plants can be hand-pulled. Larger plants can also be pulled but ensure all of <strong>the</strong> main lateral 

root matter is removed (<strong>the</strong> base of <strong>the</strong> plant has a tendency to split at <strong>the</strong> two main root sections). 

Chemical: Foliar spray with glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive) @ 20mL L -1 or metsulfuron methyl (eg 

BrushOff) @ 1.5g 10 L -1 + a non-ionic surfactant @ 1mL L -1 (eg Pulse). Cut/scrape/paint with undiluted 

glyphosate any plants too large to hand-pull or spray.

White Passionfruit: 

Native look alike: Passiflora aurantia

Common name: Wild Tobacco / Tree Tobacco Latin name: Solanum mauritianum 

Family: SOLANACEAE 

Origin: South America 


Habit: Very fast growing small tree to 5m with broad crown and large, dull-green foliage, branches and 

trunk. Leaves: Simple and alternate, lanceolate to 40cm wide, with a dense covering of hairs. Flowers: 

‘Typical’ nightshade flower, pale lilac in colour with 5 fused petals that curve back at <strong>the</strong> tips. Held in 

numerous clusters at <strong>the</strong> perimeter of <strong>the</strong> foliage. Flowers all year round. Fruit: A spherical berry to 10mm, 

ripening from green to yellow, with many seeds (like its relative <strong>the</strong> tomato). 

Ecology: Wild tobacco is a pioneer plant that quickly colonises open or disturbed ground on <strong>the</strong> edges of 

forests, degraded pastures, gullies, riparian zones, easements, rights-of-way etc. The seed germinates 

under all conditions except full shade, and can tolerate a wide range of soils and variable moisture. The tree 

can grow up to 3 metres in <strong>the</strong> first year, <strong>the</strong>reafter tending to develop a larger trunk and more spreading 

crown. The shade that it casts is still sufficient for <strong>the</strong> continued germination of o<strong>the</strong>r tobacco trees, but its 

water-hogging root system appears to outcompete many native species of <strong>the</strong> same niche. 

Dispersal: Typically spread by birds, but also easily spread as a contaminant of mulch and garden waste or 

in soil on machinery and vehicles, particularly on sites where infested land has required <strong>the</strong> use of such 

machinery. 


Note: The dense covering of hairs all over wild tobacco can be extremely irritable to <strong>the</strong> skin and respiratory 

system, so avoid unprotected contact and consider wearing a particle mask if working intensively on it. 

Hand: Young plants quickly develop a strong root system, but seedlings can generally be hand-pulled. The 

stems (and all branches of <strong>the</strong> plant generally) are brittle and so snapping of <strong>the</strong> stem at ground-level is 

common if <strong>the</strong> plant is well-rooted. For monoculture infestations, a tractor or bobcat with a bucket or blade is 

ideal as <strong>the</strong>y will also remove most of <strong>the</strong> root matter. Chemical: Foliar spray plants to 2.5m with 

picloram/triclopyr (eg Grazon Extra) @ 5mL L -1 or cut-stump or chisel/drill-fill any sized plant with undiluted 

glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive).

Common name: Wild Watsonia / Bulbil Watsonia Latin name: Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera 

Family: IRIDACEAE 

Origin: South Africa 


Habit: An erect perennial herb to 1m. Leaves: Long and lanceolate and arising from <strong>the</strong> base like a tuft, to 

60cm. Flowers: Held in a single flower ‘spike’ arising from <strong>the</strong> centre of <strong>the</strong> ‘tuft’. Flowers are red/orange, 

‘trumpet’-shaped and showy. Fruit: No fruit is set, but ‘bulbils’ are produced on <strong>the</strong> stems near <strong>the</strong> flowers 

which – once ripe – fall and give rise to new plants. 

Ecology: Watsonia emerges from is over-wintering around September/October by producing a new flush of 

foliage and shortly <strong>the</strong>reafter <strong>the</strong> characteristic flower spike and bulbils. If left unmanaged, wild watsonia can 

quickly form dense infestations that exclude o<strong>the</strong>r desirable species. It is not full-shade tolerant, but will 

persist in partial shade and flourishes in full-sun positions. 

Dispersal: A classic garden ‘escapee’, humans have historically done <strong>the</strong> long-range dispersal work for 

watsonia. However, once gardens are left untended or rural properties abandoned or neglected, <strong>the</strong> plant 

rapidly spreads in adjoining bushland. Also, it is a common weed of dumped garden waste. It’s natural 

dispersal is aided by flood-waters, however <strong>the</strong> bulbils may also be a contaminant of soil on machinery and 

vehicles. 


Note: In both cases, wait until November/December before commencing treatment as <strong>the</strong> flowers should be 

visible by <strong>the</strong>n. It takes more than 1 year for <strong>the</strong> plant to mature and produce bulbils, so if <strong>the</strong> infestation is 

dense and resources scarce, control only <strong>the</strong> adult plants. 

Hand: Physical removal is very effective, but <strong>the</strong> disturbance may trigger <strong>the</strong> germination of o<strong>the</strong>r dormant 

bulbils, so be sure to follow up. Use a trowel or garden fork and remove <strong>the</strong> bulbs and any bulbils for green 

waste disposal. Foliage and stems will not re-strike. Chemical: Foliar spray with glyphosate (eg RoundUp 

Biactive) @ 10mL L -1 or wick-wipe/sponge-wipe (all foliage) @ 100mL L -1 . Plan for annual follow-up.

Common name: Winter Senna / Arsenic Bush Latin name: Senna septemtrionalis 

Family: CAESALPINIACEAE 

Origin: Mexico 


Habit: A perennial shrub to 3m. Leaves: Alternate and compound with up to 8 pointed leaflets arranged 

oppositely on <strong>the</strong> rachis. Flowers: Yellow and held in terminal clusters. Fruit: A cylindrical pod to 18cm long 

with hard, black seeds. 

Ecology: Winter Senna flourishes on forest edges and in areas of disturbance where <strong>the</strong>re has been a 

temporal reduction in o<strong>the</strong>r competition from o<strong>the</strong>r plants. It generally does not don well in deep shaded 

environments, but will persist once shade closes in over it. The seed is very long-lived and disturbance 

events such as flooding, grading, clearing or over-stocking will allow it to germinate and grow. It produces 

flowers and fruit from its second year onward and is capable of surviving cool fire, repeated slashing, 

livestock browsing etc. If left unmanaged it can form dense thickets. 

Dispersal: Easily spread as a contaminant of mulch and garden waste or in soil on machinery and vehicles 

and in flood-waters. Rats are considered to be a likely vector of short-range dispersal as a result of hording 

<strong>the</strong> seeds for food supply. 


Hand: Young plants quickly develop a strong root system, but seedlings can generally be hand-pulled. The 

stems (and all branches of <strong>the</strong> plant generally) are brittle and so snapping of <strong>the</strong> stem at can occur. 

Chemical: Foliar spray dense infestations with picloram/triclopyr (eg Grazon Extra) @ 3.5mL L -1 or cutstump 

or chisel/drill-fill any sized plant with undiluted glyphosate (eg RoundUp Biactive). In all cases – if 

practicable – remove any mature seed pods for burning or off-site disposal.

Winter Senna Native Look a Likes, Senna acclinis and Breynia oblongifolia 

Senna acclinis in flower Senna acclinis showing seed pods 

Breynia 

oblongifolia

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