Download Queensland Darling Downs GMI ... - Grow Me Instead

A Guide for Gardeners in 

Queensland Darling Downs Darling 

Downs 

The Nursery Industry - 

Protecting Our Environment

2 

1) Contents 

1. Contents 

2. Acknowledgements 

3. Introduction from the Ministers 

4. 

Introduction 

5. 

What is Grow Me Instead? 

6. 

Establishing the criteria for Grow Me Instead 

7. 

What you can do! 

8. 

Controlling weeds 

9. 

The invasive plants and their alternatives 

Trees and Shrubs 

Climbing and Ground Cover Plants 

Berried Plants 

Grasses 

Bulbous Plants 

Succulent Plants 

Aquatic Plants 

1 0. 

Invasive plant index 

1 1. 

Further information and additional resources 

Cover photo courtesy of Toowoomba Regional Council

2) Acknowledgements 

The original Queensland Grow Me Instead project was completed by NGIQ 

through funding from the Australian Government's Caring for our Country. 

Australian Government NRM Team 

GPO Box 787 

Canberra ACT 2601 Australia 

Ph 1 800 552008 (Toll Free) 

Web www.nrm.gov.au 

NGIQ acknowledge the generous contribution made by Queensland Murray 

Darling Committee (QMDC) in producing information for the Darling Downs 

bioregion. 

Special thanks go to Grow Me Instead project coordinator Barry Naylor (NGIQ) 

and project manager John McDonald (Nursery Industry Development Manager 

NGIQ). 

The Nursery and Garden Industry Queensland would like to acknowledge the 

people who generously contributed their time and expertise and who provided a 

wealth of information towards the establishment of Grow Me Instead Darling 

Downs. Special thanks go to the members of the Darling Downs Grow Me 

Instead Reference Group; 

Damian Cumming Ausplant Nursery 

Pedro Hodgson Biosecurity Queensland 

Craig Hunter QMDC 

Peter MacQueen Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE 

Sandy Martin Martin Garden Concepts 

Rachel McFadyen Weed Society of Queensland 

Meredith Richters True Blue Garden Centre 

Craig Rosenthal Toowoomba Regional Council 

Brian Sams Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE 

Kate Steel QMDC 

Renee Stephenson QMDC 

Malcom Sypher Hirstglen Nursery 

The many people and organisations who contributed photographs used in this 

website. 

Funded by: 

3

The nursery and gardening industry has joined with the Australian 

Government in the fight against invasive garden plants. In 

championing this initiative, Nursery and Gardening Industry 

Australia (NGIA) is taking a significant step forward in tackling one 

of the nation’s most serious environmental problems – the spread 

of weeds. 

The Grow Me Instead campaign is a great industry-driven initiative 

providing relevant local information to nursery operators and 

gardeners about plants which are potential weeds in their area and 

less invasive plants for gardeners to use. 

This cooperation between the horticulture and nursery industries, 

the Australian Government and weed management bodies will help 

ensure horticulturists and gardeners receive the information they 

need to combat the spread of weeds. 

It is estimated that weeds cost the Australian agricultural industry 

around $4 billion a year. The real cost of weeds to the environment 

is difficult to calculate, however it is likely to be at least equal to the 

cost to agriculture. 

Of the almost 3000 introduced plant species now known to be 

established in the Australian environment, 65% are ‘escaped’ 

garden plants. An important step in preventing the spread of weeds 

is public education to help change attitudes and behaviours that 

contribute to the weed problem. 

The Government is committed to investing in initiatives that have 

real on-ground benefits for the environment and for industry. We 

commend this initiative to you. 

4 

3) Introduction from 

the Ministers 

The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP 

Minister for the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts 

The Hon Tony Burke MP 

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

4) Introduction 

The Nursery and Garden Industry in Australia employs about 

45,000 people in some 22,000 businesses across the country. For 

many years the Industry has been conscious of their environmental 

responsibilities and they have been proactive in furthering 

educational programs, including those concerning invasive garden 

plants. Garden escapes are not a new issue: weeds have been 

around since the first settlers brought along reminders of ‘home’ 

to help them settle into a new and strange land. How strange the 

Australian landscape must have seemed then, and how natural it 

would have been for the settlers to want only the tried and true 

familiar garden plants of the British Isles. Despite the difficulties 

of creating a garden in the Antipodes, it took many years for the 

average Australian to appreciate the native ora 

of this great land. 

Then, there were the early ’acclimatisation societies’ who thought it 

a good idea to introduce plants and animals from the old country 

and also to spread Australian native plants from state to state. 

Although great damage to the environment has occurred as a result 

of these indiscriminate introductions, this has not been solely the 

fault of the horticultural industry: certainly other industries have 

contributed. Graziers have imported new grasses and fodder crops 

and there were ‘accidental’ imports that came about unwittingly 

through inappropriate packaging, movement of plant and 

machinery, as seed in fodder and in ships’ ballast. 

However, the weed issue and who is actually responsible should 

not become a ‘blame game’. Together we must seek to repair what 

damage we can and to work together as a community to prevent 

similar damage occurring in the future. 

The Nursery & Garden Industry is actively participating in lessening 

the availability of invasive plants in Australia by preventing their 

production and sale. The Industry has recently established a greater 

understanding and cooperation with both State and Federal 

Governments, culminating in this important ‘Grow Me Instead’ 

booklet. 

Greater awareness and education of the home gardener is a major 

part of the answer to this problem. By using the information in the 

‘Grow Me Instead’ booklet as a guide and consulting with your local 

garden centre or plant nursery, you can help to minimise garden 

escapes and create a better environmental future for following 

generations of gardeners. 

5

6 

5) What is Grow Me 

Instead? 

The original ‘Grow Me Instead’ booklet developed by the Nursery 

& Garden Industry NSW & ACT (NGINA) has now been extended 

as a national program by the Nursery & Garden Industry Australia 

(NGIA), in partnership with the Federal Government, to reduce the 

numbers and impact of invasive plants in Australia. 

‘An environmentally invasive plant’ is just another term for a 

weed. Quite simply, a weed is any plant that poses a threat to the 

environment, adversely impacts human or animal health, or causes 

crop or stock losses. For most gardeners, many of the characteristics 

we most desire in garden plants are the same as those that make 

them weedy: i.e. plants that are fast growing and disease resilient 

and those which reproduce easily by the distribution of seeds or 

plant parts. 

A modern definition of a weed is “a plant that requires some form 

of action to reduce its effect on the economy, the environment, 

human health and amenity”. 

Many of the plants that are now considered to be ‘environmental 

weeds’ were introduced by early settlers, or by gardeners and 

farmers who had little or no knowledge of their future impact on 

the native environment. It is only in recent years that this threat has 

become apparent. 

Weediness is not confined to introductions from overseas. Some 

Australian native plants introduced from other regions may impact 

adversely on the natural environment. Non-indigenous (i.e. not 

local) species may invade and displace species natural to that area or 

they may cross pollinate to produce new species which may in time 

alter regional biodiversity. Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana) 

is a good example of the former, while many eucalypts are known 

to interbreed. 

Introduced species may sometimes be controlled in a foreign climate 

by various vectors such as small animals, insects, diseases or climatic 

conditions such as frost, thus reducing potential invasiveness. 

To gardeners, farmers or botanists, the term ‘weed’ may mean 

different things. Pasture weeds reduce the productivity of agricultural 

land and may also have negative effects on human and animal 

health. Environmental weeds cause various problems in natural 

areas and ecosystems and the cost of control for both farmers and 

government is estimated at billions of dollars per annum.

The purpose of this Grow Me Instead booklet... 

is to identify common garden plants that have now become 

environmental weeds in your local area, and to suggest better, 

alternative plants that benefit garden diversity while lessening their 

potential to become weeds of the future. 

Apart from nurseries, garden centres or the resources of the local 

botanic gardens, valuable information may be provided by the 

Natural Resource Management Boards or you may wish to check 

out their websites. Here you will find 

lists of declared weeds for the 

local area and contact details should you need further information 

regarding invasive plant identification and approved methods of 

disposal. 

It is important to reduce the spread of 

environmental weeds because... 

better and more effective management of invasive plants will help to 

reduce the high cost of chemical control, and to reduce the amount 

of time and energy lost in management of weeds in productive 

land for food crops, grazing land, cut owers and forestry. Weed 

management in public spaces and on natural heritage land is costly, 

laborious and at times seems overwhelming. 

Invasive plants are defined and grouped as follows. 

1. Noxious weeds - are those legally declared as noxious 

plants by the various State or Territory Governments. The 

declaration of noxious weeds will vary from state to state 

and from region to region within a state. In general, most 

state legislation will say that declared noxious plants cannot 

be grown, sold or transported or transposed, and removal is 

required. 

2. Weeds of National Signifcance (‘WoNS’) - are some of 

the most signifcant weeds in Australia. All WoNS have been 

declared illegal for sale in each state of Australia. 

3. Environmental weeds - plants that are or have the 

potential to impact the natural environment by destroying 

habitat or over-running indigenous species and altering local 

biodiversity. Many of our worst environmental weeds are 

garden escapes. 

4. Agricultural & Horticultural weeds - are those plants 

that have a negative effect on crop or animal production. 

This may be through the infiltration of weed seed in grain 

crops, burrs in wool production or weeds which make 

animals sick or cause death. In the horticultural industry, 

weeds within cut flower, fruit and vegetable crops can 

harbour pests and diseases which reduce productivity. 

7

8 

6) Establishing the criteria 

for Grow Me Instead 

It has been very important to establish a set of consistent criteria 

which could be adhered to across all regions and states. 

A) The Invasive Plants 

The Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland, in consultation with 

its members, State and Local Governments and a wide range of 

interested stakeholders has developed a list of 30 invasive garden 

plants. There are several weed lists in existence provided by a variety 

of environmental and conservation organisations that often include 

species which are problems only in their local area. As such, including 

all garden escapes in a national list was considered inappropriate. 

Therefore, the ‘weediness’ criteria for inclusion in ‘Grow Me Instead’ 

were determined as follows. 

1. The plant must be shown to be invasive across more than 

one area or part of the bioregion. 

2. It can be either an Australian native or imported (exotic) 

species. 

3. The plant must be shown to or have potential to damage 

the environment, human or animal health or create stock or 

crop losses. 

4. The plant must be proven to have naturalised in bushland to 

the detriment of the natural environment. 

This ‘Grow Me Instead’ list is not definitive for each area or 

region of Queensland. There may be other problem plants in your 

locality, most of these being included in lists prepared by your local 

government or other relevant organisation. In addition to the plants 

listed in ‘Grow Me Instead’, you should also be aware of your local 

problem plants. 

B) The Alternatives 

Not all of the alternatives would be suitable across the broad range 

of soils and climates of Queensland. Therefore, consideration of 

these differences and adaptation to your local area or region will 

be necessary. 

For this booklet to be of benefit in helping you select ‘good’ garden 

plants, it should be used as a guide to plant selection. In addition 

to the listed alternatives, there will be many other plant selections 

available to you at your local nursery or garden centre. Together with 

their help, expertise and guidance, you needn’t have any fear that 

your garden will become an environmental hazard in the future. 

Selection criteria for the ‘non-weedy plants’ included: 

Must be recognised as non-invasive. 

Must be readily available to the gardening public. 

Must be reliable garden plants. 

We have endeavoured to recommend at least one Australian native 

plant alternative for all of the invasive species listed in the booklet.

The role of the nursery industry 

In more recent years, the Nursery & Garden Industry has been 

environmentally responsible by encouraging the production of noninvasive 

plants that do not require copious amounts of reticulated 

water, fertiliser or other chemicals to thrive in the garden. 

The Nursery & Garden Industry in Australia instigates accreditation 

programs among its members, and it continually strives to establish 

standards of excellence in plant production in order to provide 

trustworthy products. 

The Nursery & Garden Industry provides information not only 

through publications such as the ‘Grow Me Instead’ booklet, but 

also through its education programs. Many educational and selfhelp 

programs are also offered by local nursery or garden centres. 

Your local nursery or garden centre can assist you by: 

Helping with identification of suspected ‘weedy’ plants; 

Providing information concerning local invasive plants; 

Offering alternatives and environmentally friendly plants; 

Providing information concerning good weed management, 

disposal of unwanted plant material, further preventing the 

spread in your garden and neighbourhood. 

On a broader scale the Nursery & Garden Industry can assist by: 

Increasing public awareness through education programs; 

Promoting the sale of superior, alternative plants thereby 

reducing the number of invasive plants grown and sold; 

Working with government, with research organisations, the 

media and other key stakeholders to help reduce the distribution 

and sale of undesirable plants. 

9

10 

7) What you can do! 

By checking the plants in your garden with the help of the ‘Grow Me 

Instead’ booklet you may identify plants you should replace, while 

at the same time find others you may enjoy growing more! 

Your local nursery or garden centre plant specialists will have 

additional suggestions of plants proven to be successful in your area. 

Plants purchased in another region, no matter how lovely they are, 

may not always prove hardy in yours. Furthermore, by purchasing 

plants from another region you may unwittingly introduce another 

environmental weed! 

It is also a good idea to consider your garden setting and to then 

make a list of the plants to fill your specifichouse and garden needs. 

For example, aspects of the house exposed to hot western sun will 

benefit from a deciduous tree to provide summer shade and will 

allow penetration of winter sun, while privacy from neighbours can 

be provided by carefully chosen hedging plants. Or you may simply 

want to create beds or borders of colourful owers 

and dramatic 

foliages to enhance your home décor. All of these wishes and needs 

are valid and they will vary between gardeners. 

Garden plants provide many useful purposes, and in time they 

will become an integral part of your environment, chosen to suit 

the architecture of both your home and your personal lifestyle. 

Good garden cultivation is your contribution to establishing a 

special microclimate and will help to protect and preserve the local 

environment. 

In recent times, many new plant varieties have been introduced 

through modern production methods and the work of plant 

breeders, resulting in plants which are attractive and hardy but 

which are non-invasive. These may be plants which are sterile or 

rarely produce seed. Many new varieties have low water needs or 

are tolerant of the air pollution found in the urban environment. In 

this way the Nursery Industry is contributing to the elimination of 

damaging or invasive species. 

Purchasing plants from markets and other sources such as ‘car boot 

sales’, as well as plant swapping and trading between friends may 

also result in inadvertent movement of declared or noxious weeds.

Are you creating a weed problem in your area? 

Are your garden plants ‘jumping the fence’? Garden escapes 

are said to be one of the main sources of environmental weeds. 

Homeowners have a responsibility to protect natural resources. 

Here are some simple ways to enjoy gardening without creating 

problems outside the garden fence. 

Recognise and remove plants known to be ‘weedy’ and 

destroy them responsibly, according to local Natural Resource 

Management Board or council. 

Replace problem plants with non-invasive alternatives, as 

suggested by the ‘Grow Me Instead’ booklet or by your local 

nursery or garden centre. They will help identify any suspect 

invasive plants. 

When purchasing new plants for the garden read labels to 

establish good characteristics such as drought tolerance and 

non-weedy habit. 

Good gardening practices include removal of spent owers that 

can set seed within your garden or spread to bushland. 

Do not dump green garden waste in neighbouring or public 

space as many plants can regenerate to become a nuisance. 

Do not dump spent cut owers into the garden or on to 

adjoining property. Florists often use seed heads, vines and other 

plant parts that may establish in your garden. 

Never tip the water or plants from your aquarium into ponds, 

rivers or waterways. There are numerous, serious aquatic plants 

threatening rivers and waterways because of the thoughtless 

actions of some people. 

There are many good sources of information in regard to weeds 

and their control. See the back cover for a list. 

Think global – act local. Consider plants local to your area. Your 

local council or shire will be able to provide a list of indigenous 

plants for your garden. 

Encourage friends and neighbours to become involved as 

custodians of their environment by following the same 

guidelines. 

11

Native plants or imported species? 

One of the most commonly asked questions at nurseries and garden 

centres is whether one should use native or exotic plants in the 

garden. There has long been discussion about this in gardening 

circles, and more recently the topic of using only locally indigenous 

or local area natives has become topical. The primary concern of 

most horticulturists is that gardeners should know the difference so 

that they may make informed choices. 

Natives are, as the name suggests, those plants that occur naturally 

within Australia. Quite properly, they should be referred to as 

Australian native plants. Grevilleas, Eucalypts and Acacias are all 

examples. Of course, Australia is a big continent, so what is native to 

one area or region, may be very different to those found in another. 

Think for example, of native plants from the dry soils of Western 

Australia and compare them to the tropical rainforest plants native 

to Queensland – all Australian natives – but very different plants, 

with different growing requirements. 

In recent years, plant breeders have hybridised many or been able to 

choose better or ‘select’ forms that have been sourced from plants 

growing naturally in the wild. Both hybrids and select forms will 

have improved characteristics to the parent species. It may be they 

ower more often or earlier in the season, they may produce better 

fruit, be disease resistant or they may have a longer life span. 

Imported or so called ‘exotic’ plants are those originating elsewhere, 

not necessarily the ‘exotic tropics’ as some people may think. 

Indigenous plants are plants that grow naturally in your local area. 

They are naturally occurring plants of the region and can be seen in 

local parklands, as remnant plants on roadsides or riverbanks and 

in local bushland. 

Some Australian native plants become ‘naturalised’ or take over in 

an area where they would not normally occur such as Cootamundra 

Wattle (Acacia baileyana), Bluebell Creeper (Billardiera heterophylla) 

and Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum ). 

Of concern to some conservationists and indigenous plant 

enthusiasts is the possibility that some introductions may interbreed 

with local or indigenous plants, thus impacting on the local gene 

pool. 

Most invasive plants are imported or introduced plants. One needs 

to be informed about these plant species which are the basis of the 

‘Grow Me Instead’ program. However, it is fact that there are a far 

greater number of well behaved, imported garden plants that are 

not invasive. 

12

Working on the known statistic that 27,000 plants have been 

imported into Australia and some 2,700 of these are listed 

as environmental weeds, it is estimated that approximately 

10% of the imported plants in our gardens are invasive. 

In modern horticulture, plants are bred, developed or selected for 

desirable traits such as hardiness, drought tolerance, long owering 

season, larger owers or fruits, their disease resistance and general 

appeal. 

Of primary importance in selecting plant material for your garden is 

sourcing accurate information about the plant. We suggest that you 

ask for advice at your local nursery or garden centre. 

Consult your local council or Natural Resource Management Board 

if still in doubt! 

Australian native plants have greater appeal today than in the past; 

they generally grow better because of the improvements made in 

their selection. 

Indigenous species should be grown from seed sourced locally to be 

of best benefit in your locality. 

Australian gardens today have become an eclectic mix of both 

native and imported plants, and can be complimentary to one 

another. Choosing one or the other is not the question; ultimately it 

is the gardeners choice! 

Any plant should be acceptable to the Australian gardener so long 

as it is non-invasive and does not require copious amounts of water, 

fertilisers and other chemicals to survive. 

13

Using herbicides 

14 

8) Controlling weeds 

Many of the weed control techniques suggested on this and 

the following pages involve the use of herbicides. Herbicides are 

poisons, and should be handled with the greatest respect. They can 

be absorbed very easily through the skin, by breathing the vapours, 

and by ingestion (eating or drinking). 

By law, herbicides must be used strictly in accordance with the 

manufacturer’s label. They should be kept well out of the reach of 

children, preferably secured in a locked cabinet. They should always 

be stored in the original labelled container. 

USE OF HERBICIDE: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 

Read the label before opening the container 

and follow the instructions. 

Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, long 

pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, eye protection. 

Always wear waterproof gloves. A respirator 

is advised when mixing or pouring the liquid. 

Do not eat, drink or smoke while using 

herbicide. Keep children and pets away. 

Wash skin and equipment afterwards. Wash 

contaminated clothing separately. 

Bushcare Of cers take 

fi 

no risks 

Clean up any spills with large amounts of water; shovel up 

contaminated soil, dispose of it at the tip. 

Types of herbicide 

There are two widely used herbicides licensed for use at home: 

Glyphosate, sold under various trade names, including Roundup® 

and Zero® (which have different concentrations), and Triclopyr, sold 

as Tree, Blackberry and Woody Weed Killer (etc.). 

How herbicides work 

Glyphosate is a systemic, non-selective herbicide. It inhibits the 

action of an enzyme, preventing the production of an amino acid 

essential to plant life and growth. It must be applied to green leaves, 

or directly to the plant’s sapwood, which lies under the bark. 

Triclopyr is a selective systemic herbicide for woody and broadleaf 

plants. It is a growth inhibitor which moves to the plant’s roots, 

stops growth, and eventually leads to the death of the plant. 

Triclopyr can be applied to green leaves and to bark. 

Herbicides, waterways and steep land 

Some of the chemicals which are added to herbicides are not safe 

to use near waterways. They have the potential to seriously affect 

the quality of aquatic ecosystems. If you need to remove weeds, 

particularly trees, within 20 m of any kind of watercourse, even a 

drain that runs only when it is raining, you should seek advice and 

assistance from your local council’s environmental management 

department or Natural Resource Management Board.

Control of woody weeds 

CUT AND PAINT 

Suitable for small to medium sized woody shrubs up to 10 cm in 

diameter (or larger if using a chain saw). See below for trees. 

Clear around the base of the plant. Clear ground and 

cut low: loppers 

Cut the stem horizontally as close & secateurs give 

to the ground as possible, using the cleanest cut. 

secateurs, loppers, or a saw. Make 

sure there is no soil on the cut. 

Apply herbicide to the cut stem 

immediately. Squeeze, not squirt if 

using an applicator. 

Apply the herbicide 

within seconds of 

Ensure there is no runoff of poison. cutting. 

Use as little herbicide as possible. 

TIPS 

Make cuts horizontal to prevent herbicide from running off the 

stump. Sharp angled cuts are hazardous. 

Apply herbicide immediately after cutting - within a few seconds, 

before plant cells close and translocation of herbicide ceases. 

If plants resprout, cut and paint the shoots after sufficient 

regrowth has occurred. 

Stem scraping can be very effective on certain woody weeds, 

e.g. Japanese Honeysuckle, Blackberry, vines and rhizomatous 

plants. 

STEM INJECTION 

A method for weedy trees and large shrubs 

Use a cordless drill (9 mm bit), 

hammer and chisel, or brace and bit. 

Below any branches, drill or chisel 

holes round the base of the tree, into 

the sapwood, angled down at 45°, 

and at 5 cm intervals. 

Make the holes about 40 mm deep. 

Within a few seconds of drilling each 

hole, fill 

it with herbicide. 

Use this method only when falling 

branches, as the tree dies, will not be 

a safety hazard. 

15 

VIRGINIA BEAR

HAND REMOVAL OF WEEDS 

Suitable for seedlings, herbaceous weeds, many grass species. 

Before starting work, remove and bag 

seeds and fruit, and place in bin. 

If the weed has a tap root, push a narrow 

trowel or long knife deep into the ground 

beside the root. Loosen the soil. Work 

round the root and then work the plant 

out gently. 

Many plants which will not regrow from 

their roots (e.g. many grasses) can be 

crowned: see diagram to the right. Hold 

leaves and stems together, and use a knife 

to cut through all the roots below the 

crowning 

‘crown’. 

Plants with bulbs, corms or tubers (e.g. Watsonia) may need 

deep digging to ensure complete removal. Bag bulbs, corms and 

tubers and send to the tip; do not compost. 

STEM & LEAF WIPING 

This method is suitable for plants with 

bulbs, tubers, corms or rhizomes, e.g. 

Watsonia. 

Remove and bag any seed or fruit. 

Using a weed wiper, start at the base 

and wipe all the stems and/or leaves 

with a dilute mix of herbicide. 

If leaves have soil on them, wipers 

must be regularly washed out. 

Take great care when wiping: do not allow the herbicide to touch 

your skin or to run off into the soil, or to get on a non-target plant. 

There are many control methods which are specific to certain weeds 

– e.g. large infestations where spraying, or covering to exclude light 

may be options. Contact your local nursery for up to date techniques. 

WHEN TO TREAT WITH HERBICIDE 

Apply herbicide when the plant is actively growing. 

Do not apply herbicide when the plant is under stress: extreme 

heat or cold, drought, waterlogging, or disease. 

Choose early morning or late afternoon in summer. 

Do not apply when wet or windy weather is anticipated. 

Treat deciduous plants in late spring or summer, when in full leaf. 

16 

leaf wiping

Control of ground covers, vines & scramblers 

SCRAPE AND PAINT 

This method is suitable for vines and scramblers with woody stems. 

Using a knife, and starting from the 

base, scrape 20 to 100 cm of leafy 

stem to expose the sapwood below 

the bark. 

Within seconds, apply herbicide to 

the scraped area. 

TIPS 

Do not ringbark the stem: scrape about one third of the diameter. 

Stems larger than 1 cm in diameter can be scraped on both sides. 

Vine curtains can be cut at chest level, then again at about 30 

cm. Scrape or cut and paint these stumps. 

Blackberry can be cut back to 1 m if there are plenty of leaves; 

then scrape and paint the cut stems. 

Pulling vines (especially twiners) out of trees and shrubs may do 

a lot of damage. They can be left hanging to die. 

By Law 

Herbicides must be used according to the label, or according to 

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) 

permits. If the plant on which you wish to use the herbicide is 

not named on the label, contact APVMA for permit information 

(www.apvma.gov.au). 

THE DIG OPTION 

scrape and paint 

On previous pages you will find advice on using herbicides to 

control weedy plants: often this causes minimal disturbance and 

less germination of seedlings. 

However, if you have the energy and want to minimise herbicide 

use, you can often take the dig option, making absolutely sure that 

you remove all the parts of the plant from which it can regrow. 

TIPS 

Seedlings and small plants may be pulled by hand when the soil 

is moist. 

Try to stagger weed removal. Large areas of exposed soil are an 

open invitation to weed invasion and erosion, carrying weed 

seed into the bush. 

Mulch bare soil, and stabilise it by planting bush-friendly plants 

into it as soon as possible. 

17

Trees & Shrubs 

Photo: Lorna Rose 

18 

Cootamundra Wattle 

Acacia baileyana 

HOW IT SPREADS 

It produce masses of seed pods that ripen on the tree and 

disperse with the help of birds, ants and small native 

mammals. 

These seeds have a high rate of germination especially after 

a bush fire. 


Fringed Wattle 

Acacia fimbriata 

This very popular garden wattle 

with fine, silvery-grey feathery 

foliage and masses of soft balls of 

golden flowers is an Australian 

native plant now invasive outside 

its natural region. 

Seeds spread by ants and humans 

rapidly germinate. There is a high 

danger it will cross pollinate with 

the already endangered Downy 

Wattle (Acacia pubescens), 

putting it at further risk of 

extinction. 

Bushy 7m tree with fine, dark 

green leaves, bronze tips in 

spring and perfumed, pale 

lemon to golden flower balls. 

Suits a variety of soils with 

good drainage.

Photo: immij floramedia 

Zig Zag Wattle 

Acacia macradenia 

Snow In Summer 

Melaleuca linariifolia 

Other superior selections include; 

Melaleuca bracteata – Golden River Tea Tree 

'Revolution Gold' 

Eucalyptus torquata – Coral Gum 

This is a beautiful large 

pendulous shrub which grows 

to 6m in height. 

It has interesting branches that 

form a 'zigzag' pattern and hold 

large lanceolate phyllodes 

(modified stems that look like 

leaves). 

The plant is covered in masses 

of small yellow ball type flowers 

in late winter to spring. This 

Acacia is tolerant of dry 

conditions but frost tender. 

A medium growing Australian 

native tree often reaches 10m 

in height. 

Prefers a site with good moisture 

and makes a very effective screen. 

The highlight is when the plant 

comes into flower late spring to 

summer. 

It is covered in masses of white 

fluffy flowers in cylindrical spikes. 

This tree makes a truly spectacular 

addition to any garden. 

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections 

19

Photo: Christopher Gardiner 

20 

Indian Sirus 

Albizia lebbeck 


The seed is produced in large quantities and has a high rate 

of germination. 

The seed is dispersed by wind and water. 

Photo: Norwood 

Leichhardt Bean 

Cassia brewsteri 

Large spreading tree to 20m 

with bipinnate leaves and 

often a broad flat crown. In 

Spring the tree is covered with 

a spectacular cover of cream 

‘powder-puff’ flowers which 

are followed by elongated and 

flattened papery pods that can 

hang on the tree for several 

months. 

Spectacular Australian native 

tree growing to a height of 10m. 

Flowers are yellow and 

red and pea shaped. 

They occur in profuse pendant 

heads and cover the tree making 

it difficult to see the foliage.


Photo: Ann McHugh 

Leopard Tree 

Caesalpinia ferrea 

White Bauhinia 

Lysiphyllum hookeri 


This is a beautiful tree growing 

to 12m in height. It has elegant 

limbs with dappled cream and 

grey bark forming an erect multistemmed 

trunk. The foliage is 

graceful and fern like, forming 

an umbrella shaped crown. It 

has yellow flowers borne on 

short erect spikes in late summer 

to autumn. Whilst sometimes 

considered evergreen, it can lose 

much of its foliage during 

winter. 

Medium shrub to small 

growing tree, variable in 

height growing 5-8m. It has 

lobed Bauhinia type silvery 

grey leaves resembling 

butterflies. It loses most of 

the foliage just before 

beautiful white orchid like 

flowers appear in spring to 

summer. 

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' – Silk Tree 

Hibiscus tiliaceus Syn. Taliparti tiliaceum – Cotton Tree 


21

Photo: Sheldon Navie 

22 

Garden Asparagus 

Asparagus officinalis 


The plant quickly moves beyond being an edible vegetable 

and becomes a thick rambling mass of foliage that can 

produce plentiful berries similar to other invasive Asparagus 

species. 

Plants must have this foliage removed prior to the berries 

becoming ripe; otherwise it is recommended that the plant be 

removed altogether. 


A frost hardy perennial grown 

in many vegetable gardens. If 

the emerging edible spear is 

left unharvested it can expand 

into a multi-branched dense 

shrub eventually bearing 

berries which germinate 

readily. Responsible cultivation 

of this plant is necessary to 

avoid it becoming an invasive 

threat. If the plant cannot be 

harvested regularly it should 

be removed. 

Rough Maidenhair Fern 

Adiantum hispidulum 

Glossy green fan shaped fronds 

emerge from dark brown stems 

to 30cm high forming a tuft. 

New foliage is pink. 

This fern prefers a moist 

situation and protection from 

full sun for best results.

Photo: Norwood Industries 


Curry Plant 

Helichrysum angustifolium Syn. 

Helichrysum litoreum 

Rhubarb 

Rheum rhabarbarum 


Rungia klossii – Mushroom Plant 

Petroselinum crispum – Curly Parsley 

Attractive silver foliaged 

perennial forming a neat clump 

to 60cm. 

This small shrub has downy silver 

grey leaves that have a distinct 

curry-like aroma. 

This plant makes a fantastic 

addition to the garden with its 

vivid contrasting foliage. 

The tender new leaves have been 

used to flavour a range of foods 

including salads. 

This is a lush herbaceous 

perennial plant growing from 

short, thick rhizomes. 

They have large triangularshaped 

leaves with long fleshy 

reddish petioles. 

The leaves are toxic however 

various parts of the plant have a 

range of medicinal uses. 

Fresh raw stalks have a strong 

tart taste; most commonly the 

plant's stalks are cooked and 

used in pies and other foods for 

their tart flavour. 


23



The seeds can be spread by water (and wind over short 

distances). The seedlings can germinate along edges of 

gardens and even cracks in concrete. 

The plant can also be spread through the dumping of garden 

waste. 


24 

Pink Periwinkle 

Catharanthus roseus 

Shrubby perennial growing to 

60cm with dark green smooth 

edged foliage. 

Masses of rose pink flowers with 

dark red centre cover the plant 

throughout the warmer months. 

The plant produces an 

abundance of seeds which 

germinate readily. 

Can tolerate a wide range of 

growing conditions. 

Cut Leaf Daisy 

Brachyscome multifida and cultivars 

These delightful Australian 

perennials come in a range of 

colours such as yellow, pink, 

mauve, pale and deep blue and 

appear from late winter to 

autumn. 

With their delicate flowers and 

soft feathery foliage, cut leaf 

daisies are surprisingly hardy and 

are an excellent feature in a 

water-wise garden. 

They thrive in full-sun and will 

tolerate frost.



Native Sarsaparillas 

Hardenbegia violacea cultivars 

Candytuft 

Iberis 'Fairy Dwarf Mixed' 


Lampranthus species – Pigface 

Austromyrtus dulcis – Midyim 

A popular and generally 

hardy groundcover plant. 

Violet-Lilac pea shaped 

flowers cover the plant in 

winter and spring. 

Many new cultivars have 

been developed with white 

and pink flowers as well as 

different growth habits, 

some forming neat, rounded, 

low growing bushes. 

An extremely showy plant 

which forms a neat clump 

20cm to 30cm. 

Mid-green foliage is hardly 

noticeable under a mass of 

either white, pink or red 

flowers in clusters. 

The flowers appear in 

spectacular abundance during 

spring. 


25




26 

Coreopsis 

Coreopsis lanceolata 

This attractive perennial forms 

tufts of leafy stems to 60cm in 

height. 

It is extremely floriferous and is 

covered in golden yellow daisy 

like flowers in spring and 

summer. 

It produces masses of freely 

germinating seeds and is an 

environmental weed even in 

areas with poor quality soil. 

The plant produces an abundance of seed which freely 

germinates ensuring this short lived plant can maintain a 

weedy population, often from an initial single escaped plant. 

This plant should not be grown in areas where it can escape 

the garden and establish in nearby natural areas. 

Ensure effective disposal of garden waste. 

Golden Everlasting Daisy 

Xerochrysum bracteatum 

This Australian annual or shortlived 

perennial, varies in habit from 

prostrate to a shrubby plant of 

about 1 m in height. 

The leaves are grey-green in colour 

and the deep golden flower heads 

are borne from spring through to 

late winter. 

The individual flowers are formed 

into a large cluster surrounded by 

large papery bracts. 

The Golden Everlasting Daisy has 

been cultivated for many years and 

a number of improved forms have 

been selected for cultivation.



Day Lilies 

Hemerocallis species and hybrids 

Perennial Statice 

Limonium perezii 


Rudbeckia gloriosa Syn. – Marmalade Daisy 

Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa 

Echinacea purpurea – Echinacea 

Showy strap leaved perennial 

forming dense clumps, with the 

most dazzling array of flower 

colours. 

Whilst flowers are short lived 

their prolific production ensures 

a constant cover of cream, 

yellow, pink, orange, red and 

even burgundy blooms. 

There are many new cultivars to 

choose from, bearing single or 

double flowers. 

An attractive perennial shrub 

that forms a clump to 60cm. 

The leaves are glossy and the 

plant produces leafless flower 

stalks to 60cm in late spring 

and summer. 

The flowers are small and white 

and surrounded by the mauve 

to purple calyces that the plant 

is known for. 

The stems are often used for 

cut flowers as the purple 

calyces last a considerable time. 


27



A profusion of seeds are spread by wind from rounded woody 

capsules. 

The large number of ornamental plantings has created a large 

‘seed bank’ that enables this plant to invade natural bushland. 

Seeds and gum are spread by native bees. 


30 

Cadaghi 

Corymbia torelliana 

(formerly Eucalyptus torelliana) 

Crow's Ash 

Flindersia australis 

This Australian native from the 

rainforest fringes of far north 

Queensland has become 

invasive outside its original 

range. 

Growing to a height of 30m it 

has rounded foliage and a 

smooth green trunk with grey 

scaly bark at the base. 

Flowers in masses of scented 

cream balls held in terminal 

clusters. 

This large evergreen Australian 

native tree grows 10 to 20m, 

depending on soil type. 

It has a sturdy trunk with scaly 

brown bark and a dense multibranched 

crown. 

It has shiny dark green pinnate 

leaves. 

The tree is covered in small white 

flowers in spring followed by 

interesting 5 segmented seed 

pods to 10cm.



Brush Box 

Lophostemon confertus 

Red Ironbark 

Eucalyptus sideroxylon 'Rosea' 


Tall tree that can reach 35m 

but is usually less in cultivation. 

It has shiny mid green foliage 

that provides a thick canopy. 

The trunk has smooth pinkish 

tan bark which peels to reveal 

greenish cream new bark. 

It is fast growing and makes an 

excellent shade or specimen 

tree. 

This is a stunning red flowering 

gum tree growing to 20 m 

high by 15 m wide. 

The bark of this tree contrasts 

well with the foliage which is 

dark green to grey-blue. 

It will grow successfully on 

many sites, including alkaline 

soils. 

For best growth, a well-drained 

site in full-sun is required. 

Corymbia citriodora – Lemon Scented Gum 

Sapium sebiferum Syn . – Chinese Tallow Tree 

Triadica sebifera 


31




32 

Cosmos 

Cosmos bipinnatus 

This feathery leaved annual 

can reach 1.5m in height but 

is more often seen 'en masse' 

600-900mm high. 

It bears an abundance of daisy 

like blooms in spring with spot 

flowering at other times. 

Colours include shades of 

pink, purple, red and white. 

It seeds freely and can quickly 

establish stands in natural 

areas. 

As this plant is 'free seeding' it only takes a single plant to 

establish a broad colony on roadsides and other natural 

areas. 

The plant can also regenerate from a small piece of stem, so 

effective disposal of garden waste is important. 

Golden Everlasting Daisy 

Xerochrysum bracteatum 

This Australian annual or shortlived 

perennial, varies in habit from 

prostrate to a shrubby plant of 

about 1 m in height. 

The leaves are grey-green in colour 

and the deep golden flower heads 

are borne from spring through to 

late winter. 

The individual flowers are formed 

into a large cluster surrounded by 

large papery bracts. 

The Golden Everlasting Daisy has 

been cultivated for many years and 

a number of improved forms have 

been selected for cultivation.



Day Lilies 

Hemerocallis species 

Showy strap leaved perennial 

forming dense clumps, with the 

most dazzling array of flower 

colours. 

Whilst flowers are short lived 

their prolific production ensures 

a constant cover of cream, 

yellow, pink, orange, red and 

even burgundy blooms. 

There are many new cultivars to 

choose from, bearing single or 

double flowers. 

Japanese Windflower 

Anemone hupehensis 


Centaurea cyanus – Cornflower 

Antirrhinum majus 

– Snapdragon 

A low growing perennial with 

tufts of mid green basal foliage 

divided in palmate fashion. 

The showy flowers rise above 

the foliage in autumn and 

appear in shades of mauve, 

white and pink. 

There are many new hybrids, 

seek sound horticultural 

knowledge on the most 

suitable local performers. 


33


34 

Mountain Ash 



A once popular evergreen 

garden or street tree growing 

to a height of 8m. 

The leaves are glossy green and 

the bark is light grey in colour. 

The tree produces abundant 

creamy white flowers followed 

by masses of winged seeds 

that germinate readily. 


The abundant seeds are spread by wind and water. 

These seeds have a high rate of germination and the tree 

quickly colonises native bushland 


Fraxinus griffithii 


native tree often reaches 10m in 

height. 





summer. 




addition to any garden.



Blueberry Ash 

Elaeocarpus reticulatus 

Crow's Ash 

Flindersia australis 


Harpullia pendula – Tulipwood 

Buckinghamia celsissima – Ivory Curl Flower 

Large shrub to small tree with 

dark green foliage forming a 

thick screen. 

The tree is covered with dainty 

pinkish-white flowers in 

spring-summer and these are 

followed by bluish black berries. 

‘Prima Donna’ has a more 

compact habit and has pink 

flowers. 

This large evergreen Australian 

native tree grows 10 to 20m, 

depending on soil type. 

It has a sturdy trunk with scaly 

brown bark and a dense 

multi-branched crown. It has 

shiny dark green pinnate leaves. 

The tree is covered in small 

white flowers in spring followed 

by interesting 5 segmented 

seed pods to 10cm. 


35


HOW THEY SPREAD 

Seed is both abundant and easily dispersed, either by wind 

or water. 

These seeds have a high rate of germination enabling fast 

establishment of colonies in natural bushland. 


36 

Golden Rain Trees 

Koelreuteria elegans subsp. formosana 

Koelreuteria paniculata 

Leichhardt Bean 

Cassia brewsteri 

These fast growing trees have 

mid-green ferny compound 

foliage. The trunk is grey and 

clean. In late Summer the tree 

is covered in panicles of clear 

yellow flowers. The flowers 

sometimes go un-noticed, but 

not the pink, papery 

bladderlike pods that form 

afterwards. Seed is produced 

in abundance with many new 

plants emerging adjacent to 

the original each season. 

Spectacular Australian native 

tree growing to a height of 10m. 

Flowers are yellow and red and 

pea shaped. 

They occur in profuse pendant 

heads and cover the tree making 

it difficult to see the foliage.

Photo: Philip Cameron 

Photo: Brian Sams 

Tulipwood 

Harpullia pendula 

This beautiful medium sized 

spreading tree can reach a 

height of 10-12m in cultivation. 

It has glossy pinnate leaves and 

forms an excellent street or 

shade tree. 

The flowers are yellowish cream 

and appear in summer followed 

by showy yellow to red 

two-lobed fruits up to 4cm 

across. 

Desert Ash 

Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. oxycarpa 


Large tree growing to a 

height of 10 – 12m, it has 

green leaves in thick whorls 

and dark grey brown bark. 

The flowers are small and 

creamy white in colour. 

The flowers are followed by 

single seeded winged fruits. 

This tree is deciduous but is 

able to withstand dry and 

somewhat arid conditions. 

Peltophorum pterocarpum – Yellow Flame Tree 

Magnolia grandiflora – Bullbay Magnolia 


37



The orange-red berries are highly desirable to birds whose 

droppings ensure this plant is widespread in bushland. 

Large colonies and thickets are created smothering natural 

vegetation and affecting ecosystems. 

Do not purchase Murraya from non-reputable suppliers as 

they are likely to be seedling grown forms. 

Photo: Macbird Floraprint 

38 

Mock Orange 

Murraya paniculata (seedling grown form) 

This compact rounded shrub 

with glossy green foliage grows 

to a height of 3-5m. The plant 

produces highly perfumed white 

flowers in terminal clusters in 

Spring, through to Autumn. The 

flowers are followed by small 

oval bright orange red berries 

which are highly attractive to 

birds. 

This very popular garden plant 

has several forms. The seedling 

grown form, popular in the 

1970’s, is to be avoided as it is 

invasive. Gardens in older 

suburbs are likely to have this 

undesirable form and removal is 

recommended 

Mock Orange 

Murraya paniculata (cutting grown form) 

Professional nursery growers 

and retailers now promote the 

use of a superior cutting grown 

selection which produces few or 

no berries. 

The growth habit is more 

naturally compact than the 

inferior and invasive seedling 

form. 

Ask your professional 

retailer for this cutting grown 

cultivar.

Photo: Macbird Floraprint 


Lilly Pillies 

Syzygium australe cultivars 

Lemon Scented Myrtle 

Backhousia citriodora 


Camellia sasanqua – Sasanqua Camellia 

Xylosma senticosa – Dense Logwood 

This superb Australian native 

rainforest plant has glossy green 

foliage, a profusion of fluffy 

white flowers and small 

colourful berries. 

There are many different 

cultivars of this plant with a 

wide range of growth habits, 

foliage types and berry colours. 

Many make highly desirable 

hedges and screens. ‘Elite’, 

‘Bush Christmas’ and 

‘Hinterland Gold’ are three of 

many suitable selections. 

Medium sized tree to 12m with 

grey green foliage to 10cm in 

length. 

A key feature is that leaves are 

strongly lemon scented when 

crushed. 

A profusion of white-cream 

flowers appear in summer. 

An underused Australian native 

rainforest tree. 


39

Photo: Bamboo Downunder 

HOW THEY SPREAD 

Both of these ‘running bamboos’ send their invasive rhizomes 

considerable distances from the original plant. 

They are incredibly difficult to control and are a serious 

invasive threat. 

Photo: Barry Naylor 

38 

Golden Bamboo 

Phyllostachys aurea 

Black Bamboo 

Phyllostachys nigra 

Growing to a height of 6m, 

with long slender canes and 

dense graceful foliage. 

These types of bamboo have 

a spreading habit and send 

their rhizomes (roots) 

underground, often 

sprouting some distance 

from the original plant. 

Slender Weavers Bamboo 

Bambusa textilis var. gracilis 

Growing to a height of 6m this 

upright clumping bamboo has 

small leaves and an erect nature. 

Individual canes can get to 

25mm in diameter; it is suitable 

for containers and will also 

tolerate wet soils. 

A truly graceful clumping 

bamboo.



Tiger Grass 

Thysanolaena latifolia Syn. 

Thysanolaena maxima 

Japanese Bamboo 

Nandina 'Gulf Stream' 


Bambusa lako – Timor Black Bamboo 

Bambusa chungii – Chungi Bamboo 

Fantastic clumping perennial 

grass that forms an impenetrable 

screen. 

Growing to a height of 3.5m 

with arching stems and narrow 

leaves this is an excellent 

substitute for running bamboo 

as it is a clump forming plant. 

This is a very hardy bamboo like 

plant that grows approximately 

1.2 m in height. 

It has several branches growing 

from the base with colourful 

green and red tinged foliage 

throughout most of the year, 

which turns bright red during 

the coldest months. 

It has small white flowers 

followed by reddish berries. 

This is a compact grower and is 

quite hardy once established. 


39



40 

Lombardy Poplar 

Populus nigra 'Italica' 

Manna Gum 

Eucalyptus viminalis 

This is an upright form of 

Populus nigra growing to 25m 

in height. 

It has triangular shaped dark 

green leaves which turn a 

brilliant yellow in late autumn. 

Poplars have separate male and 

female trees and the ones first 

introduced to the ACT were 

male. 

They do not produce seed but reproduce by suckers which 

can form dense copses. 

Lombardy poplar has been widely planted as an ornamental 

tree in moist sites and beside streams in the ACT. 

It is a non-native naturalised species in the Australian flora having 

a direct impact on rare and threatened species. 

Indigenous to Victoria, Qld, NSW, 

Tas and SA the Manna Gum is the 

primary food tree for Koalas. 

Tolerant of most situations with 

the tallest trees found in 

mountain regions. 

Bark is shed in ribbons during 

summer leaving the upper trunk 

and branches white but the base 

of the tree remains bark-coated 

The leaves are dark green and 

often sickle-shaped. 

Flowers are cream coloured in a 

cluster.

Photo: Jackie Miles 

Photo: Fleming's Nurseries 

Ornamental Pear 

Pyrus 'Glens Form' 

Flowering Plum 

Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire' 


Betula nigra – River Birch 

This is a superb ornamental 

pear with dense green foliage 

that turns gold, plum and 

burgundy in autumn. 

Growing to a height of 11m, 

it is a popular specimen tree 

in parks and gardens. 

This species can tolerate quite 

dry conditions as well as 

intermittently wet, heavy soils. 

This stunning upright form of 

flowering plum grows in 

columnar form to a height of 6m. 

Foliage is rich reddish bronze 

when young becoming darker 

with age. 

In early spring a profusion of 

white flowers with red stamens 

emerge followed by new foliage. 

This selection makes a fantastic 

urban screening or street tree, 

particularly where lateral space is 

limited. 

Cupressus sempervirens 'Nitschkes Needle' – Pencil Pine 


41




42 

Common Indian Hawthorn 

Rhaphiolepis indica 

Glossy Abelia 

Abelia grandiflora 

An evergreen native shrub 

from southern China 

growing 3-5m in height. 

It is extremely tough and has 

shiny, leathery leaves. 

White Spring flowers are 

profuse, held in terminal 

clusters and are mildly 

perfumed. 

An abundance of bluish 

black berries follow in 

Summer. 

The berries are highly desirable to birds and their distribution 

into bushland is widespread. 

The seeds can also be spread by water. 

Evergreen shrub with arching 

branches to 2 m high. 

Shiny, dark green glossy foliage 

with mauve-pink tubular flowers. 

Suitable as a screening or 

specimen plant, this hardy, water 

wise and non-invasive shrub 

thrives in full-sun to part-shade. 

Ask your local garden centre for 

this and other recommended 

cultivars.



Sasanqua Camellia 

Camellia sasanqua 


Rhaphiolepis indica 'Intermedia' – Indian Hawthorn 

Gardenia species – Gardenia 

This fantastic plant should be 

more widely used in the Sub- 

Tropics. 

There are many and varied 

flower colours, ranging from 

white through to pink and red. 

Most will tolerate full sun with 

growth habits to suit every 

situation. 

Many cultivars can be pruned 

into effective hedges. 

Dwarf Pittosporum 

Pittosporum tobira 'Miss Muffett' 

Delightful small rounded shrub 

growing to 1m in height. 

The oblong glossy green leaves 

appear in whorls around the 

stems, new flushes are lime 

green. 

Bearing small fragrant white star 

shaped flowers in late Spring 

this plant makes an effective low 

hedge or can be planted in 

clumps for mass appeal. 


43

Photo: immij 

floramedia 

Photo: immij 

floramedia 

44 

Golden-leaved Black Locust 

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’ and other 

grafted varieties. 

This deciduous, spreading tree 

has dense, drooping clusters of 

fragrant, pea-like, white flowers 

appearing in spring. 

The trunk has rigid and 

furrowed bark, the luxuriant 

leaves are golden yellow when 

young and turn orange yellow 

in Autumn 


They are prone to suckering. This happens because the variety 

is grafted on to a vigorous understock, R. pseudoacacia, also 

known as the False Acacia. The False Acacia will grow to 20m 

(60’) and is native to the United States. It is a deciduous tree 

with green compound leaves and sharp thorns and it is now 

naturalised in many parts of Europe, Asia and Australia. 

If its roots are damaged (for example by a mower or whipper 

snipper or by digging) or if the roots hit an obstacle, such as a 

clay soil, they will produce suckers. This characteristic is 

retained when the tree is used as an understock. 

The hard-coated seed may also be spread longer distances in 

soil or water or occasionally by animals. 

Revolution Gold 

Melaleuca bracteata ‘Revolution Gold’ 

This is a beautiful, golden-foliaged, 

Australian native shrub to 4 m by 

2 m wide. 

Its golden foliage provides year 

round colour in gardens. 

An ideal screening shrub or feature 

specimen. 

In spring the creamy-yellow brushes 

are bird attracting. It requires little 

attention and will grow in a wide 

range of soils and garden conditions. 

Prefers an open sunny position and 

regular pruning to maintain shape 

and to encourage new growth.



Ginkgo 

Ginkgo biloba 


This is a truly spectacular and 

tall deciduous tree which can 

grow to a height of 20m. 

It has matt green fan-shaped 

leaves which resemble 

maidenhair foliage. 

The foliage turns golden 

yellow in autumn. 

It does bear a fleshy plum like 

fruit but requires both male 

and female plants near each 

other for pollination to occur. 

Chinese Tallow 

Sapium sebiferum Syn. Triadica sebifera 

This is a fast growing tree, 

variable in height from 

6m to 12m. 

It has bright green heart 

shaped leaves which turn 

shades of yellow, orange, red 

and purple during autumn. 

It is considered deciduous in 

local conditions but can retain 

some foliage in warmer sites. 

It has greenish yellow flowers 

borne on the branch tips in 

late spring, followed by fruits 

that are covered in white wax. 

Fraxinus excelsior 'Aurea' – Golden Ash 

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Gold Rider’ – Gold Rider 


45


46 

Pepper Tree 


Seeds are highly delectable to birds and are dispersed by 

them. Seeds germinate freely and this tree has become a pest 

plant in many areas of Australia, along with the species form, 

S. molle. 


Schinus molle var. areira 



Spreading, evergreen tree 

originally from South America 

widely planted in the early years 

of settlement as a shade tree. 

Semi-weeping in habit, it has 

willow-like leaves and small 

yellow-white flowers in spring 

that are followed by clusters of 

pea-sized pinkish-red berries. 

These are 'bird candy'. 


native tree often reaches 10m 

in height. 





summer. 




addition to any garden.



Leopard Tree 


Manchurian Pear 

Pyrus ussuriensis 


Syncarpia glomulifera – Turpentine Tree 

Alphotinia excelsa – White Ash 


to 12m in height. It has elegant 

limbs with dappled cream and 

grey bark forming an erect 

multi-stemmed trunk. 

The foliage is graceful and fern 

like, forming an umbrella 

shaped crown. 

It has yellow flowers borne on 


to autumn. 

Whilst sometimes considered 

evergreen, it can lose much of 

its foliage during winter. 

The largest growing of the Pear 

trees, this selection can reach 


It has a broad pyramidal shape 

and makes an excellent street 

or specimen tree. 

The leaves are wide, shiny, dark 

green and almost heart 

shaped. In spring it is covered 

in a profusion 

of small white 

scented flowers followed by 

small yellow brown fruit. 


47




50 

Easter Cassia 

Senna pendula var. glabrata 

A showy evergreen scrambling 

shrub that can reach 3m in 

height. 

The compound leaves are mid 

green and rounded at the tip. 

The flowers are bright yellow 

and form a spectacular show as 

they completely cover the 

foliage in Autumn. 

Cylindrical green pods follow 

with abundance of seeds. 

Seeds are spread by birds, insects, water and gravity. 

The plentiful seed ensures that even those that fall close to 

the bush maintain the invasive population. 

Dwarf Fringed Wattle 

Acacia fimbriata 'Nana' 

A spectacular new cultivar of this 

local favourite. 

With dense fine foliage this plant 

can be used as an effective screen 

or equally well as a feature. 

It is covered in masses of yellow 

flowers in winter-spring but has 

all round appeal due to the 

attractive foliage and growth 

habit.



Honey Gem 

Grevillea 'Honey Gem' 

Dogwood 

Jacksonia scoparia 


Dodonaea triquetra – Native Hop Bush 

Eremophila maculata 'Aurea’ – Emu Bush 

This hardy Australian native is 

an all time favourite. 

It can grow above 4m in 

height but is more often seen 

as a 2-3m specimen. 

It has lovely ferny foliage and is 

covered in masses of orange 

brushes laden with nectar for 

most of the year. 

It is a fantastic addition to any 

garden and will attract a wide 

array of nectar feeding birdlife. 

Grown for a combination of its 

interesting foliage and flowers. 

There are no visible leaves on 

the wiry angular branches that 

are often weeping. 

Yellow pea shaped flowers 

appear in the summer months 

making an eye catching display. 


51


52 

Racehorse Tree 

Tipuana tipu 

Yellow Flame Tree 

Peltophorum pterocarpum 

This large fast growing attractive 

tree grows to 20m with a similar 

spread. 

Dark green pinnate leaves attach 

to somewhat arching branches. 

Terminal clusters of yellow 

Cassia-like flowers appear in 

Spring. Winged seed pods follow 

holding several seeds in each. 

The tree is used widely as it 

provides excellent shade. 


Seeds are plentiful and are spread by water, wind and 

gravity. 

These seeds have a high rate of germination. 


Fast growing evergreen tree 

growing to 15m. 

It has deep green fern like 

foliage that has a bronze edge 

to the new growth. 

It is covered in terminal sprays 

of perfumed bright yellow 

flowers with crinkled petals that 

emerge from rust red buds. 

It is a very effective shade tree 

for the Sub-Tropics.



Native Frangipani 

Hymenosporum flavum 

Leopard Tree 



Syncarpia glomulifera – Turpentine Tree 

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' – Silk Tree 

Clusters of scented, creamy 

yellow flowers cover the tree in 

spring amid shiny, dark-green 

leaves. 

Growing 10-15m high in the 

garden. Reasonable frost 

tolerance. 



It has elegant limbs with dappled 

cream and grey bark forming an 

erect multi-stemmed trunk. 

The foliage is graceful and fern 

like, forming an umbrella shaped 

crown. 

It has yellow flowers borne on 


to autumn. 

Whilst sometimes considered 

evergreen, it can lose much of its 

foliage during winter. 


53

Climbing and Ground Cover Plants 

This very useful group of plants was often used to cover unsightly 

objects and provide green barriers. Unfortunately we now know that the 

attributes that make them useful can also provide them with a means to 

grow outside their given area and invade nearby bushland. There are 

many alternative less invasive plants available. Please consider from the 

list opposite or ask your local garden centre for other alternatives. 


54 

Red Trumpet Vine 

Campsis radicans 

Bower of Beauty 

Pandorea jasminoides 

A vigorous climber grown for its 

spectacular orange red trumpet 

shaped flowers borne in late 

summer to autumn. 

This plant can grow up to 10m 

with the aid of support. 

This plant can be trained into a 

neat garden shrub but if left 

unchecked can cling to adjacent 

trees by way of small aerial 

rootlets; becoming a rampant 

pest. 


The plant has small aerial roots and clings to almost anything. 

Small pieces of the plant will easily root in the warmer 

months so appropriate disposal of garden waste is important. 

The plant must not be planted near environmentally sensitive 

areas as it will escape and invade adjacent natural systems. 


Vigorous climber to spreading 

shrub with dark green glossy 

pinnate leaves. 

Flowers are borne in terminal 

clusters in the warmer months 

and are pink with a dark 

carmine throat. 

There are several cultivars 

including ‘Lady Di’ that has 

cream flowers.



Wonga Wonga Vine 

Pandorea pandorana 


Vitis vinifera – Ornamental Grape 

Gelsemium sempervirens – Carolina Jessamine 

Vigorous Australian native 

twining or scrambling plant. 

Flowers are tubular and 

creamy-white with purple or 

brownish markings and appear 

in spring and summer. 

Several new cultivars have been 

developed including 

‘Snowbells’ with pure white 

flowers and ‘Golden Showers’ 

with yellow-bronze flowers. 

Orange Trumpet Vine 

Pyrostegia venusta 

A vigorous twining vine with 

mid-green foliage, it can reach 

up to 10m in length. 

Whilst the foliage makes an 

effective screen it is most often 

grown for its spectacular 

covering of clusters of bright 

orange, slender, trumpet 

shaped flowers. 

This is a truly magnificent 

winter flowering creeper. 


55


56 

Japanese Honeysuckle 

Lonicera japonica 

This scrambling or climbing 

shrub can grow up to 8m high. 

It has glossy dark green leaves 

and fragrant nectar filled white 

flowers that age to yellow. 

Summer flowers are followed 

by small shiny black berries in 

Autumn. 


The seeds are dispersed by water and birds. The stems take 

root where they touch the ground. 

The plant is also often dumped on roadside and bushland 

edges. 

Whilst a once common garden plant this Honeysuckle is now 

a seriously invasive plant in many moist native bushland 

areas. 


Banksia Rose 

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' 

This climbing rose produces 

long slender twining canes with 

masses of tiny, double, white 

or yellow flowers in spring. 

It is one of the most popular 

climbing roses because of the 

beautiful spring blooms and 

absence of thorns.





Wonga Wonga Vine 

Pandorea pandorana 


Hibbertia scandens – Snake Vine 






and are pink with a dark 

carmine throat. 


including ‘Lady Di’ that has 

cream flowers. 

Vigorous Australian native 

twining or scrambling plant. 

Flowers are tubular and 

creamy-white with purple or 

brownish markings and appear 

in spring and summer. 

Several new cultivars have been 

developed including 

‘Snowbells’ with pure white 

flowers and ‘Golden Showers’ 

with yellow-bronze flowers. 

Hardenbergia violacea Hybrids – Native Sarsaparillas 


57

This vigorous prostrate ground 

cover plant forms a dense mat of 

foliage. It bears pink-lilac flowers 

throughout the year. It has been 

used as effective erosion control 

and even as a lawn substitute. 

There is conjecture regarding the 

natural range of these plants. 


P. nodiflora is considered native 

to tropical and sub-tropical Australia, yet some local authorities 

consider it a naturalised invader. For the purposes of Grow Me 

Instead we would like gardeners to consider other non-invasive 

options. If gardeners need an effective groundcover there are many 

other non-invasive plants that you can choose. 


The plant reproduces easily from small pieces of stem 

Effective disposal of garden waste will reduce the spread of 

this plant 


56 

Lippia / Condamine Couch 

Phyla canescens and Phyla nodiflora 

Creeping Boobialla 

Myoporum parvifolium 

This evergreen, hardy Australian 

native forms a dense, weed 

suppressing ground cover that 

will easily cover one square 

metre. 

This species thrives if grown in 

freely-drained soil and full-sun. 

The flowers are white or pink and 

occur from winter to summer. 

Sweet fleshy fruits provide food 

for native birds.



Carpet Star 

Zieria 'Carpet Star' 

Blue Saucer Flower 

Convolvulus sabatius 

Dampiera diversifolia – Dampiera 

This endangered Australian 

native groundcover forms a 

neat spreading mat to 75cm. 

It has dark green aromatic 

trifoliate foliage. 

In spring, prolific pink star 

shaped flowers are borne all 

over the plant making quite a 

contrast. 

Appreciates full sun and will 

tolerate winds and some frost. 

An attractive evergreen perennial 

with a spreading prostrate habit. 

Blue to violet funnel form flowers 

appear in late spring to autumn. 

This species is suitable as a 

ground cover or spill-over plant 

in rockeries and is also ideal for 

large containers or hanging 

baskets. 

Reaching a height of about 

20cm, it will spread to 2m wide. 

Prefers a moist well-drained site 

and is frost tolerant. 

Grevillea 'Mt. Tamboritha’ – Grevillea 


59



Whilst the plant does produce seeds the major source of 

spread is through the dumping of garden waste. 

The plant also spreads by virtue of its vigorous vegetative 

habit. 


58 

Black-eyed Susan 

Thunbergia alata 



Vigorous herbaceous perennial 

climber that can reach 3-4m. 

Deep green triangular leaves to 

7cm form a thick cover. 

Flowers are borne in warmer 

months on single stalks, varying 

from fellow to bright orange, 

with a dark black throat. 

These are followed by small 

hairy seed capsule holding a 

few small seeds. 






and are pink with a dark carmine 

throat. 


including ‘Lady Di’ that has cream 

flowers.



Snake Vine 

Hibbertia scandens 

Native Sarsaparillas 

Hardenbergia violacea cultivars 


Clematis aristata and C.microphylla – Native Clematis 

Gelsemium sempervirens – Carolina Jessamine 

Slender twining climber or 

trailing groundcover plant. 

It has dark green leaves and 

plentiful large buttercup yellow 

flowers in the warmer months. 

This plant is drought and frost 

resistant and tolerant of salt 

spray. 

A popular and generally hardy 

groundcover plant. 

Violet-Lilac pea shaped flowers 

cover the plant in winter and 

spring. 

Many new cultivars have been 

developed with white and pink 

flowers as well as different 

growth habits, some forming 

neat, rounded, low growing 

bushes. 


59

Berried Plants 

Gardeners often choose trees and shrubs with showy persistent 

berries for winter colour in their gardens when flowers are scarce. 

Unfortunately these berries often attract birds and small mammals 

that unwittingly aid the spread of these unwanted plants into 

bushland and open spaces. 

Silver-leaf Cotoneaster 

Cotoneaster pannosus 

This group of hardy, fast 

growing, perennial, woody 

shrubs will grow 2 to 5m tall. 

Some varieties are deciduous. 

They vary from medium to 

large shrubs. 

The flowers are small and 

white and appear in spring 

and summer. 

The flowers are followed by 

clusters of conspicuous 

orange to red berries that 

resemble minute apples. 

Cotoneasters were previously 

used as hedges and were 

commonly planted because the large crops of decorative 

berries hang on to the branches for months through winter 

and provided colour when flowers are scarce. 

Photo: Delwyn Thomas 


The seeds of this fruit are spread into bushland by fruit 

eating birds and will grow virtually anywhere a bird drops the 

seeds. 

Pyracantha and Cotoneaster species are often confused with each 

other. Cotoneaster species lack thorns 


60 

Lilly Pillies 




foliage, a profusion of fluffy white 

flowers and small colourful berries. 

There are many different cultivars 

of this plant with a wide range of 

growth habits, foliage types and 

berry colours. Many make highly 

desirable hedges and screens. 

‘Elite’, ‘Bush Christmas’ and 


many suitable selections.

Photo: Fleming’s Nurseries 


Flowering Crab Apples 

Malus species 

Grey Honey Myrtle 

Melaleuca incana 

This is a beautiful Australian 

native shrub growing to 3m in 

height. It has slender arching 

branches that hold hairy grey 

green leaves. 

It bears creamy yellow flower 

spikes in late spring to early 

summer and will tolerate a 

wide range of soil types. 

It can also be clipped into a 

neat hedge. 


Photinia species – Photinia 

Vitex trifolia 'Purpurea' – Purple Coastal Vitex 

Very pretty, highly ornamental 

and deciduous trees grown for 

beautiful Spring blossom and 

their showy crimson-red crab 

apples, the ripe fruit lasts well, 

adorning the tree from Autumn 

into early Winter. 

Visit www.flemings.com.au for 

excellent cultural information 

on the many old and new 

selected forms. 


61


Prickly Duranta 

Duranta erecta 


The berries are highly attractive to birds. If a plant is allowed 

to form berries, birds ingest them and distribute the plants 

widely in native bushland, creating thickets and upsetting the 

ecosystem. 

Do not allow existing plants to form berries. Either prune 

immediately after flowering or remove the plant entirely if 

regular maintenance is not practical. 

Note: This plant is also considered poisonous. 


62 

Sasanqua Camellias 

Camellia sasanqua 

A dense shrub usually growing 

to 4-5m with pendulous 

branches bearing blue, white 

or purple flowers, followed by 

orange berries. 

This very popular garden 

plant has had a renaissance in 

popularity with the introduction 

of several new forms in recent 

years. Whilst many are kept well 

pruned into effective hedges, 

particularly in local government 

areas and commercial premises 

others are left unkempt and 

form berries. 


more widely used in the Sub- 

Tropics. 

There are many and varied flower 

colours, ranging from white 

through to pink and red. 

Most will tolerate full sun with 

growth habits to suit every 

situation. 

Many cultivars can be pruned into 

effective hedges.



Grey Myrtle 

Backhousia myrtifolia 

Native Fuchsia 

Graptophyllum excelsum 


Backhousia citriodora – Lemon Scented Myrtle 

Syzygium australe cultivars – Lilly Pillies 

A highly desirable Australian 

native plant forming a thick 

screen to 2m when pruned 

but can reach 6-8m if left 

untouched. 

A profusion of cream white 

flowers bloom in summer and 

the greenish cream sepals 

persist for many months. 

An Australian native that can 

reach 6-8m but is often kept 

to 1.5m in cultivation. 

It has dark green glossy 

leaves and abundant rich red 

tubular flowers in summer. 

The flowers are attractive to 

nectar feeding birds. 


more widely used, making 

an excellent specimen or 

effective hedge. 


63



64 

European and African Olives 

Olea europaea ssp. europaea 

and O.europaea subsp. cuspidata 

Water Gum 

Tristaniopsis laurina 

Hardy long-lived evergreen, small to 

medium trees. European olives 

produce green or black oval-shaped 

fruits for table and oil production. 

The fruits are considered a delicacy 

after they have been processed. 

African olives produced smaller 

spherical black fruits and has been 

used as a hedging species in the 

past. 

It must be stressed it is the fruit left 

on trees and not harvested that are 

spread by birds. The seedlings are 

extremely invasive and have become 

problematic in areas across the 

state. 

Trees left to grow wild, or that are not harvested. 

Fruit is attractive to and spread by birds and small mammals. 

How you can help. 

Don’t plant olive trees unless you are going to harvest the fruit, if 

you have trees you no can longer manage, ask permission from 

your local council to have the trees removed. 

This Australian native tree has 

various new improved forms, one 

highly recommended form is 

‘Luscious’, it grows 7 to 12m tall, 

the foliage is lush, dark green and 

shiny, with distinctive copper 

coloured new growth. 

Water Gums are highly desirable 

evergreen landscape trees with 

sweetly scented yellow flowers in 

short clusters through January. 

‘Luscious’ is a highly ornamental 

tree well suited for use in street tree 

plantings, parks, reserves, as a 

garden feature for that special spot, 

or as an elegant shade tree.


Photo: Kate Steel 

Purple Pea Plant 

Hovea acutifolia 

Weeping Myall 

Acacia pendula 


Corymbia ficifolia – Red Flowering Eucalyptus 

This is an attractive Australian 

native shrub that reaches 1.5m 

in height. It has long leaves to 

8cm and is usually an open 

woody shrub up to 1m in 

width. 

It has masses of beautiful 

purple pea flowers in late 

winter through spring. 

It performs best with some 

protection from extreme heat 

and must have excellent 

drainage. 

Usually seen as an erect 

small tree growing to 10m in 

height, this Australian native 

should be more widely used. 

It has pendulous branches 

and narrow grey green 

phyllodes (modified stems 

that look like leaves). 

It bears yellow ball shaped 

flowers in late winter to 

spring. 

This tree will tolerate dry and 

arid conditions. 

Eucalyptus leucoxylon 'Euky Dwarf' – Euky Dwarf 


65

Photo: Delwyn Thomas 



66 

Firethorn 

Pyracantha species 

Dense Logwood 

Xylosma senticosa 

Evergreen shrubs to 4 m high. 

Flowers appear in white clusters 

in spring and summer, followed 

by spectacular and abundant 

fruit maturing to red, orange 

or yellow. 

These plants are spread by seed that is mostly bird or water 

dispersed. 

Pyracantha and Cotoneaster species are often confused with each 

other. Cotoneaster species are similar but lack thorns. 

Superb hedging plant that will 

reach a height of 4m if trimmed to 

form a small tree but thrives when 

trimmed to form a 1-1.5m hedge. It 

has orange and bronze tipped 

foliage and inconspicuous, fragrant 

yellow flowers. 

Xylosma will tolerate sun or shade. 

It is an exceptionally hardy plant, 

adapting to most soil conditions.

Photo: Fagg, M - ANBG 


NSW Christmas Bush 

Ceratopetalum gummiferum 

Lilly Pillies 



Loropetalum chinense 'China Pink' – Fringe Flower 

Melaleuca 'Claret Tops' – Claret Tops 

A large shrub or small tree to 5m 

high in cultivation. 

The foliage is very attractive and the 

new growth is often pink or bronze 

coloured. 

The true flowers are white in colour. 

The main attraction is the massed 

display of red sepals n which are 

commonly mistaken to be flowers. 

These are at their peak in early 

to mid summer and usually at 

Christmas. 

The sepals and foliage are widely 

used for cut flowers. 



foliage, a profusion of fluffy 

white flowers and small 

colourful berries. 

There are many different 

cultivars of this plant with a 

wide range of growth habits, 

foliage types and berry colours. 

Many make highly desirable 

hedges and screens. 

‘Elite’, ‘Bush Christmas’ and 


many suitable selections. 


67

Grasses 

Mainly chosen because of their various architecturally interesting 

forms and drought hardiness, yet many of them are considered 

invasive. Mislabelling with incorrect species names has been an 

occasional problem. To reduce further spread of invasive grasses, 

seek professional advice at your local garden centre, read all labels 

carefully and avoid purchasing from any other source. There are 

many native grasses commercially available from your local garden 

centre providing a safe alternative. 

Photo: André Karwath 

68 

Swamp Foxtail 

or Fountain Grass 

Pennisetum alopecuroides 

A perennial grass with narrow 

mid to dark green leaves 

forming a dense clump 60 

to 90cm in height. 

Attractive flower spikes appear 

above the foliage in the warmer 

months, showing yellow, green 

and the distinctive purple 

colours. 

This plants ‘Australian native’ 

origin is questioned by many 

and the natural range of the 

plant has been confused by 

extensive use in urban 

landscape plantings in recent 

years. 


The seeds are not plentiful and viability is low however as 

there is conjecture regarding the distribution of this plant 

in Asia and Australia it is recommended we promote sterile 

hybrids or other well established native grasses




Mat Rushes 

Lomandra longifolia and cultivars 

Kangaroo Grass 

Themeda australis 

Flax Lilies 

Dianella species 


Cymbopogon refractus – Barbed Wire Grass 

This widely used accent plant 

has thick arching green foliage 

that emerges from a central 

crown. 

Suitable near waters edge or 

boggy areas but able to tolerate 

dry conditions as well, this is a 

most versatile alternative. 

Many new cultivars are now 

available with a range of foliage 

colours and growth habits. 

An Australian native grass that 

has glaucous blue grey leaves and 

forms a dense mat like tuft. 

During warmer months the leaves 

turn maroon adding an 

interesting contrast. 

In summer, wiry flower spikes 

laden with seed often lay down 

on top of the foliage. 

This plant is effective as a weed 

suppressant or for erosion control. 

An excellent Australian native 

selection with mid-dark green 

arching foliage and sprays of 

blue flowers followed by bright 

blue berries. 

There has been a proliferation 

of Dianella cultivars with a wide 

range of foliage colours and 

growth habits in recent years. 

Ask your retailer for the most 

reliable local selections. 

Cymbopogon ambiguus – Native Lemon Grass 


69

Bulbous Plants 

There are a number of bulbous plants that have become invasive, 

largely through the dumping of garden waste. Some of these plants 

are behaving aggressively whilst others are adventitiously taking 

advantage of the growing conditions to naturalise. 

Many bulbous plants are becoming invasive in Queensland, with 

Glory Lily (Gloriosa superba) and Taiwan Lily (Lilium formosanum) 

amongst the worst. Seek sound advice before planting bulbs and 

similar plants. Whilst most have spectacular flowers consideration 

must be given to assessing their invasive potential. 


70 

Taiwan Lily 

Lilium formosanum 


The plant seeds readily and these are scattered easily by the 

long willowy stems as they move on the breeze. 

Seeds germinate readily and bulb-lets also spread through soil 

movement and water. 


Spider Lily 

Hymenocallis littoralis 

Growing up to 1m in height 

this invasive bulbous plant has 

long slender stems covered with 

long narrow mid-green leaves. 

The trumpet shaped flowers 

are fragrant and appear in early 

Summer followed by seed pods 

holding many thousands of 

winged seeds. 

Fleshy strap like leaves emerge from 

underground bulbs to form thick 

clumps. 

Spectacular white scented flowers 

emerge in clusters from 75cm high 

flower stalks. 

The flowers have six spider like petals 

that surround a white inner corona. 

This plant is particularly showy and 

can spot flower several times in the 

warmer months.



Swamp Lily 

Crinum pedunculatum 

Flax Lilies 



Hemerocallis species and hybrids – Day Lilies 

Robust clumping plant with 

thick leathery leaves which 

will grow in heavy water laden 

soils, saline situations and even 

the seashore. 

In spring and summer it 

produces several stout 

flowering stems with large 

clusters of thinly petalled white 

lily type flowers. 

Excellent Australian native 




blue berries. 







Arthropodium cirrhatum 'Matapouri Bay' – NZ Rock Lily 


71

Succulent Plants 

These have become very popular due to their drought hardy status 

and architectural appeal. Most succulents are non-invasive, 

however there are a number of succulents that can rapidly spread 

from dislodged plant parts, leaves or by seed. Be sure to read the 

plant label carefully and ask for advice about the non-invasive 

succulents at your local garden centre. 

72 


Century Plant 

Agave americana 

Photo: Photo: Doug Bickerton, SA 

Department for Environment & Heritage 

Perennial succulent with thick 

grey green sword shaped leaves 

in rosettes growing to 2m high 

and often forming clumps that 

are several metres wide. The 

leaves have teeth along the 

margins and a very sharp spine 

at the tip. Yellow flowers 

form 

on a large spike which can rise 

over 5m in height. 


This plant forms thick clusters as the main plant ‘suckers’ to 

produce many new plants. 

Plants that are in dumped garden waste readily take root and 

colonise natural areas. 


Flax Lilies 






blue berries. 






reliable local selections.



Cardboard Palm 

Zamia furfuracea 

Gymea Lily 

Doryanthes excelsa 


Eremophila 'Yanna Road' – Emu Bush 

A small to medium sized Cycad 

forming a neat ornamental 

clump. 

It has broad, hairy rigid leaflets 

which are fairly crowded on the 

1m long leaf stem. 

It has broad architectural 

appeal and is suitable for dry 

situations and actually resents 

poor drainage or too much 

shade. 

Australian native perennial lily 

with rosettes of large sword-shaped 

1 to 2 m long mid-green leaves. 

In spring and summer they have 

spectacular large, compact heads of 

nectar-filled, blood-red flowers atop 

tall, thick stems to 5 m high. 

A very hardy garden plant for most 

climates. 

Grows best in full-sun to partshade. 

The flowers and leaves are both 

highly sought after for flower 

arranging. 

Arthropodium cirrhatum 'Matapouri Bay' – NZ Rock Lily 


73



Often spread through the dumping of garden waste, this 

plant is difficult to eradicate once established. 

The variegated form of Sansevieria is a popular indoor plant. 

This use is acceptable; however it should not be planted in the 

garden or disposed of in dumped garden waste. 


74 

Mother In Law’s Tongue 

Sansevieria trifasciata 

Bird of Paradise 

Strelitzia reginae 

Dense clumping plant with 

succulent sword-like foliage 


Mottled upright grey green 

leaves with occasional pale 

cream flowers on spikes in 

Spring. 

Effective spreading habit, 

preferring moist and shaded 

areas. 

Glossy grey green paddle 

shaped foliage forming a dense 

clump 1.5m x 1.5m. 

Spectacular orange and blue 

flowers shaped like a birds head 

form on erect stems in warmer 

months. 

It is worth trying to obtain 

Strelitzia juncea for its rush like 

cylindrical foliage emerging 

without a leaf blade.



Mat Rushes 

Lomandra species 

Flax Lilies 

Dianella species and cultivars 


Liriope 'Stripey White' – Stripey White 

Crinum pedunculatum –Swamp 

Lily 

This widely used accent plant 

has thick arching green foliage 

that emerges from a central 

crown. 

Suitable near waters edge or 

boggy areas but able to tolerate 

dry conditions as well, this is a 

most versatile alternative. 

Many new cultivars are now 

available with a range of foliage 

colours and growth habits. 





blue berries. 








75

Aquatic Plants 

In recent years aquatic plants have become a major invader. 

The cost of removal and control runs into many millions of 

dollars. These aquatic plants include Salvinia (Salvinia molesta), 

Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) and Cabomba (Cabomba 

caroliniana). There are many alternative plants which are more 

suitable for home aquariums and garden ponds. 

Photo: Terry Inkson 

Parrot Feather 

Myriophyllum aquaticum 


Parrot feather reproduces by fragments of stem breaking from 

the parent plant and is moved by water currents. 

Once also commonly found in home aquaria as the plant 

was once sold as an attractive fish 

tank plant. Inappropriate disposal of aquatic plants leads to choking of waterways, 

excluding all native flora and fauna. 

Photo: Glenfield Nursery 

76 

Water Milfoil 

Myriophyllum papillosum 

A feathery leaved, perennial 

aquatic plant with stems that 

grow up to 2m in length. 

The tips of the stems frequently 

protrude up to 30cm from the 

water. 

Seeds that are produced in 

Australia are infertile as only 

female plants are recorded here. 

A vigorous native milfoil with 

foxtail like stems held above 

the water. 

Provides shelter and spawning 

areas for fish. 

Suitable for full sun to light shade 

situations. 

Submerge up to 60cm.

Photo: Glenfield Nursery 


Upright Water Milfoil 

Myriophyllum crispatum 

Banded Nardoo 

Marsilea mutica 


Myriophyllum papillosum 'Red Dragonfly' – Red Dragonfly 

Nymphaea hybrids – Hybrid Water Lilies 

This native aquatic plant has 

delicately divided plumes 

which grow out and float on 

the water surface. 

Submerged up to 60cm deep, 

it provides excellent spawning 

environment for fish. 

Adaptable to either full sun or 

semi-shade. 

This aquatic fern has interesting 

foliage resembling a four leafed 

clover. 

The long rhizomes trail under 

the surface with the leaves 

floating on the surface. 

This plant provides an excellent 

cover for fish and other aquatic 

life as well as suppressing algal 

growth. 


77

Gardeners’ notes and checklists 

Use this page to make notes, plant lists or questions to ask gardening 

experts. 

78

82 

1 1) 

Invasive Plant Index 

Invasive plant name Page number 

Acacia baileyana 18 

African Olive 64 

Agave americana 

72 

Albizia lebbeck 

20 

Asparagus officinalis 

22 

Black Bamboo 38 

Black-eyed Susan 58 

Cadaghi 28 

Campsis radicans 

52 

Catharanthus roseus 

24 

Century Plant 72 

Common Indian Hawthorn 42 

Condamine Couch 56 

Cootamundra Wattle 18 

Coreopsis 26 

Coreopsis lanceolata 

26 

Corymbia torelliana 

28 

Cosmos 30 

Cosmos bipinnatus 

30 

Cotoneaster pannosus 

60 

Duranta erecta 

62 

Easter Cassia 48 

European Olive 64 

Firethorn 66 

Fountain Grass 68 

Fraxinus griffithii 

32 

Garden Asparagus 22 

Golden Bamboo 38 

Golden Rain Trees 34 

Golden-leaved Black Locust 44 

Indian Sirus 20 

Japanese Honeysuckle 54 

Koelreuteria elegans ssp. formosana 34 

Koelreuteria paniculata 

34

Invasive plant name Page number 

Lilium formosanum 

70 

Lippia 56 

Lombardy Poplar 40 

Lonicera japonica 

54 

Mock Orange 36 

Mother In Law's Tongue 74 

Mountain Ash 32 

Murraya paniculata 

36 

Myriophyllum aquaticum 

76 

Olea europaea ssp. europaea 

64 

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata 

64 

Parrot Feather 76 

Pennisetum alopecuroides 

68 

Pepper Tree 46 

Phyla canescens 

56 

Phyla nodiflora 

56 

Phyllostachys aurea 

38 

Phyllostachys nigra 

38 

Pink Periwinkle 24 

Populus nigra 'Italica' 40 

Prickly Duranta 62 

Pyracantha species 66 

Racehorse Tree 50 

Red Trumpet Vine 52 

Rhaphiolepis indica 

42 

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' 44 

Sansevieria trifasciata 

74 

Schinus molle var. areira 

46 

Senna pendula var. glabrata 

48 

Silver-leaf Cotoneaster 60 

Swamp Foxtail 68 

Taiwan Lily 70 

Thunbergia alata 

58 

Tipuana tipu 

50 

83

1 2) 

Further information and 

additional resources 

1. Your local nursery or garden centre - 

Most employ trained nursery professionals or qualif ed 

horticulturists who are knowledgeable in regard to all aspects of 

plant selection. 

2. Your local council or shire - 

Have information about plants considered invasive in your local 

area and some good indigenous alternatives. 

3. State Government - 

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries have useful 

information about invasive plants. 

Visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au for more information. 

4. Australian Government - 

Weeds in Australia Website. An excellent website with a 

good range of information, references, lists, databases and 

pictures and other resources. Visit www.weeds.gov.au for more 

information. 

5. Weeds Australia via the Australian Weeds Committee - 

A national website resource created by the Australian Weeds 

Committee to promote access to key weed policies, regulations, 

current issues, national initiatives, research, extension, training 

and personnel. Visit www.weeds.org.au for more information. 

6. Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland (NGIQ) - 

PO Box 345 Salisbury Qld 4107 Australia 

Ph. +61 7 32777900 Fax. + 61 7 32777109 

email: info@ngiq.asn.au web: www.ngiq.asn.au 

7. Nursery & Garden Industry Australia - 

The Nursery & Garden Industry Australia is the national peak 

body for the nursery and garden industries in Australia. Their 

website provides useful information on invasive plants. Visit 

www.ngia.com.au and www.lifeisagarden.com.au for more 

information. 

8. Queensland Murray-Darling Committee (QMDC) - 

Provide natural resource management information and 

advice to local landowners and community members. Visit 

www.qmdc.org.au for more information. 

Printed on recycled paper with 

the environment in mind 

A Guide for Gardeners in 

Queensland Darling Downs Darling 

Downs

Download Queensland Darling Downs GMI ... - Grow Me Instead

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