Bushland Weeds Manual - Environmental Weeds Action Network

Bushland 

Weeds 

A practical guide to their management 

With case studies from the Swan Coastal Plain and beyond 

Kate Brown and Kris Brooks 

Illustrated by Libby Sandiford

Published by and available from Environmental Weeds Action Network (Inc), PO Box 380 Greenwood, 6924, Australia. 

www.iinet.net.au\~ewan 

© Individual artists for photographs and drawings 

© Environmental Weeds Action Network (Inc) 

Parts of this publication may be reproduced for educational purposes with appropriate acknowledgment. A copy of any 

report or publication using these materials should be lodged with the Environmental Weeds Action Network (Inc). 

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-publication entry 

ISBN 0 9579001 1 2. 

Disclaimer Any recommendations in this book do not necessarily represent the policy or support of the sponsoring 

organisations. This book is intended as a source of information only. People should obtain independent advice before acting 

on information in this publication. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that any methodology adopted or adapted from this 

book is suitable for the purposes intended. Read the label of herbicides for further information and registration status. 

Consult the NRA website www.nra.gov.au to determine the status of permits for your situation or state. The publisher or the 

authors do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, or for any loss resulting from the use of or 

reliance upon information in this book. 

Design, typesetting and print management by West Print Management, Mosman Park, Perth, Western Australia 

Cover photograph by Kate Brown – Late spring in the shrublands at Brixton Street Wetlands with Pink Feather Flower 

(Verticordia densiflora), Kunzea (Kunzea micrantha) and Purple Flag (Patersonia aff. occidentalis) in full flower. 

Cover illustrations by Libby Sandiford – Some of the weeds starting to invade the Wetlands: From left to right; Harlequin 

Flower (Sparaxis bulbifera), Black Flag (Ferraria crispa), African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) and Perennial Veldgrass 

(Ehrharta calycina).

Acknowledgments 

This manual is the culmination of a five year project that has been supported by the Environmental Weeds Action 

Network. The project would not have been possible without the ongoing support of project manager, Margo 

O’Byrne, and the project team Bob Dixon, Rod Randall and the extraordinary financial manager, Gary Matthews. Liz 

Western generously stood in as manager for a year, supervising the project while Margo was away. Peter Nash and 

Patrick Piggott also contributed to project management. The Swan Catchment Centre provided office space and 

administrative support for three years. Sally Madden and Simone Tuten provided technical support in the early 

stages of the project. 

Production of the manual has been a collective effort. Kate Brown wrote the chapters on the project, managing 

weeds in bushland, the geophyte weeds, the other herbaceous weeds and with Kris Brooks, the mapping 

guidelines. Kris Brooks wrote the grasses, the woody weeds and the herbicides in bushland chapters. The maps 

were compiled by Kris Brooks and Kate Brown. 

Richard Groves, John Moore, Margo O’Byrne and Rod Randall provided valuable comments on various drafts, Bob 

Dixon on the woody weeds chapter and Bronwen Keighery the managing weeds in bushland chapter. Their 

comments greatly improved the final manuscript. Neil Gibson, Richard Groves and Janice Marshall proof read and 

provided comments on the final document. 

Throughout the project Greg Keighery, Bob Dixon, John Moore and John Peirce have generously shared their 

knowledge of bushland weeds with us. They also provided much of the information in the weed management tables. 

Community volunteers and Friends groups carried out much of the weed management work that forms the basis of 

case studies outlined in the manual. They also helped us map weeds, set up trials and collect data. We would like to 

thank The Friends of Shenton Bushland, in particular Janice Marshall and Dani Boase-Jelinek, Friends of Blue Gum 

Lake especially Marian Watson, Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands particularly Regina Drummond, Trevor 

Drummond, Nick Buters and Elizabeth Buters, Friends of Gingin Brook in particular Richard Diggins and Pauline 

Diggins, and Friends of Talbot Road Reserve, especially Mark Gloyn and Helen Gardiner. 

John Carter and Robyn Phillimore from Department of Conservation and Land Management, Grant McKinnon from 

the City of Swan, Wayne van Lieven from the City of Gosnells, Graznya Packowskya from the City of Melville and 

Steve McCabe from the City of Nedlands all went out of their way to provide invaluable on-ground support at 

bushlands under their management. 

The project was largely funded through a Natural Heritage Trust Grant, with the Lotteries Commission and the CRC 

for Weed Management also contributing. 

Kate Brown and Kris Brooks 

September 2002. 

All illustrations are by Libby Sandiford and all photographs by Kate Brown, unless otherwise noted. 

The Environmental Weeds Action Network (EWAN) is a community group formed in 1996 to: 

• Promote understanding of the threat of environmental weeds to bushland. 

• Provide information about weed control in native vegetation. 

• Convince governments at all levels of the need for appropriate legislation and funding for weed control. 

• Encourage research into methods of weed control. 

• Encourage community participation. 

i

Contents 

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................iv 

Chapter 1. The Project......................................................................................................................................................1 

Funding and administration..................................................................................................................................................1 

The sites ..................................................................................................................................................................................1 

Chapter 2. Managing Weeds in Bushland: Some General Principles............................................................................5 

Gathering area - specific information ..................................................................................................................................5 

Regional information..............................................................................................................................................................6 

Developing a weed management program..........................................................................................................................6 

Implementation – taking an integrated approach..............................................................................................................6 

Chapter 3. Grass Weeds....................................................................................................................................................9 

Impacts ....................................................................................................................................................................................9 

Biology – why are grasses successful weeds?..................................................................................................................11 

Management and Control ....................................................................................................................................................14 

Monitoring and follow-up ....................................................................................................................................................18 

Case Studies ..........................................................................................................................................................................19 

Weed management table – grasses ....................................................................................................................................28 

Chapter 4. Corms, Bulbs and Tubers: The Weeds that Die Back to Fleshy Underground Storage Organs ............32 

The underground storage organs; life-cycles and reproduction....................................................................................33 


Key points..............................................................................................................................................................................42 

Case studies ..........................................................................................................................................................................44 

Weed management table – corms bulbs and tubers ......................................................................................................52 

Chapter 5. Broadleaf Herbs, Sedges and Succulents ..................................................................................................56 

Annual herbs ........................................................................................................................................................................56 

Perennial herbs ....................................................................................................................................................................59 

Case studies ..........................................................................................................................................................................60 

Weed management table – annual broadleaf herbs ........................................................................................................66 

Weed management table – perennial broadleaf herbs ....................................................................................................70 

Chapter 6. Trees, Shrubs and Climbers: The Woody Weeds ......................................................................................74 

Impacts ..................................................................................................................................................................................75 

Mechanisms of spread ........................................................................................................................................................75 

Resprouting, suckering and apical control ......................................................................................................................75 


Case studies ..........................................................................................................................................................................84 

Weed management table – trees, shrubs and climbers ..................................................................................................86 

Chapter 7. Weed Mapping in Remnant Bushland ........................................................................................................90 

Equipment required ............................................................................................................................................................90 

What weeds to map?............................................................................................................................................................90 

Mapping in practice ............................................................................................................................................................91 

Using weed maps..................................................................................................................................................................91 

In conclusion ........................................................................................................................................................................93 

Chapter 8. Herbicide Use in Bushland..........................................................................................................................94 

Using herbicides in bushland ............................................................................................................................................94 

Duty of care ..........................................................................................................................................................................94 

Personal care ........................................................................................................................................................................94 

Training..................................................................................................................................................................................95 

Legislation ............................................................................................................................................................................96 

Bushland care ......................................................................................................................................................................96 

Using contractors ................................................................................................................................................................97 

Some herbicides used in bushland ....................................................................................................................................97 

Final note ......................................................................................................................................................................100 

Appendix 1: Herbicide spraying contract ..................................................................................................................101 

References ....................................................................................................................................................................102 

iii

iv 

Introduction 

The Banksia, Tuart and Jarrah woodlands, the 

shrublands and the species-rich heathlands of the Swan 

Coastal Plain and Darling Plateau are wonderful places. 

They contribute to Perth’s unique natural landscapes, 

provide a window into the natural world, habitat for 

native fauna and support an extraordinarily diverse 

flora. They are fast disappearing though, mostly under 

urban development. Those bushlands that remain face 

a range of threats; one of the most serious is invasion 

by environmental weeds. 

The concept of environmental weeds is still relatively 

new. Although the weediness of plants like Bridal 

Creeper and Watsonia have become entrenched in the 

public psyche, there is some way to go before the wider 

community accepts the extent of the problem. For 

example, Harlequin Flower (Sparaxis bulbifera) threatens 

one of the last remaining clay-based wetlands on the 

eastern side of the coastal plain and yet the species was 

available this year from a fundraising catalogue in at 

least one local primary school. Still, it is evident that 

many people do recognise the threats. Increasingly, 

community volunteers and state and local governments 

are involved in on-ground actions to protect bushland 

from the impacts of environmental weeds. 

With few resources available, maximising the positive 

outcomes of these professional and voluntary efforts is 

critical. For those working on the ground, information 

on identification and control is available from a number 

of good books: Managing Perth’s Bushlands (Scheltema 

and Harris 1995), Southern Weeds and their control 

(Moore and Wheeler 2002), Bush Invaders of South-East 

Australia (Muyt 2001), Western Weeds. A guide to the 

weeds of Western Australia (Hussey et al. 1997) and 

Environmental weeds: a field guide for SE Australia 

(Blood 2001). Importantly, this kind of information 

needs to be taken and applied in the context of 

particular bushland areas. There are no simple 

formulas and effective management begins with an 

understanding and a knowledge of each site. 

It was with this in mind that, in 1998, the Environmental 

Weeds Action Network (EWAN), with funding from the 

Natural Heritage Trust, employed a project officer to 

work with community volunteers and local and state 

government land managers at bushland sites across 

Perth’s Swan Coastal Plain. The underlying objective 

was to help the various land managers to develop 

strategies for effective weed management in their 

bushlands. This manual has grown out of that project. 

The aim of the manual is firstly to bring together 

information on the biology and known control methods 

for the serious weeds of bushlands of the Swan Coastal 

Plain and Jarrah Forest. Secondly, it is to illustrate, 

with examples and case studies, how this sort of 

information can be used to manage weeds in the 

context of particular sites. Hopefully this will provide 

the reader with the basic knowledge and the 

framework needed to begin effectively managing the 

weeds in their own bushlands. 

Chapter one provides descriptions of bushlands from 

where the case studies and examples throughout the 

text are drawn. Chapter two covers some general 

principles that should guide weed management in 

bushland, including the kind of area-specific information 

required before setting weed management priorities. 

The next four chapters each cover a different group or 

lifeform of weeds. The first three groups are all herbs – 

green non-woody plants: Chapter three covers the 

grasses, chapter four herbs that die back to corms, 

bulbs or tubers over summer (geophytes) and chapter 

five broadleaf herbs, sedges and succulents. The final 

group, chapter six, includes all the woody plants and a 

few climbers that are technically herbs, but have 

control strategies in common with woody climbers. 

Individual chapters look at the general biology of each 

weed group and how it relates to dispersal, spread, 

control and management. Case studies examine control 

of certain species at particular sites and discuss the 

management approach taken. They often describe the 

set-up of trials and monitoring programs. Each weed 

group has a corresponding table containing a summary 

of information, gathered from a wide range of sources, 

on the biology and control of weeds occurring in 

bushland of the Swan Coastal Plain and Jarrah Forest. 

The list is based on ‘A Checklist of the naturalised 

vascular plants of Western Australia’ (Keighery 1999a) 

and includes species that can have an impact on 

biodiversity and hamper restoration and regeneration 

efforts. Finally there are chapters on how to map weed 

populations in urban bushland, an integral part of weed 

management and on the issues arising from the use of 

herbicides in bushland. 

Ideally, this manual will impart enough information for 

the reader to devise a strategy for management of their 

serious bushland weeds. At the same time the authors 

want to highlight the complexities involved in working 

in Perth’s bushlands; diverse and wonderful places to 

get to know and understand. The following chapter 

provides detailed descriptions of some of those 

bushlands along with the serious weeds that threaten 

them and the people who are managing them.

Over four years, project officers have been involved in 

work at a series of bushlands across the Swan Coastal 

Plain and one in Western Australian Wheatbelt. The 

major task over that time has been to work on site with 

those involved in weed management and bush 

regeneration, providing both on-ground and technical 

support. The idea was to select a series of sites that 

were representative of bushlands on a range of soils and 

land forms across the coastal plain, had regionally 

significant conservation values and were managed by 

people actively involved in on-ground works. 

The underlying objective has been to work with the 

bushland ‘managers’, whoever they were, to help them 

protect their bushland through carefully targeted and 

strategic weed management. Initially work involved 

identifying those weeds that were the greatest threats 

to the conservation values of each site, then mapping 

their distribution across the bushland. The greatest 

efforts have been directed to consistent management of 

these locally serious weeds, taking an integrated 

approach, addressing the causes of invasion and 

implementing a range of control strategies. Often trials 

had to be carried out to determine practical and 

effective methods. Project officers regularly worked 

alongside Friends groups, council bushland workers, 

and others who carried out on-ground works. 

Sometimes they facilitated the employment of 

contractors and often worked alongside them, 

supervising and guiding their work. At all sites 

monitoring was put in place to measure the 

effectiveness of control programs and the regeneration 

of native plant communities over time. For most 

bushlands, field herbaria of all weeds and some native 

species commonly mistaken for weeds were compiled. 

Funding and administration 

The project was funded through the Natural Heritage 

Trust and managed and administered by a voluntary 

steering committee made up of members of the 

Environmental Weeds Action Network (EWAN): Bob 

Dixon from Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Gary 

Matthews community volunteer and EWAN treasurer, 

Margo O’Byrne from the Department of Environmental 

Protection and Rod Randall from the Western 

Australian Department of Agriculture. 

The sites 

Shenton Bushland 

Shenton Bushland, a 21 hectare remnant of Banksia 

(Banksia menziesii, B. attenuata), Jarrah (Eucalyptus 

marginata) woodlands lies on Spearwood dunes 

approximately eight kilometres west of the centre of 

Perth. With only 18 % of the vegetation complex 

remaining uncleared the bushland is considered 

regionally significant (Government of Western Australia 

2000). These species-rich woodlands occur on pale 

yellow to grey calcareous sands derived from Tamala 

limestone. Rich in perennial herbs, Milkmaids 

(Burchardia congesta), Vanilla Lily (Sowerbaea laxiflora), 

Leafy Sundew (Drosera stolonifera), Yellow Autumn Lily 

(Tricoryne elatior) and the sedge Mesomelaena 

pseudostygia are common. The open sandy patches are 

Chapter 1 The Project 

often colonised by annual herbs such as Slender 

Podolepis (Podolepis gracilis) and after fire the annual 

grass, Austrostipa compressa is noticeable, flowering 

and seeding prolifically. Commonly occurring shrubs 

include Hairy Yellow Pea (Gompholobium tomentosum), 

Daviesia nudiflora and Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea 

preissii). Around 120 species of natives (Marshall 

unpubl.) and 65 species of weeds (Brown and Brooks 

unpubl.) have been recorded. Approximately 50 % of 

the bushland is in good to excellent condition. The 

remainder varies from good to degraded with areas of 

severe localised disturbance (Ecoscape 1994, 

Government of Western Australia 2000). 

Weeds that threaten the undisturbed bushland include 

a number of South African geophytes (plants that die 

back to bulbs, corms or tubers each year), including 

Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa), Freesia (Freesia alba 

x leichtlinii), Watsonia (Watsonia meriana) and Black 

Flag (Ferraria crispa). The perennial herbs Geraldton 

Carnation Weed (Euphorbia terracina) and Rose 

Pelargonium (Pelargonium capitatum) are serious 

invaders and many weedy annuals are common, 

particularly in the highly disturbed areas. These 

include Flat Weed (Hypochaeris glabra), Ursinia (Ursinia 

anthemoides), French Catchfly (Silene gallica), and 

Slender Suckling Clover (Trifolium dubium). Perennial 

Veldgrass (Ehrharta calycina) is one of the most serious 

invaders of the bushland often establishing in 

previously intact areas following fire. 

For the last nine years on-ground management of 

Shenton Bushland has been carried out by The Friends 

of Shenton Bushland (Inc.), a community group formed 

after the bushland was saved from development in 1993. 

In 2000, following lobbying from community groups, a 

bushcare officer was employed to carry out on-ground 

management of bushlands within the City of Nedlands, 

including Shenton Bushland. In the past, much of the 

funding has come from government grants to the 

Friends. In recent times, however, the City of Nedlands 

has started to fund the continuation of works programs 

initiated through grant money. The Friends have a high 

level of input into management through organisation of 

works programs and supervision of contractors who do 

much of the weed management work. 

Friends of Shenton Bushland and volunteers hand-weeding Yellow 

Soldier in the Banksia woodland. 

1

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Blue Gum Lake Reserve 

Blue Gum Lake is part of a chain of wetlands that lie on 

the interface of the Bassendean and Spearwood dune 

systems. Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis) – Swamp 

Banksia (Banksia littoralis) woodlands fringe the lake 

while Banksia attenuata, B. menziesii and B. ilicifolia 

woodlands occupy the drier uplands. Common in the 

understorey of the woodlands around the lake are 

Centella asiatica and Pale Rush (Juncus pallidus). The 

drier Banksia woodlands of the uplands are very 

species-rich, particularly in perennial herbs and 

shrubs. Phlebocarya ciliata, Prickly Conostylis 

(Conostylis aculeata) and Purple Flag (Patersonia 

occidentalis) are among the commonly occurring herbs 

and typical shrubs include Devils Pins (Hovea 

pungens), Rose Banjine (Pimelea rosea) and Pineapple 

Bush (Dasypogon bromeliifolius). The perennial native 

grass Microlaena stipoides occurs occasionally in the 

bushland and after fire the annual grass, Austrostipa 

compressa, is very common. Around 62 species of 

natives (City of Melville 1992) and 80 species of weeds 

(Brown and Brooks unpubl. data) have been recorded. 

Weed invasion is a major threat with around 40 % of 

the bushland suffering from severe disturbance. 

Serious weeds of the drier Banksia woodlands include 

Perennial Veldgrass and South African geophytes such 

as Freesia, Yellow Soldier and Black Flag. The Sydney 

Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia) is a major weed of the 

fringing vegetation, as is Vasey Grass (Paspalum 

urvillei) and Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum). One of 

the serious weed problems at the reserve has arisen 

from plantings of non-local species around and through 

the bushland. Many, including Sydney Golden Wattle, 

Melaleuca lineariifolia, River Red Gum (Eucalyptus 

camaldulensis) and Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium 

uncinatum) have become naturalised in the bushland. 

Additional to this threat is the planting of species that 

occur naturally in the bushland but have been grown 

from seed collected a long way from the reserve. The 

early flowering shrub-form of Banksia menziesii, from 

the sand plains 200km to the north of Perth, has been 

Vegetation Profile of the Brixton Street Wetlands 

(Illustration by Margaret Pieroni: from Keighery et al. 1996) 

planted in the reserve. It makes a disturbing contrast 

to the later flowering form, a beautiful woodland tree 

that grows naturally around Blue Gum Lake. These 

plantings threaten the nature conservation values of 

the bushland as much as any South African invader. 

The Friends of Blue Gum Lake have played a major role 

in managing the bushland for many years. They are not 

an incorporated group and, accordingly, acquiring 

government grants is difficult. The little funding that is 

available for weed management work comes from the 

City of Melville. The City has two staff dedicated to onground 

bushland management activities. Their work is 

spread across the City’s many reserves. For herbicide 

spraying the City is often obliged to use ‘preferred 

contractors’. 

Brixton Street Wetlands 

The Brixton Street Wetlands lie 20 kilometres south east 

of Perth at the foot of the Darling Scarp. A small remnant 

(19 hectares) on the winter-wet flats of Guildford 

formation clays, the wetlands support many rare and 

restricted plant species as well as threatened plant 

communities. They also support an exceedingly diverse 

flora of 307 native taxa (Keighery and Keighery 1995). 

Most of the wetland soils are waterlogged through the 

winter months and deep pools form in clay 

depressions. When the pools are full they support a 

number of native aquatic plants but as water levels 

start to drop a series of annual and perennial herbs 

grow and flower. In late winter Flannel Flowers 

(Tribonanthes species), Blue Squill (Chamaescilla 

species) and Early Nancy (Wurmbea dioica) are 

flowering and by late spring Swamp Wallaby Grass 

(Amphibromus nervosus) is in abundance. By early 

summer the pools are dry and the claypans covered in 

Sundews (Drosera species) and Trigger Plants 

(Stylidium species). Slightly higher in the landscape, the 

flats surrounding the claypans also support a diverse 

range of native herbs, sedges and rushes. Shrubs, 

including Swish Bush (Viminaria juncea) and Feather 

Flowers (Verticordia species), are also common. On the 

sandy rises, Marri (Eucalyptus calophylla) woodlands 

occur and in spring, Red and Green Kangaroo Paw 

(Anigozanthos manglesii) flower throughout their 

understorey. With this kind of habitat almost entirely 

cleared on the Swan Coastal Plain the area is of 

outstanding conservation value. Although more than 75 

% is relatively undisturbed there are areas of severe 

localised disturbance. Weed invasion is one of the most 

serious threats with 85 species recorded (Keighery and 

Keighery 1995, Brown and Brooks unpubl.).

The most serious threats to plant communities across 

the wetlands are South African geophytes. Harlequin 

Flower (Sparaxis bulbifera) in particular is present on 

the edges of the claypans, throughout the wet flats and 

up into the Marri woodlands. It produces vast amounts 

of viable seed that germinate each year. Other South 

African geophytes that threaten the wetland flora 

include Watsonia species, One Leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea 

flaccida), Babiana (Babiana angustifolia), Wavy Gladiolus 

(Gladiolus undulatus) and Freesia. The South African 

grass Tribolium uniolae is a relatively recent invader but 

frequent fire in wetlands appears to be facilitating its 

movement into otherwise undisturbed areas. Annual 

weeds are prolific around the disturbed edges. The 

annual sedge Isolepis hystrix is a particularly serious 

weed forming dense mats in low-lying wetter areas. 

Most of the on-ground management at Brixton Street is 

carried out by the Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands; a 

community group formed to save the wetlands from 

housing development in the early 1990s. The land is still 

vested in the state housing authority, Homeswest, and 

has been due to transfer to the Department of 

Conservation and Land Management (DCLM) for the last 

nine years. Management guidelines for the wetlands 

have been produced by the Wildflower Society of 

Western Australia (Inc.) with financial assistance from a 

Community Conservation grant (Keighery and Keighery 

1995). DCLM plays some role in management as the area 

supports rare flora and threatened plant communities. A 

management group with representatives from the 

Friends, the Wildflower Society, DCLM, and the City of 

Gosnells meets on an irregular basis. 

Funding for weed management and bush regeneration 

work in recent years has come from the Perth Branch of 

the Wildflower Society, DCLM and the City of Gosnells. 

Elizabeth Buters, Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands. 

Talbot Road Bushland 

Talbot Road Bushland, a 95 hectare remnant, lies at the 

foot of Darling Scarp on the soils of the Ridgehill Shelf. 

Marri, Jarrah and Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) 

woodlands occur on the heavier soils and Banksia 

woodlands and shrublands on the sandier soils. The 

woodlands support an exceedingly diverse understorey 

of shrubs, herbs and sedges. Around 366 taxa, many of 


them rare or restricted, occur across the bushland. It is 

the most significant area of Ridgehill Shelf vegetation 

remaining and the floristic communities are considered 

critically endangered (Keighery and Keighery 1993, 

Government of Western Australia 2000). Around 90 % of 

the bushland is in good to excellent condition but there 

are areas of severe localised disturbance - around drains, 

paths and a gravel pit. Around 55 species of weeds occur 

in the bushland (Brown and Brooks unpubl.). 

The most widespread serious weed in the Talbot Road 

Bushland is the South African geophyte Hesperantha 

falcata. It occurs along path edges throughout the 

reserve, moving into undisturbed bushland on the 

heavier soils. Other South African geophytes are still 

quite localised in their distribution. These include 

Freesia, Babiana and Watsonia species. South African 

grasses are the other group of serious weeds with 

Perennial Veldgrass widespread on the sandier soils 

and African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) occurring 

across disturbed areas of the bushland. 

Talbot Road is vested in the City of Swan and managed 

by a committee made up of representatives from the 

Friends of Talbot Road, the Department of Environmental 

Protection, DCLM and the City of Swan. Much of the onground 

management is carried out by the Friends with 

DCLM and the City of Swan playing a significant role. A 

Natural Heritage Trust grant to the management group to 

implement a management plan (Environs Consulting 

1999) has provided consistent funding for weed 

management work over the last three years. 

Green Corps team hand-removing isolated plants of Perennial 

Veldgrass from along paths in Talbot Road Bushland. 

Gingin Brook 

The Gingin Brook, 150 kilometres north of Perth, is fed 

by perennial springs arising from the hills north east of 

the Gingin townsite. One of the last remaining patches 

of fringing vegetation left along the brook where it 

crosses the heavier soils at the base of the Dandaragan 

Plateau is located in the townsite. For two kilometres 

along the brook, Flooded Gum and Swamp Paperbark 

(Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) form a dense canopy over an 

understorey of native herbs, rushes, sedges and ferns. 

The herbs, Centella asiatica, Persicaria salicifolia and 

Cotula coronopifolia form ground cover in the wetter 

areas while Tassel Sedge (Carex fasciculata), Tall Sedge 

(Carex appressa) and the fern, Cyclosorus interruptus, 

dominate the understorey. 

3

4 


Both Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) and Taro 

(Colocasia esculenta) form dense monocultures in 

different parts of the fringing vegetation. Two exotic 

pasture grasses, Para Grass (Urochloa mutica) and 

Reed Sweet Grass (Glyceria maxima) have also become 

naturalised, smothering all native vegetation where 

they invade. In places woody weeds such as Edible Fig 

(Ficus carica) and Brazilian Pepper (Schinus 

terebinthifolius) are displacing the native Paperbarks 

and Flooded Gums. 

The Friends of Gingin Brook, working closely with the 

Shire of Gingin, have been responsible for all 

restoration works carried out. In 1998 with support 

from the shire, they received a grant from the Natural 

Heritage Trust to restore the fringing vegetation in the 

town site. They have carried out much of the onground 

works themselves, sometimes employing 

contractors to assist them with weed management. 

Green Corps teams have made a major contribution to 

the labour force over the life of the project. 

Pauline Diggins, Friends of Gingin Brook. 

Quairading Nature Reserve 

The Quairading Nature Reserve is a 527 hectare crown 

reserve, located 164 kilometres east of Perth in the 

Western Australian Wheatbelt. The diverse landscape 

and soils of the reserve support a range of woodlands 

and shrublands. Salmon Gum (Eucalyptus 

salmonophloia) and Wandoo woodlands cover the 

valley floors, Acorn Banksia (Banksia prionotes) and 

Sand Plain Woody Pear (Xylomelum angustifolium) 

woodlands cover the deep yellow sands while a series 

of shrublands occur on sands and gravel soils 

(Keighery et al. 2001). Project work at Quairading was 

based in the York Gum (Eucalyptus loxophleba) – Jam 

(Acacia acuminata) woodlands that occur on the fertile 

brown loams associated with the granites. These 

woodlands support a rich annual flora. Through spring 

Pink Sunray (Rhodanthe manglesii), Pink Everlasting 

(Lawrencella rosea) and Golden Waitzia (Waitzia nitida) 

carpet the ground. Later in the season Orange 

Immortelle (Waitzia acuminata var. acuminata) and 

flowering perennial grasses such as Aristida contorta 

and Austrostipa species are noticeable. Shrubs are 

uncommon in the understorey. 

The vegetation across the reserve is mostly in 

excellent condition with only a few serious weeds 

present. Around an old settlement, in the Wandoo 

woodland, there are a few isolated populations of 

Freesia, and One Leaf Cape Tulip is starting to move 

down creek lines. In other parts of the reserve a range 

of annual weeds occur around old carcass dumps, 

rabbit warrens, areas of nutrient run-off from adjoining 

farmland and along tracks. Wild Oat (Avena barbata) 

and Blowfly Grass (Briza maxima) are the most 

widespread weeds across the reserve and can be found 

on the more fertile soils of the York Gum – Jam 

woodlands, invading the understorey and displacing 

the rich annual flora. 

The Quairading Shire has had a temporary vesting of 

the reserve for the last five years (1998-2002). There is 

a reserve management committee with representation 

from the Shire, the Quairading District High School, the 

Land Care District Committee, Rotary, Rural Youth, the 

Golf Club and the Tidy Town Committee. There are few 

on-ground resources allocated to weed management or 

bushland restoration. The work carried out in the 

reserve was in conjunction with local farmers, local 

Landcare Coordinators and the District High School. A 

workshop was held in the reserve in August 2000 

involving EWAN, the Wildflower Society, the local 

Quairading community, DCLM and the local shire. The 

aim was to foster interest in bushland restoration and 

weed management issues. 

Participants in a workshop held in the reserve, August 2000. 

The work carried out in these bushlands over the last 

four years forms the basis for much of the information 

and for most of the case studies. The descriptions 

highlight how diverse and complex the bushlands 

around Perth and south west Western Australia can be. 

Managing them for nature conservation means getting 

to know individual sites. There are, however, some 

universal principles and a general approach that can 

underpin effective management of environmental 

weeds where they are invading these areas. The 

following chapter discusses some of those principles 

and provides an outline of the kind of approach that 

can be taken when starting out on a bushland 

restoration/weed management project. Importantly, the 

kind of area-specific information that is vital to 

knowing and understanding individual bushlands is 

also listed.

Weed management in bushland is concerned with much 

more than simply the elimination of weeds. The 

underlying objective is always the protection and 

restoration of diverse natural ecosystems. 

South west Western Australia supports one of the 

most diverse floras in the world, occurring in intricate 

patterns across a variety of landscapes and soils. For 

the southern Swan Coastal Plain alone, 1700 native 

taxa (species, subspecies and varieties) have been 

recorded occurring in at least 30 different plant 

communities (Gibson et al. 1994, Keighery 1999b). 

Along a 30 m long and 1 m wide transect through a 

population of Harlequin Flower (Sparaxis bulbifera) 

invading herblands in the Brixton St Wetlands, up to 

28 native taxa and 8 introduced taxa may be found. 

Bushland weed management in the region is often 

about working in complex natural systems with a long 

history of varying disturbances. There is a need to 

recognise that effective weed management among 

such diversity begins with knowing and understanding 

each site; the distribution of the native plants and the 

native plant communities, the patterns of disturbance 

and the distribution of weeds. In particular it is 

important to recognise the locally serious weeds. Only 

then can weed control and management be strategic – 

carefully targeted, and tailored to site conditions and 

available resources. 

Gathering area-specific information 

Note: The information listed below is often compiled when bushland 

areas are being identified for retention or as part of a management 

plan. When such information is not available it should be compiled as 

part of the management program. 

Vegetation maps 

Vegetation maps of particular bushland areas provide 

information on the structure and patterns of native 

flora across different landscapes and soils (see 

vegetation map of Quairading Nature Reserve, Box 3.2). 

When carrying out bushland restoration, vegetation 

maps, accompanied by a flora list, provide a vital 

reference and an important guide to where in the 

landscape particular native species occur and the soils 

on which they generally grow. 

Flora list 

Chapter 2 Managing Weeds 

in Bushland 

Some General Principles 

A flora list aims to record all taxa known to occur at a 

particular site. A comprehensive flora list is a vital 

reference for ensuring species not known to occur 

naturally at a particular site are never introduced as a 

part of bushland restoration – either through planting 

or direct seeding. 

In addition, flora lists will often indicate the plant 

communities and associated soils and landforms where 

particular species can be found growing. At Brixton 

Street Wetlands for example, such a flora list provided a 

guide for appropriate selection of species for direct 

seeding trials located along a degraded edge of herbrich 

shrublands on damp, heavy clay soils (see direct 

seeding case study 5.1). Flora lists should also include 

weeds – it is important to know all flora and to be able 

to recognise new weeds as soon as they arrive at a site. 

Lists will change over time. When our work began at 

Shenton Bushland 40 species of weeds were recorded. 

After three years of working and getting to know the 

site, 25 additional weed species had been identified. 

Vegetation condition maps 

Impacts of disturbances across a bushland can be 

recorded in vegetation condition maps. Fire intensity 

and frequency, weed invasion, soil disturbance, disease, 

rubbish dumping and past vegetation clearances 

interact to impact on the species composition, cover 

and structure of native vegetation. Vegetation condition 

maps aim to reflect the degree of those impacts. 

Combined with maps of the distribution of individual 

weed species, they are useful tools for carefully 

targeting weed control work to protect relatively 

undisturbed bushland (Box 2.1). Mapping of vegetation 

condition requires knowledge of native flora as well as 

familiarity and understanding of the nature of a 

particular undisturbed plant community (see Box 7.1 for 

details on criteria used to map vegetation condition). 

Weed maps 

Maps that provide a clear understanding of where the 

serious weeds occur across a bushland site are basic 

planning tools. They allow for careful targeting of 

limited resources and provide the information required 

for strategic weed management. They can provide 

useful information on the spread of weed populations 

over time and also provide basic information on the 

effectiveness of control programs. Not all the weeds in 

the bushland need to be mapped – only those that have 

a serious impact. See Chapter 7 for how to create and 

use weed maps and for some of the criteria that can be 

used to determine the serious weeds at a particular 

site. 

Fauna information 

Information on the area’s fauna is also useful. 

Sometimes weeds can provide habitat or an 

opportunistic food source for native animals. A list of 

the known fauna in a bushland can help determine this 

at a particular site. Gradual removal of such weeds over 

time may be required while animals find alternative 

habitat or food sources. For example, dense stands of 

Watsonia can provide important habitat for Bandicoots 

in the Perth area. 

5

6 

Chapter 2 Managing Weeds in Bushland 

Regional information 

Australia is divided up into a series of natural regions. 

The Swan Coastal Plain and the Wheatbelt are two 

such regions within Western Australia from where case 

studies in the text have been drawn. An understanding 

of a bushland’s natural values in relation to others in 

the region provides information on the area’s 

significance. For example, a bushland may be 

representative of the more common or rare plant 

communities in the region. It is important to note that 

the rarest communities (Threatened Ecological 

Communities) and flora (Declared Rare Flora – DRF), 

are protected by laws, either at the state (DRF) or the 

federal (communities) level. Bush Forever, Volume 2 – 

Directory of Bush Forever Sites (Government of 

Western Australia 2000) catalogues information on 

regionally significant bushland on the Swan Coastal 

Plain. It provides details on the area of the bushland 

type that remains uncleared in the region, how much is 

in conservation reserves, the quality and condition of 

those bushlands, and where similar bushland can be 

found. This type of information is important in 

providing a focus for weed management work, and in 

gaining an understanding of bushland values that 

require protection (Keighery et al. 1998). 

Note: Bushland restoration carried out where rare flora occurs 

requires a permit from the Department of Conservation and Land 

Management (DCLM). 

Developing a weed 

management program 

Resources for bushland restoration work are generally 

limited. It is critical that these resources are carefully 

targeted through strategies that prioritise management 

actions, based on a knowledge of the bushland area 

and the weeds that are impacting on it. Central to 

these strategies are a series of principles that are 

fundamental to successful weed management. Many of 

the case studies throughout this manual demonstrate 

the application of these principles: 

• Contain the spread of serious weeds and protect 

intact bushland. Consider the impacts of serious 

weeds on rare flora and rare plant communities. 

• Prevent new weed species establishing. 

• Consider restoration of degraded edges. Usually 

this is of lower priority than protection of good 

areas. Often though, degraded edges harbour 

serious weeds, providing a source of propagules 

that continually disperse into intact areas. 

Implementation – taking an 

integrated approach 

Prevent new weeds from establishing 

• Clean tools, boots, equipment and machinery 

between jobs to reduce risk of spread 

between sites. 

• Practise soil hygiene. 

• Check paving materials before bringing on to a 

site, particularly limestone, for weed seed and 

only acquire from accredited clean sources. Black 

Flag (Ferraria crispa), Geraldton Carnation Weed 

(Euphorbia terracina) and Pretty Betsy 

(Centranthus rubra) to name a few have been 

introduced to various bushland sites around Perth 

in paving materials. 

• Avoid bringing soil or mulch from elsewhere into 

bushland. 

• Know the plants of your bushland (native and 

introduced) and immediately remove infestations 

of any new weeds. This is important at individual 

sites but also at a regional and state level. 

See case study 5.2 on Holly-leafed Senecio 

(Senecio glastifolius) a recent invader to south west 

Western Australia. 

Limit the spread of established weeds 

• Target small populations in good bush and the 

outliers of dense infestations - use the maps 

(Box 2.1). 

• Keep soil disturbance to a minimum. Disturbance 

favours the establishment of many weeds. It brings 

buried weed seed to the surface thereby releasing 

dormancy, and creates favourable conditions for 

the germination of wind dispersed weed seed. 

• Avoid working in areas where weeds are actively 

shedding seed. 

• Post-fire conditions (space, light and high nutrient 

availability) often favour establishment of weeds. 

Weed control in the season immediately following 

fire will prevent seed set in established weeds and 

reduce germinating weed seedlings. It will limit the 

inevitable spread of many serious bushland weeds 

through the post-fire landscape. 

See Box 4.2 on fire and cormous and bulbous weeds, 

Box 5.1 on the weeds that move in with soil 

disturbance, and Box 3.5 on limiting the spread of 

Perennial Veldgrass following fire.


Box 2.1 Strategy for the management of Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa) invading a 

Banksia woodland at Shenton Bushland. 

This strategy is simply an illustration of how some of the information covered in this chapter can be 

used to help set priorities and develop an effective works program. 

Biology 

Yellow Soldier flowers in winter and early spring, dying back to a bulb over summer. It sets prolific amounts of 

viable seed (around 40 seed per flower) and up to 1700 bulbs can occur in four square metres. Seed appears to 

remain viable in the soil for only a couple of years and may be dispersed by water. Plants are not killed by 

summer fire, but flower well and are highly visible in the post-fire landscape. In addition high numbers of 

seedlings have been observed establishing on bare ground left following fire. 

Suggested Control Methods 

For isolated plants in sandy soils use a knife to cut the roots and pull out with bulb in July to early August. Trials 

have shown metsulfuron methyl at 

2.5-5 g/ha, applied just before 

flowering, in late July, provides 

effective control with little impact 

on co-occurring native species. 

Carefully spot spray. 

Recommended strategy for the 

effective management of Yellow 

Soldier and regeneration of the 

Banksia woodland it is invading 

Hand-removal of entire populations 

is time consuming (up to six hours 

for four square metres) and soil 

disturbance results in germination 

of annual weeds. Specifically 

targeted herbicide treatment is 

recommended for dense 

infestations and hand-weeding for 

isolated plants. 

The populations on the eastern 

side of the reserve and at the 

southern end of the reserve are 

both relatively small, occurring in 

very good to excellent condition 

bushland and should both be high 

priority for eradication. 

The larger population of 

Yellow Soldier on the western side 

of the bushland is spreading 

through a more degraded area and 

is not as high a priority if resources 

are limited. 

Following fire, resources should be 

allocated for control. At this time 

plants are an easy target for 

herbicide control and prevention 

of flowering and seed set will 

limit establishment in the 

post-fire landscape. 

Allow indigenous species to 

recolonise the treated sites 

unassisted (Yellow Soldier 

co-occurs with up to 25 native 

Figure 1. The distribution of Yellow Soldier • and vegetation condition across 

Shenton Bushland. 

Bushland condition 

species in a 2 m x 2 m plot). very good - excellent fair - good poor very poor 

7

8 


Understand the biology of a particular weed 

species – focus on how the weed reproduces 

and spreads 

• When is it actively growing? 

• When is it flowering and seeding? 

• How long do seed or other propagules remain 

viable in the soil? 

• How does it respond to fire? 

• What are the vulnerable times in the life-cycle? 

• Is there a preferred time for physical control? 

• What is the preferred time for chemical control? 

See case study 3.2 on learning about the biology of 

Tribolium, case study 3.4 on timing Perennial Veldgrass 

control, Box 4.4 on corm exhaustion and herbicide 

application and case study 6.2 on timing Fig removal. 

Consider all the control options 

• Consider the impact of control options on 

co-occurring native flora including trees, shrubs, 

geophytes, grasses, and other native herbs and 

on fauna. 

• Physical, chemical and biological methods are all 

useful in managing bushland weeds. 

• A combination of techniques is required for 

practical and effective long-term outcomes. 

• It is important to adapt control methods to 

site-specific conditions and available resources. 

See case studies 4.4 on methods used to control 

Harlequin Flower (Sparaxis bulbifera) and 4.3 on 

control of Taro (Colocasia esculenta). 

Assist natural regeneration 

• Assist natural regeneration through carefully 

targeted weed removal. 

• Stimulate germination of the native soil seedbank 

with smoke products or, where the native 

seedbank is depleted, consider direct seeding. 

Always use locally collected seed. 

• Management practice that favours the 

regeneration of native plants increases 

competition against weeds. 

See case study 5.1 on direct seeding and Box 5.3 on 

assisting natural regeneration. 

Keep a record of works programs over time 

Keeping a record of works programs over time is an 

important component of bushland restoration. A 

logbook should record date, time and type of works 

carried out including details of methods used, hours 

worked, and site conditions. 

Monitor the outcomes of weed 

management work 

Detailed monitoring of weed populations provides a 

quantitative record of the effectiveness of 

management programs, measures the impact of the 

control programs on native plants and the 

regeneration of the native plant community over time. 

The feedback provided can be used to adapt future 

management practices and to justify spending on 

weed management works. 

How you monitor will depend on the changes to be 

detected, the scale and distribution of the infestation, 

and the nature of the vegetation the weed/s are 

invading. Setting up monitoring that is useful for 

detecting detailed change over time is necessarily 

complex. For a particularly useful reference see 

‘Monitoring Plant and Animal Populations’ by Elzinga et 

al. (2001). ‘The Standard Operating Procedure for 

Monitoring Weed Control’ by the Department of 

Conservation, New Zealand (2000) is also a particularly 

useful reference and is designed to provide a detailed 

working framework for field officers. 

Case studies in the tuberous, bulbous and cormous 

weeds chapter and the grass weeds chapter illustrate 

some of the methods used over the life of our project 

to measure the effectiveness of weed management 

work, impacts on associated native plants and in some 

cases, regeneration of the native plant community. 

See case studies 3.4 in the grass chapter and 4.1, 4.2, 

and 4.3 in the bulbs chapter. 

The following chapters illustrate how the information 

outlined here underpins effective weed management in 

bushland and is vital in providing a framework for the 

protection of unique bushland values. The management 

of grass weeds is covered first, in the next chapter.

The grass weeds as a group, particularly the South 

African perennial species, are a serious threat to 

bushland around Perth. This chapter looks at grass 

biology and the factors contributing to the invasion and 

establishment of weed grasses, in particular fire and 

canopy degradation. The influence of lifeform and 

growth form on management decisions is highlighted 

and the importance of growth stage on timing of 

control programs discussed. Finally, a table with 

information on the biology of individual species and 

available control measures is presented. 

In terms of number of individuals, biomass, area 

covered and diversity of habitat, grasses are one of the 

most successful plant families in the world (Gibbs 

Russell et al. 1991, D’Antonio et al. 2000). The 

characteristics that have contributed to this success 

have also enabled many grasses to become aggressive 

invaders of natural ecosystems. 

Almost one third of the 709 grass species recorded in 

Western Australia are exotic (Western Australian 

Herbarium 1998). In south west Western Australia, 

331perennial grasses were introduced and screened as 

potential pasture species between 1943 and 1970 (Rogers 

et al. 1979). Of these, 14 % are now naturalised in 

Western Australia (Western Australian Herbarium 1998) 

and many are now considered weeds of bushland of the 

Swan Coastal Plain and Jarrah Forest (Keighery 1999a). 

These include serious invasive grasses such as African 

Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), Perennial Veldgrass 

(Ehrharta calycina), Tambookie Grass (Hyparrhenia 

hirta), Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), Fountain Grass 

Box 3.1 Native grasses of the Perth Region 

Chapter 3 Grass Weeds 

(Pennisetum setaceum) and the coastal invaders, 

Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria) and Pyp Grass 

(Ehrharta villosa). Horticulture has also been 

responsible for the introduction of a number of serious 

grass weeds, among them Pampas Grass (Cortaderia 

selloana) which is still seen in Perth gardens. However, 

it is important to identify unknown grass species and 

not just assume that because it is a grass it is a weed 

(Box 3.1). 

Impacts 

Introduced grasses are competitive in many native 

ecosystems; they may displace the native understorey 

and alter fire regimes (Humphries et al. 1991). The 

impact a particular grass species has is partly 

determined by the characteristics of the invaded site 

(Box 3.2). In south western Australia the annual 

grasses, Wild Oat (Avena barbata) and Blowfly Grass 

(Briza maxima), threaten the herbaceous flora found 

on the granitic soils of Wheatbelt reserves. Perennial 

Veldgrass is highly invasive in the sandy, nutrient-poor 

soils of the Swan Coastal Plain - soils commonly 

occupied by Banksia woodland. Kikuyu, Water Couch 

(Paspalum distichum) and Vasey Grass (Paspalum 

urvillei) invade the more nutrient-rich wetlands and 

Tambookie Grass tends to occur on the heavier soils 

of the Darling Scarp. Grasses often colonise disturbed 

edges or patches within bushland. This edge 

colonisation allows the grass to take advantage of any 

disturbance event within the bushland, establishing 

rapidly after fire, clearing or soil disturbances. 

Of the numerous native grasses occurring in Perth’s bushland, many are mistaken for weeds. Knotted Poa (Poa 

drummondiana) is superficially similar to Winter Grass (Poa annua), while Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) 

is often mistaken for Tambookie Grass. Some native grasses simply look ‘weedy’ to the untrained eye, including 

Swamp Wallaby Grass (Amphibromus nervosus), Clustered Lovegrass (Eragrostis elongata) and Marine Couch 

(Sporobolus virginicus). 

Native grasses that occur in the Perth region include: 

*Bold indicates that weedy species from the same genus that can be found in the Perth area. 

Agropyron scabrum Austrodanthonia occidentalis Dichelachne crinita 

Agrostis avenacea Austrodanthonia pilosa Eragrostis elongata 

Agrostis plebeia Austrodanthonia racemosa Glyceria australis 

Agrostis preissii Austrodanthonia setacea Hemarthria uncinata 

Amphibromus nervosus Austrostipa campylachne Microlaena stipoides 

Amphibromus vickeryae Austrostipa compressa Neurachne alopecuroidea 

Amphipogon avenaceus Austrostipa elatior Neurachne minor 

Amphipogon amphipogonoides Austrostipa elegantissima Poa drummondiana 

Amphipogon debilis Austrostipa flavescens Poa poiformis 

Amphipogon laguroides Austrostipa macalpinei Poa porphyroclados 

Amphipogon strictus var. hirsutus Austrostipa pycnostachya Polypogon tenellus 

Amphipogon strictus var. setifera Austrostipa semibarbata Spinifex hirsutus 

Amphipogon turbinatus Austrostipa tenuifolia Spinifex longifolius 

Aristida contorta Austrostipa variabilis Sporobolus virginicus 

Aristida ramosa Bromus arenarius Tetrarrhena laevis 

Austrodanthonia acerosa Deyeuxia quadriseta Themeda triandra 

Austrodanthonia caespitosa 

List from Keighery (1999b) 

9

10 


Many grasses use the disturbance caused by bushfire 

to get a foothold within bushland areas. In turn, grass 

invasions increase fuel loads which indirectly impact on 

the native ecosystem by changing fire frequency, 

intensity, patchiness, size and timing (Humphries et al. 

1991, Mack and D’Antonio 1998). The introduction of 

Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) as a pasture species 

throughout arid and semi-arid regions of Australia is 

said to have drastically altered the fire regime. In areas 

where the grass occurs, fuel loads are high and 

continuous. Dry water courses which previously acted 

as fire breaks are now bridged by fire and also act as 

wicks, spreading the fire further (Humphries et al. 

1991). More locally, Perennial Veldgrass, Lovegrass and 

Fountain Grass are all fire adapted, resprouting 

vigorously and seeding prolifically after bushfires 

(Christensen and Abbott 1989, Walsh 1994, Milberg and 

Lamont 1995, Benton 1997, Muyt 2001). Changes in the 

fire regime can have long term impacts on the structure 

and composition of the native communities (Williams 

and Baruch 2000). Indeed, the change in fire regime 

brought about by Buffel Grass invasion has converted 

areas of the Sonoran Desert cactus forests of Central 

America into grassland (Van Devender et al. 1997). 

Box 3.2 Ecosystem susceptibility: Resource availability, soil structure and Wild Oat 

In the Wheatbelt of Western Australia Wild Oat (Avena barbata) is often associated with York Gum 

(Eucalyptus loxophleba) – Jam (Acacia acuminata) woodlands. The soils of these woodlands are characterised 

by high values of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They are friable and lack a hard crust, making them 

more susceptible to weed invasion (Hobbs and Atkins 1988, Arnold et al. 1998). The distribution of Wild Oat 

and Blowfly Grass (Briza maxima) at Quairading Nature Reserve illustrates the association between the 

woodlands and the two annual grass weeds (Figure 1). 

The almost exclusive absence of Wild Oat and Blowfly 

Grass from other plant communities in the reserve 

may be attributed to a range of factors, poor nutrient 

levels among them. 

Heath and Tamar (Allocasuarina species) 

communities form dense thickets, competing strongly 

for resources and preventing the majority of light 

from penetrating the low canopy. 

Salmon Gum (Eucalyptus salmonophloia) woodlands 

have an open understorey with large areas of bare 

ground and only dappled shade. However, even on the 

reserve edges, there is very little weed incursion. The 

soils associated with these woodlands form a hard 

crust, relatively impervious to seeds not adapted to 

self-burial. Salmon Gums also have an extensive lateral 

root system near the soil surface competing strongly 

for available surface moisture and inhibiting 

establishment of grass weed species (Yates et al. 2000). 

Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) woodlands are slightly 

more prone to invasion. Like Salmon Gums, Wandoo 

woodlands have a relatively open canopy, but the soil 

crust appears less impervious. Where Wandoo blends 

into Jam, patchy Wild Oat distribution often occurs. 

Where Wild Oat occurs within other plant 

communities it is associated with reserve edges or 

disturbance from rabbits or machinery. The only 

exception to this is two small patches growing under 

the Christmas Tree (Nuytsia floribunda). This parasitic 

plant may increase nitrogen within the soil by 

accumulating the element from host plants. The 

nitrogen is then released into the surrounding soil 

when flowers and leaves are shed (Hocking 1980). 

Understanding the relationship between vegetation 

communities and weed invasions is important to 

management. Susceptible areas can be targeted for 

weed prevention and early control. Vegetation maps 

can be used as a rough guide to possible weed 

distribution at other sites, enabling the estimation of 

resources required for control. 

Salmon Gum Woodland 

Wandoo Woodland 

Wandoo Woodland on laterite 

York Gum - Jam Woodland 

Degraded York Gum Woodland 

York Gum - Jam - Rock Sheoak Woodland 

Granite outcrop 

Lithic Complex 

Tamar Woodland on sandy gravels 

Tamar Shrubland on lateritic gravel 

Tamar Shrubland on sandy clay 

Heaths on deep grey sand 

Tamar - Dryandra - Eremaea Shrubland on cream sand 

Tamar - Eucalyptus macrocarpa Shrubland on yellow sand 

Banksia prionotes - Sand Plain Woody Pear Low Woodland 

Cleared 

Patchy Wild Oat and Blowfly Grass cover 

Dense Wild Oat and Blowfly Grass cover 

Figure 1. Vegetation complexes occurring within Quairading Nature 

Reserve, and the distribution and density of Wild Oat and Blowfly 

Grass across the reserve. 

(Vegetation map adapted from Keighery et al. 2001)

Fire is less important in the establishment of weedy 

grasses in wetlands and riparian zones. Instead, 

invasion of weed grasses is often encouraged by poor 

land management practices that increase nutrient runoff 

into streams and wetlands. The disturbance caused 

by grazing along waterways can also promote the 

spread of weed grasses. The grasses that commonly 

invade wetlands are often rhizomatous, their rapid 

growth and mat-forming habit smothering native plants 

and preventing further recruitment. Some semi-aquatic 

grasses, such as Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense), 

Reed Sweet Grass (Glyceria maxima) and Para Grass 

(Urochloa mutica) grow in up to one metre of water. 

These species can form large floating mats that reduce 

the habitat of waterfowl, slow and change the direction 

of water flow, alter silt deposition displace food sources 

and reduce nesting sites (Humphries et al. 1991). 

Biology – why are grasses 

successful weeds? 

The structural design of grasses helps make them 

highly competitive. The presence of axillary buds at 

the base of each internode allows most grasses to 

resprout vigorously when damaged (Gibbs Russell et 

al. 1991). This advantage is compounded by the 

development of crown tissue at the base of the grass 

plant. Crown tissue produces buds at or below ground 

level where they are largely protected from the 

environment. These buds are the source of rhizomes, 

stolons (Box 3.3) and tillers (new grass shoots or 

culms arising at or near the base of the primary culm). 

Soon after a seedling germinates, adventitious roots 

develop from the crown tissue, firmly anchoring the 

plant to the ground. These roots 

store excess carbohydrates and 

can permeate large volumes of 

soil very efficiently, making 

grasses highly competitive 

for moisture and nutrients 

(Hannaway et al. 2000, Gibbs 

Russell et al. 1991). Grasses 

are broadly grouped into 

two lifeform categories, 

annuals and perennials: 

Annual grasses complete 

their life-cycle in a single 

growing season, storing all 

their excess photosynthate 

(plant food) within the seed 

(Hannaway et al. 2000). 

Annual grasses like Wild 

Oat, Blowfly Grass, 

Annual Veldgrass 

(Ehrharta longiflora), 

Silvery Hairgrass 

(Aira caryophyllea) 

and Barnyard Grass 

(Echinochloa crus-galli) all 

adventitious roots 

inflorescence 

axillary buds 

or nodes 

internode 

tiller buds location of 

crown tissue 


rely entirely on seedling recruitment to establish 

within an area. Annual grasses are usually tussock 

forming or caespitose (Box 3.3), although occasionally 

tillers of prostrate grasses may root at the nodes. 

Perennial grasses reproduce vegetatively as well as by 

seed, storing excess photosynthate within rhizomes, 

stolons, seed and occasionally corms (swollen 

underground stem bases). Perennials develop winteror 

summer- hardy buds capable of resuming growth 

the following season (Hannaway et al. 2000). Perennials 

can be sterile and still reproduce vigorously, spreading 

by stolon, rhizome and dispersal of grass root 

fragments in water and soil, Kikuyu and Giant Reed 

(Arundo donax) being just two examples. Perennial 

grasses generally fall into one of three descriptive 

growth forms, caespitose or tussock-forming, 

rhizomatous and stoloniferous (Box 3.3). 

Reproduction, dispersal and persistence – 

implications for limiting spread 

Sexual reproduction 

Seed is important for the spread and establishment of 

many perennial grasses. For the annual lifeform, 

seedling recruitment is essential. 

Dispersal: An understanding of seed dispersal 

mechanisms allows us to limit further spread and reinfestation, 

an important, although often overlooked, 

component of any management program. 

• Wind plays a central role in dispersal and many 

grasses occupy open habitats subject to frequent 

winds. Small, lightweight seed, suitable for wind 

dispersal, is the most common form found in the 

grasses. To further aid wind dispersal the outer 

bracts may be covered with long soft hairs 

(Davidse 1986). Seed from adjacent degraded areas 

can be carried into the bushland by prevailing 

winds, providing seed rain after a disturbance 

event such as fire. Depending on the species this 

deposited seed may establish as a seedbank, ready 

to germinate given the appropriate conditions. 

Once ripe, wind dispersed seed is easily 

dislodged and careless removal of grass weeds 

at this stage will facilitate dispersal. 

Preferably, seed heads should be removed and 

bagged prior to this stage. 

• Water can disperse large numbers of seeds. The 

light weight of many seeds allows them to float 

easily. Seeds may have aerenchymous tissue, the 

tiny air pockets aiding flotation. Some seeds have 

a long awn that helps embed the seed when it 

reaches a suitable embankment (Davidse 1986). 

Run-off from rainstorms can carry grass seed 

downhill and into creeks and storm drains, 

concentrating vast numbers of seeds in the 

wetlands they feed into. 

Upstream and uphill source populations need 

to be managed. Drain outlets can have 

sumps incorporated to allow weed seed to 

settle and collect. 

11

12 


Box 3.3 Grass growth forms 

Caespitose or tussock grasses are the dominant 

grass growth form around the world. Examples 

include the bushland weeds Perennial Veldgrass 

(Ehrharta calycina), Pampas Grass (Cortaderia 

selloana), Tambookie Grass (Hyparrhenia hirta) and 

Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula). Reproducing by seed 

and/or tillers they form dense, usually erect, clumps. 

As clumps age, each year’s old leaf material 

accumulates, creating large fuel loads (Briske and 

Derner 1998, Hannaway et al. 2000). Caespitose 

grasses typically occupy resource-poor habitats. By 

accumulating soil organic carbon and nitrogen 

directly beneath clumps, they monopolise resources 

(Gibbs Russell et al. 1991). 

African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) 

Stoloniferous grasses are creeping or mat-forming 

grasses that spread locally by stolons and include 

Para Grass (Urochloa mutica) and Queensland Blue 

Grass (Digitaria didactyla). A stolon is a segmented, 

horizontal stem, which runs predominantly along 

the soil surface. Adventitious roots and aerial shoots 

arise from stolon nodes. Stolons themselves arise 

from adventitious buds in the crown tissue. 

Propagation is both vegetative, from stolon 

fragments, and from seed. Although commonly 

occupying moist, high nutrient areas, some foredune 

species such as Spinifex (Spinifex sericeus) and 

Saltwater Couch (Paspalum vaginatum) are 

stoloniferous. Many stoloniferous grasses are 

considered invasive species (Hannaway et al. 2000). 

Para Grass (Urochloa mutica) 

Rhizomatous grasses form dense mats, extending 

their coverage by producing below-ground lateral 

rhizomes. A rhizome is a modified underground stem 

capable of rooting and shooting at nodes to develop 

daughter plants. They can serve as storage tissue 

for vegetative propagation and, being underground, 

are protected from fire. These grasses, including 

species like Reed Sweet Grass (Glyceria maxima), 

Pyp Grass (Ehrharta villosa) and Johnson Grass 

(Sorghum halepense), propagate vegetatively, but 

may also spread by seed. Rhizomatous grasses 

dominate moister, more nutrient-rich habitats and 

are often invasive (Hannaway et al. 2000). 

Many grasses can be both rhizomatous and 

stoloniferous, Couch (Cynodon dactylon) and Kikuyu 

(Pennisetum clandestinum) being just two examples. 

Reed Sweet Grass (Glyceria maxima) 

rhizome 

node 

adventitious shoot 

node 

stolon 

tiller buds 

adventitious shoot 

adventitious root

• Animals can carry grass seeds on their skin and 

fur. Seed bracts and/or awns may have sticky 

hairs, hooks or spines that aid adhesion. Ingestion 

also plays a role in grass dispersal. Grasses 

evolved with grazing and several authors have 

noted seeds are voided intact (Davidse 1986). 

Dogs, horses, native animals and humans 

(among others) readily disperse seeds along 

bush tracks. Horses can spread grass weeds 

from paddocks into bushland, depositing seed 

with their manure. 

• Human activities including inappropriate 

management practices, provide additional 

mechanisms for grass weed dispersal: 

Grading drags seed (and tillers) along road verges. 

Slashing during flowering spreads seed with an 

explosive action. 

Lawn clippings dumped in bushland often 

contain grass seed. 

Soil seedbanks: Seedbanks consist of dormant seed, 

which is ready to germinate given the appropriate 

environmental cues. Dormancy allows seed to persist 

in the soil in the absence of further seed rain. 

As a general rule grass seeds are not considered to be 

persistent within the soil. However, there are 

exceptions. Numerous grasses have a soil seed life 

greater than five years and not surprisingly many of 

these are widespread weeds (eg. Fountain Grass and 

Barnyard Grass). Poa pratensis and a number of 

Setaria species are known to remain viable for at least 

39 years (Baskin and Baskin 1998). Environmental 

factors, including temperature, moisture and light 

intensity can induce dormancy in seeds. For example, 

deep burial induces dormancy in Wild Oat seed, 

increasing its longevity from six months to anything up 

to ten years (Baskin and Baskin 1998, Nugent et al. 

1999). Dormancy is broken when the seed is returned 

to the surface through soil disturbance. 

For many species, seed longevity is not understood 

and yet it is invaluable information when making 

management decisions. The length of a control 

program is largely determined by seedbank 

persistence. The shorter lived the seed, the more 

rapidly a grass infestation can be controlled 

(provided the source is no longer 

present or is also managed). 


Vegetative reproduction 

Vegetative reproduction as a strategy in grasses is 

most successful in moist, nutrient-rich conditions 

(Briske and Derner 1998). Under these conditions 

rhizomatous and stoloniferous grasses can easily 

establish roots and rapidly disperse rhizome and 

stolon fragments in soil and down streams. In Reed 

Sweet Grass (and possibly other species), shoots of 

young plants can be vegetative or flowering. However, 

once established, the majority of new shoots produced 

are vegetative. This strategy allows the plant to quickly 

colonise new areas by seed, whilst increasing the 

density of established plants (Department of Primary 

Industries Water and Environment 2001). 

Tussock-forming grasses may also propagate 

vegetatively. Tillering is responsible for each season’s 

new growth and the expansion in tussock area 

(Hannaway et al. 2000). Tillers are also referred to as 

sprouts, shoots and daughters and may break off when 

disturbed. 

If resources are scarce, management should focus 

on controlling the invading edge(s) and new or 

isolated populations. 

Grass growth stages 

As with all weeds the timing of grass control measures 

is important. Active growth is required for herbicide 

uptake and slashing can enhance leafy growth or result 

in defoliation, depending on the growth stage. In most 

grasses (sterile grasses are the exception) there are 

three main stages of active grass growth: Vegetative, 

transition and flowering. 

• Vegetative growth involves the production of 

shoots, mostly leaf blades but also stolons and 

rhizomes. Herbicides are best applied at this stage, 

while slashing usually results in increased 

production of leafy material. 

vegetative transition boot stage 

flowering 

13

14 


• Transition occurs when the growing points stop 

producing vegetative material and start developing 

flowers and the tissue between nodes, the 

internode, elongates. Because of internode 

elongation, slashing or mowing at this stage can 

remove many axillary buds, thereby reducing leaf 

production in the regrowth. 

• Flowering begins when the seed head is just 

emerging from the leaf sheath (boot stage) and 

continues through to seeding. Some grass-selective 

herbicides are only effective if applied prior to the 

boot stage. Slashing or mowing during flowering 

may facilitate the spread of seed. 

The period of active growth depends largely on 

whether the plant is a cool season (C3) or warm 

season (C4) grass. Cool season and warm season 

grasses differ in the way they use carbon dioxide. Cool 

season grasses (Wild Oat, Blowfly Grass, Perennial 

Veldgrass) photosynthesise more effectively, and thus 

are most actively growing, during the cooler periods of 

winter and spring (15-25° C). Warm season grasses, or 

summer grasses, photosynthesise best with full light 

saturation and consequently their period of most 

active growth is late spring and summer (25-40° C). 

The summer growing Couch (Cynodon dactylon), 

Kikuyu and Lovegrass are all C4 grasses. 

For successful herbicide uptake grasses should be 

sprayed in the season appropriate to their 

photosynthetic pathway and when actively growing. 

Fire and the spread of grass weeds 

Many grasses, especially caespitose species, have long, 

narrow, vertical leaves that are efficient in strong light 

allowing sunlight to penetrate deep inside the clump 

(Gibbs Russell et al. 1991). This structure allows the 

production of a large biomass in a small space. Stems 

die each year and new ones develop. Over time a large 

biomass, much of it dead material, creates a significant 

fire hazard. As a result, grass weed invasions can lead 

to changes in fire frequency and intensity. 

These changes are self-perpetuating as the disturbance 

caused by fire tends to promote germination and 

establishment of seedling grasses (Cheplick 1998, 

Williams and Baruch 2000). At Shenton Bushland, 

Perth, Perennial Veldgrass was mapped in the year 

following an intense fire that burnt half of the site. A 

comparison between a pre-fire bushland condition map 

and the post-fire Veldgrass map, highlighted a 

significant post-fire expansion in the population. 

Previously healthy bushland now recorded 75-100 % 

cover of Veldgrass (Brown and Marshall 

unpublished data). 

Fire contributes greatly to grass invasion in lownutrient 

soils, where post-fire increases in nutrients, 

light and space availability are more effectively 

exploited by invasive grasses than by the native flora. 

It is important to reduce the possibility of fire in 

bushland areas at risk of grass invasion. Where 

bushfire does occur target resprouting plants and 

seedlings for control before they become 

established. 

Management and control 

Prevention and early intervention 

Degradation of our native bushland remnants through 

clearing, fire, disease and mismanagement may be of 

particular relevance to the establishment and spread 

of grass weeds. Often an observed decline in the 

canopy cover within Banksia woodlands around Perth 

correlates with an increase in the occurrence of 

Perennial Veldgrass. Reduction in canopy cover leads 

to an increase in light availability, a condition favoured 

by many grass weeds (Williams and Baruch 2000, 

D’Antonio et al. 2001). 

Weed grass invasion can be limited by: 

• Maintaining the bushland canopy. Many grasses 

prefer open sunny sites and do not establish or 

compete successfully in the shade. 

• Reducing the potential for bushfires. As 

mentioned, fire can significantly increase the 

establishment and spread of grass weeds. 

• Identifying unfamiliar grasses. It is important to 

determine if grasses are introduced or native. 

Early identification of grass weeds allows you to 

assess the likelihood of invasion and prevents 

mistaken eradication of native grasses! 

• Establishing weed barriers. 

Weed barriers 

A common grass weed problem in urban remnants is 

the spread of Kikuyu, Couch or Buffalo Grass 

(Stenotaphrum secundatum) from adjacent parks and 

road verges. A successful ‘weed break’ can be created 

by embedding a physical barrier such as weed mesh or 

conveyor belt vertically into the ground and using 

concrete kerbing above it. This prevents rhizomes 

creeping into the bushland and provides a mowing 

edge for council mowers (Box 3.4). Some grasses have 

rhizomes 50 to 60 centimetres below ground and any 

root barrier must allow for this. 

The bush itself often provides an excellent weed break 

(Box 3.2). However, the sandy soils and open 

vegetation of Banksia woodland or the friable soils of 

York Gum–Jam woodlands are more susceptible. 

Establishing a dense cover of locally-occurring low, 

medium and tall shrubs along the edges of degraded 

sites and paddocks could act as a sieve, preventing 

entry of wind and water carried seed. Knowing the 

prevailing wind direction, position in the landscape 

and relationship to waterflow can help to determine if 

the adjacent paddock, weedy rail reserve or over-run, 

semi-rural backyard, is the weed source. When planting 

or direct seeding, use native seed collected from the 

area of bushland you are protecting and only plant 

where run-off or prevailing winds are definitely 

carrying weed seed in.

Box 3.4 Spread of turf grass at Blue Gum Lake 


At Blue Gum Lake in the City of Melville, parkland often adjoins bushland. In most of these sites Couch 

(Cynodon dactylon) and Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) have been planted as turf. On one boundary 

between turf and bushland a large infestation of the woody weed Geraldton Wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum) 

was removed. The site revegetation project was undertaken by the Friends of Blue Gum Lake who were continually 

faced with Couch that kept creeping back from the grassed area. After spraying the Couch several times 

an alternative solution was sought. 

Creating a physical barrier by using kerbing, was an attractive option. Kerbing was multipurpose: It provided a 

neat and tidy mowing edge which pleased the local residents and council, prevented the incursion of mowers 

into the bushland and also limited the spread of Couch. Several stories were circulating regarding the use of 

rubber conveyor belts buried into the ground vertically and used as barriers to stop rhizome and stolon 

spread. When a pre-used conveyor belt was donated by Wesfarmers, and the Lotteries Commission agreed to 

provide funding for the above-ground kerbing, the project was underway. 

An outline was created using a rope and marked with stakes. Making an early start, the City of Melville 

Bushland Works Crew, an enthusiastic Work for the Dole crew and EWAN project officers dug the trench, lay 

and buried the one metre wide conveyor belt. On several occasions there was grateful acknowledgment that 

the digging was in sand. In all, it took twelve people four hours. The only hiccups were several large Banksia 

roots, which were dug around, and the conveyor belt cut to fit. A contractor was brought in to do the kerbing, 

providing the finishing touch. With the donation of the conveyor belt, the labour or in-kind support, the project 

cost $1164 for 100 metres of barrier – this was all in the kerbing contractor’s fees. 

While the amenity grass already in the revegetation area still needs to be controlled, once it is eradicated it 

should be an easier job to keep new incursions out! 

15

16 


Control techniques 

Annuals – prevent seed set and limit 

seedling establishment 

Highly disturbed areas are often dominated by annual 

grasses. Continual removal by physical or chemical 

means maintains the status quo. In degraded areas the 

control of annual grasses over the longer term requires 

the establishment of desirable vegetation (Refer to 

case study 5.1). However, undisturbed native plant 

communities are also susceptible to annual grass 

invasion, such as the understorey of York Gum –Jam 

woodlands. 

To control annual grasses it is essential to exhaust the 

soil seedbank and limit further seed recruitment. The 

most effective way of doing this is to prevent seed set 

or destroy seed before it is shed. The length of the 

control program will depend on the seed longevity 

within the soil. The following approaches can be 

successful if thoughtfully adopted: 

• Hand-weed small infestations occurring in good 

condition bushland. Remove weeds prior to seed 

set. Be aware that seeds can be spread during the 

weeding process and as contaminants of clothing 

and tools. 

• Slash prior to seed set. Timing is important; slash 

plants after the flower head has emerged but 

before seed is dry and ready for release. If slashed 

too early, plants will flower again. Flower heads 

must be bagged and removed as seed can continue 

to develop after removal from the plant. Slashing 

can be labour-intensive in bushland as it must be 

carefully done by hand to avoid damaging native 

plants. 

• Spray germinating weed grasses at the three to 

five leaf stage with the recommended rate of a 

grass selective herbicide. This approach may be 

difficult to apply to species that have staggered 

germination. Spray such species four to six weeks 

after rains begin to ensure maximum germination 

has occurred. Higher rates may be required and an 

even coverage harder to obtain. 

Research indicates Fusilade ® does not impact 

seriously on established perennial native grasses, 

although flowering is often inhibited. However, 

many native grass seedlings appear to be 

susceptible (Hobbs and Atkins 1988, Hitchmough 

et al. 1994, Davies 1997, Arnold et al. 1998, Brown 

and Brooks unpublished data). 

Note: For many years Fusilade ® has been the only grass selective 

herbicide registered for use in bushland in Western Australia and 

some annual grass species (Poa annua, Vulpia spp) are resistant to 

the ‘fops’ group of herbicides to which it belongs. With these 

problematic species alternatives should be sought (see weed 

management table). 

A number of other grass-selective herbicides are now the subject of 

a minor use off-label permit in non-crop situations in Western 

Australia (until September 2006). Application must comply with all 

conditions of the permit. 

Available from: (http://permits.nra.gov.au/PER4984.PDF). 

Anyone applying herbicides should have appropriate training in the 

safe use and handling of relevant chemicals (Chapter 8). 

• Prevent seedling establishment in highly degraded 

areas by encouraging the growth of native species 

and establishing a dense canopy cover. Most 

grasses prefer open sunny sites for germination. 

Perennial grass control 

Caespitose grasses 

• Hand-weed small populations in good condition 

bushland by using a knife to cut through the roots 

below the crown tissue. Minimise soil disturbance 

as much as possible. Care 

must be taken to remove all 

dormant buds at the base. 

These can break off and 

quickly form new plants. Many 

apparently caespitose species 

also produce short rhizomes 

which must be removed when 

hand-weeding, eg. 

Tribolium (Tribolium 

uniolae), Perennial Veldgrass, 

Vasey Grass. For Perennial 

Veldgrass, which grows in sandy 

soils, hand-removal in summer, 

when the grass is dormant and 

the roots easily cut through, 

minimises soil disturbance. 

• Spot spraying with a grass-selective herbicide 

controls many perennial grasses. These herbicides 

are highly selective for susceptible grasses and 

have little impact on most other species (Preston 

2000). In Banksia woodland on the Swan Coastal 

Plain, Fusilade ® (applied at 10 mL/L or 4 L/ha) has 

been found to have little impact on a wide range of 

native species (Brown unpubl., Dixon unpubl.) 

With established perennial grasses, grass-selective 

herbicides must be applied when the plant is 

actively growing but before boot stage (Parsons 

1995). Water stress and nutrient deficiencies can 

also be limiting factors to growth and must be 

taken into account. In some grasses the periods of 

vegetative growth and flowering are short and 

overlapping. In this scenario there may be little 

green leafy material prior to boot stage and 

alternative herbicides or different approaches will 

need to be tested. One option is the non-selective 

herbicide glyphosate, which if applied when the 

developing seed is still like milky dough, will stop 

seed development and kill the grass. Because 

glyphosate is non-selective the grass weed must 

be carefully targeted to avoid damage to 

surrounding natives. When spot spraying with any 

herbicide, grass clumps should be sprayed until 

wet, but without herbicide running off the leaves. 

The dead material retained on the caespitose 

grass provides protection to other leaves and may 

result in reduced herbicide uptake. Removing the 

dead material first (by slashing or taking 

advantage of unplanned fires) alleviates this 

problem. The lush regrowth that follows both 

these events is highly susceptible to herbicide.

• Slashing is generally used in conjunction with a 

herbicide treatment. Tussocks are slashed to the 

base to remove the bulk of old material and to 

promote vigorous growth; this should be done 

during the vegetative phase to maximise the 

regrowth of leafy green material. When regrowth is 

lush and vigorous, plants are spot sprayed with 

the appropriate herbicide. This method has been 

used successfully by the City of Canning on 

Pampas Grass invading Yagan Wetlands and is 

effective in dealing with many large, tussockforming 

species. Do not slash when grasses are 

seeding, as this will assist the spread of 

propagules locally. 

Continuous slashing of caespitose grasses during 

the transition phase (when shoot apices are at a 

vulnerable height) may exhaust their carbohydrate 

supply, eventually killing the plant. Although 

herbicide-free and causing minimal soil 

Box 3.5 Making the most of unplanned bushfires 


disturbance this method requires accurate timing, 

consistent effort and in good bushland each plant 

must be slashed individually. Resources are rarely 

available for such intensive control. 

Note: Slashing without follow-up herbicide treatment may 

increase productivity of some grasses. This has been recorded for 

Buffel Grass in the United States (The Nature Conservancy, 2002) 

and appears to be true of African Lovegrass in the Perth region. 

• Unplanned fires require an intensive follow-up 

program. Resources should be allocated for 

controlling seedlings and resprouts before the 

grass problem increases (Box 3.5). Very hot fires 

can destroy seed close to the soil surface (Smith et 

al. 1999). This reduction in the soil seedbank must 

be maintained by preventing further seed set from 

resprouting plants and germinants. Vigorously 

resprouting plants provide an easy target in the 

blackened landscape and are readily treated and 

highly susceptible to herbicides. 

Talbot Road Bushland consists of 60 hectares of Banksia woodland, Marri, Jarrah and Wandoo woodlands and 

heath. Most is in good condition, but several infestations of weeds capable of moving further into undisturbed 

bushland are present. Perennial Veldgrass (Ehrharta calycina) was one such weed recognised as a problem in 

the sandier soils. In 1999 the Veldgrass was mapped and light infestations along tracks were hand-weeded to 

prevent spread into bushland. The presence of 

the cormous and bulbous weeds, Hesperantha 

(Hesperantha falcata), Freesia (Freesia alba x 

leichtlinii) and Watsonia (Watsonia bulbillifera), 

meant control of the main Perennial Veldgrass 

population was delayed until these serious 

weeds could be adequately managed. 

The Hesperantha, Freesia and Watsonia control 

programs had been in place for two years when, in 

the summer of 2000/2001, a fire burnt through 

some 70 % of the bushland. Part of the Perennial 

Veldgrass population was burnt and much of the 

remaining unburnt area was infested. Amid fears 

that the grass would quickly establish over a wider 

area, flourishing under the post-fire conditions, 

resources were made available for control. 

In July, following the fire, a contractor was 

employed to spray the remaining unburnt 

Perennial Veldgrass before seed set. Treating the 

area that had burnt was more complicated. The 

Perennial Veldgrass distribution map made in 1999 

was used to locate where the Perennial Veldgrass 

was. Resprouting clumps were carefully spot 

sprayed and seedling flushes blanket sprayed, 

taking care not to trample resprouting natives. The 

areas adjacent to the mapped populations and any 

gullies or wash areas were also carefully searched 

and seedling flushes treated. To minimise damage 

to native plants the grass selective herbicide 

Fusilade ® (10 mL/L) was used. 

Note: The susceptibility of Perennial Veldgrass seedlings to 

lower rates of Fusilade ® requires research. If lower rates were 

known to control the weed, the amount of herbicide introduced 

into the bushland could have been reduced. 

• 61 - 100% • 6 - 60% • 0 - 5% cover 

After the fire in December 2000 (lined area) a 1999 map of Perennial 

Veldgrass distribution at Talbot Road Bushland was used to determine 

priority areas for spraying in July 2001. 

17

18 


Rhizomatous and stoloniferous grasses 

Hand-weeding should only be considered for very 

small infestations (less than one meter square) when 

soil is moist. It is important to remove all root, rhizome 

and stolon fragments or plants will rapidly regenerate. 

For some species like Para Grass and Johnson Grass, 

rhizomes can extend for up to two metres. However, 

because of the extensive soil disturbance involved, 

hand-weeding is generally not recommended in 

bushland. 

Herbicide can be blanket sprayed over the dense mats 

commonly formed by rhizomatous and stoloniferous 

grasses. A systemic herbicide that is translocated 

through all parts of the plant, including the rhizomes 

and stolons, must be used. Where native plants are 

present, grass-selective herbicides are necessary to 

avoid off-target damage. Without thorough foliage 

coverage, the amount of herbicide absorbed into the 

plant is not sufficient for effective control. Even with 

good coverage, many rhizomatous grasses require 

multiple spray treatments within a single season; only 

a few rhizomes or stolons need to survive for the plant 

to rapidly re-establish. 

Herbicide use near waterways becomes an important 

issue where many rhizomatous and stoloniferous 

grasses are invasive. At present Roundup Biactive ® is 

the only herbicide registered for use near water. Many 

of the wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain are seasonal 

and dry up over the summer months. Luckily, summer 

coincides with the active growth of most wetland 

grasses and spraying can be done at this time. Grasses 

that grow in permanent water bodies will need to be 

either treated with Roundup Biactive ® or pulled from 

the water and methods such as solarisation tried. 

Solarisation is useful for controlling summer growing 

(C4) grasses in highly disturbed areas. This involves 

laying heavy duty plastic sheeting (black or clear) over 

part or all of the infested area. With edges firmly held 

down, the plastic is left in place for four to twelve 

weeks before being removed. The plastic sheeting 

traps the heat, increasing the soil temperature to levels 

that kill plants, seeds, plant pathogens and insects 

(Bainbridge 1990). The use of clear plastic results in 

higher soil temperatures, whereas black plastic 

prevents photosynthesis and this contributes to plant 

death. The method is most effective when applied 

during the hot summer months and is only really 

useful in sites where the soil is moist (Tu et al. 2001). 

The area may need to be blanket sprayed after any 

surviving grass has regrown vigorously. 

Establishing shade along bushland edges by 

encouraging the regeneration of local plants can inhibit 

the spread of many amenity grasses from adjacent 

parklands. Kikuyu, Buffalo Grass, Couch and similar 

amenity grasses are often intolerant of shade. 

Monitoring and follow-up 

It is important that grass control is done effectively 

and that any control program does not simply enhance 

the competitiveness of other serious weeds. With 

control programs for grass weeds in small urban 

bushlands costing up to $1000 per hectare, monitoring 

their success is essential. 

Monitoring provides a quantitative record of the 

management program, measures the impact of the 

control program on native plants and ensures value for 

money from contractors. How you monitor will depend 

on the changes to be detected, the type and patchiness 

of vegetation and the terrain. Case study 3.4 provides a 

detailed example of monitoring a Perennial Veldgrass 

control program in Banskia woodland. 

Regardless of the control method used, follow-up 

treatment in subsequent years is usually necessary. 

Plants that were missed or survived the first treatment 

will need treating and soil seedbanks may take several 

years to deplete. If follow-up does not take place, the 

initial effort and resources will be wasted. 

Key points 

The information presented in this chapter highlights a 

range of management issues concerning grass weeds and 

how these relate to the biology of this group. Briefly: 

• Invasion of many grasses is often facilitated by fire 

and loss of canopy cover. 

• Annual grasses are generally weeds of highly 

disturbed areas, although there are exceptions 

(Wild Oat, Annual Veldgrass). To control, prevent 

seed set over successive years and establish 

desirable vegetation. 

• Perennial grasses can threaten intact bushland. 

They are grouped into the tussock-forming 

caespitose grasses and the mat-forming 

rhizomatous or stoloniferous grasses. Management 

strategies and control techniques differ for the 

different growth forms. 

• Recognising and treating grasses at the 

appropriate growth stage is integral to a 

successful outcome of any control program. 

The case studies described below bring together this 

information, providing an example of management in 

action for an annual, a perennial caespitose and a 

rhizomatous grass. A fourth case study describes the 

monitoring of a Perennial Veldgrass control program 

at Blue Gum Lake. Following the case studies is a 

table of currently available information on the control 

of grass weeds. 

One aspect of their biology that has contributed 

greatly to the success of the grasses is the ability to 

store carbohydrate reserves in tillers and rhizomes at 

the base of the plant. This strategy is taken even 

further by the group of plants covered in the next 

chapter. The bulbous, cormous and tuberous species 

are another group successfully naturalising in south 

west Western Australia. Their success, in part, is due 

to an ability to die back to underground storage organs 

over our long dry summers.

An informative case study on the 

control of the annual grasses Wild 

Oat (Avena barbata) and Blowfly 

Grass (Briza maxima) within 

bushland comes from a trial at 

Quairading Nature Reserve. Wild 

Oat and Blowfly Grass are wintergrowing 

annuals that rely on 

successful seed set and recruitment 

into the soil seedbank to persist. 

The aim of the trial was to reduce, if 

not eliminate the Wild Oat 

seedbank, and give a competitive 

advantage to the native annual herb 

and perennial grass species. The 

possibility that other annual or 

perennial weeds would fill the niche 

also required consideration and a 

monitoring program was put in 

place to record changes in 

vegetation cover and species 

diversity over time. 

Setting up the 

demonstration site 

The trial was designed to reduce 

external seed contamination from 

surrounding weed grasses. Changes 

in weed, native grass and herb 

cover were monitored over three 

years and the effectiveness of direct 

seeding evaluated. 

The design: Two large, 20 metre 

square permanent plots, a control 

and a treatment, each housed five 

randomly placed one metre square 

quadrats. A third 20 metre square 

plot, for testing direct seeding, was 

established in the second year of 

the trial. It housed ten one metre 

square quadrats of which half were 

used for controls. 

Treatment: Fusilade ® (500mL/ha) + 

Pulse ® (2 mL/L) was blanket sprayed 

over the treatment and direct 

seeding plots in early August when 

the Wild Oat was at the three to five 

leaf stage and around 10 cm high 

(Table 1). A local farmer carried out 

the spraying. 

In August 2000, direct seeding trials 

were carried out by sowing native 

seed collected from the site over 

the 20 m x 20 m quadrat apart from 

five of the 10 subquadrats (1 m x 1 

m) which were covered during the 

sowing. These were the controls. 

Seed was from a range of annual 

Chapter 3 Grass Weeds Case Studies 

Case study 3.1 Managing the annual grasses Wild Oat (Avena barbata) and Blowfly Grass 

(Briza maxima) at Quairading Nature Reserve 

herbs and perennial grasses 

including Neurachne alopecuroidea, 

Austrostipa elegantissima, 

Austrostipa tenuifolia, Waitzia 

acuminata and Rhodanthe manglesii. 

Data collected: Each year, in late 

spring, weed and native species 

present in each quadrat were 

recorded, counted and their 

percentage cover estimated and 

assigned to a cover class: 1 (

20 


grass weeds. It didn’t. Silver Grass 

cover remained low throughout the 

three year trial period, as did cover 

of Silvery Hairgrass. 

In contrast, Annual Veldgrass 

seedlings are susceptible to 

Fusilade ® (Davies 1997, Brown 

unpublished data) and like Wild 

Oat, germination is in the few weeks 

following the opening rains (Davies 

1997). Like Wild Oat, two years of 

treatment appeared to exhaust the 

soil seedbank of Annual Veldgrass 

at the site. However, there was an 

indication that a single treatment 

could result in Annual Veldgrass 

becoming a serious weed in the 

absence of Wild Oat competition. 

Non-grass weeds: In total, there 

were 12 weeds present at the site, 

including the Wild Oat and Blowfly 

Grass - none were invasive 

perennials. Only Flatweed 

(Hypochaeris glabra) and Ursinia 

(Ursinia anthemoides) showed a 

noticeable response to the removal 

of Wild Oat and Blowfly Grass. The 

number of Flatweed plants 

increased within the treatment plot 

by over 30 % from 1999 to 2001, but 

decreased in the control by 80 %. 

This suggests Flatweed has a 

stronger competitive advantage 

than the native annual flora, but is 

weaker against Wild Oat and 

Blowfly Grass, especially in poor 

years when moisture is scarce. 

The native flora 

As the 1999 season unfolded, colour 

erupted in the sprayed plot (Figure 

2). A mass flowering of native 

annuals occurred. These species, 

while found in the unsprayed plot, 

were largely smothered there by 

Wild Oat and Blowfly Grass. 

Native annual and perennial 

herbs: There was little indication 

that the Fusilade ® harmed the native 

annual and geophyte flora. The 

decrease in competition from Wild 

Oat and Blowfly Grass appears to 

have benefited the geophyte lifeform 

over time. Initially geophyte 

numbers were significantly lower in 

the treatment plot, but, after two 

years of treatment, numbers were 

similar in both plots. 

Two native annual herbs apparently 

affected by the density of Wild Oat 

and Blowfly Grass were Waitzia 

acuminata and Phyllangium 

sulcatum. Both species decreased in 

the control plot over the three 

years and remained similar 

(P. sulcatum) or increased 

(W. acuminata) in the treatment plot. 

Native grasses: Mature clumps of 

eight native grasses (Aristida 

contorta, Austrodanthonia 

caespitosa, Austrodanthonia setacea, 

Austrostipa elegantissima, 

Austrostipa tenuifolia, Austrostipa 

trichophylla, Eriachne ovata, 

Neurachne alopecuroidea) suffered 

only temporarily from the herbicide 

treatment. Seedling recruitment 

observed in 2001 suggests that the 

removal of competition by Wild Oat 

and Blowfly Grass will allow native 

grasses to become more dominant 

over time. 

Figure 2. Looking back over the treatment plot in October 1999 - a profusion of wild flowers. 

Herbicide treatment appeared to 

inhibit flowering in the native 

grasses. Aristida contorta and 

N. alopecuroidea in particular 

flowered profusely outside the 

treatment plot, while flowers were 

all but absent on tussocks inside 

the plot. A reduction in flowering of 

native grasses after Fusilade ® 

treatment has also been recorded in 

a study by Hitchmough et al. (1994). 

Although this and other studies 

(Hitchmough et al. 1994, Davies 

1997) indicate mature native 

grasses only suffer temporary 

adverse effects to Fusilade ® 

treatment, impacts need to be 

carefully monitored. Fusilade ® is 

highly phytotoxic at the 3-5 leaf 

stage on most native grasses tested 

(Hitchmough et al. 1994). The 

continued treatment of an area may 

inhibit recruitment of native grasses 

and inevitably lead to a reduction in 

native grass cover and local 

diversity. 

Direct seeding trials 

The aim of the direct seeding trial 

was to tip the competitive balance 

in favour of the native flora. Exotic 

grasses were controlled with the 

early herbicide treatment and the 

native seedbank was boosted by 

direct seeding with locally collected 

native herb and grass species. The 

direct seeding trial plot was both 

species-poor and had low cover and 

numbers of native plants. Following 

the direct seeding of native herbs 

and grasses in August 2000 there 

was no significant, or indeed 

obvious, increase in these figures. 

The failure of the sown seeds to 

germinate can be attributed to a 

number of factors. Although the 

seeds were viable, the dry winter 

and lack of soil moisture may have 

inhibited germination. Large 

amounts of seed may have blown 

away. It is important to note that 

any sort of soil disturbance that 

may have enhanced germination of 

broadcast seed would also enhance 

weed invasion. Time of sowing, seed 

treatment and lack of surface 

preparation may all be wholly, or 

partly responsible. It is possible 

that the site itself did not favour the 

germination of annual herbs; there 

were very few areas of bare soil 

within the plot. Further research 

into direct seeding in these 

woodlands is clearly required.

Conclusion 

Overall the demonstration site and 

trials were a success. Wild Oat, 

Blowfly Grass and Annual Veldgrass 

soil seedbanks were depleted by 

two years of treatment. In the right 

situation native herbs flourished in 

the absence of Wild Oats and native 

grasses did not suffer permanent 

damage. Other annual weeds failed 

to become a serious problem and 

with continued research into direct 

seeding, the competitiveness of the 

native plant community could be 

further enhanced. 

Tribolium (Tribolium uniolae), a 

tussock-forming perennial grass, is 

a native of South Africa where it is 

found in the winter rainfall areas of 

the Cape Province. A highly variable 

species, this grass appears able to 

exploit new habitats where they 

arise. Common as a ‘roadside weed’ it 

successfully invades disturbed 

ground and responds positively to 

scrub fires (Linder and Davidse 1997). 

At Brixton Street Wetlands 

Tribolium is invading Marri 

woodlands, herb-rich shrublands 

and to a lesser degree claypans. 

Large clumps are displacing the 

very rich annual and perennial 

herbaceous flora that grows there. 

In the past Tribolium has been 

successfully treated at Brixton 

Street with the non-selective 

herbicide Roundup ® at 10 mL/L. 

Recently the weed was recorded 

spreading into undisturbed 

bushland so more selective control 

methods were required. 

Herbicide trials and 

standing water 

Some areas of Brixton Street are 

inundated for part of the year and 

herbicide application can be 

inappropriate. Unfortunately, when 

the wetlands are dry from January 

through to May, Tribolium is 

usually dormant. Active growth 

starts in June following the first 

rains and by the time the wetlands 

begin to dry out in late October, 

flowering is underway. 


Applying this information 

to the control of other 

annual grasses 

Seedbank persistence is indicative 

of the required length of the 

control program. 

Using this approach to control 

grasses with more persistent 

seedbanks may severely impact on 

native grasses. 

A single spray early in the season 

will not be so effective on weed 

grass species with staggered 

germination. 

Figure 1. Tribolium growing in the bushland at Brixton Street. 

It is important to know what other 

opportunistic weed species may 

take advantage of the space 

created by removal of annual 

grass weeds. It is unwise to 

remove an annual grass if it will 

lead to establishment of a more 

serious weed. 

In many circumstances the 

removal of annual grasses may 

leave bare areas of ground that are 

open to invasion. In these 

circumstances direct seeding may 

be appropriate. 

Case study 3.2 Managing the perennial caespitose grass, Tribolium (Tribolium uniolae), 

invading threatened ecological communities in the Brixton Street Wetlands. 

Grass-selective herbicides should 

normally be applied before the 

boot stage (Parsons, 1995). 

However, the issue of standing 

water was important so it became 

necessary to investigate an 

application at the post-boot stage. 

The initial herbicide trials took 

place in November. There was still 

plenty of leaf material, but plants 

were flowering. Two different grassselective 

herbicides, Fusilade ® and 

Sertin Plus ® , both with the addition 

of Pulse ® , were tested on older 

plants (characterised by much 

dead material surrounding a few 

actively growing leaves and stems) 

and younger plants (mostly leafy 

green material). 

21

22 


The trials were simple: Five sets of 

three 2 m x 2 m quadrats were set 

up within a population of mature 

plants (five Fusilade ® , five Sertin 

Plus ® and five control plots). For the 

younger plants, which occurred at 

much higher densities, three sets of 

three 1 m x 1 m plots were used. 

Plants were counted prior to 

treatment and scored again after 

the emergence of green material the 

following June. 

Older plants Given the small 

number of actively growing leaves, 

older plants were perceived as 

difficult to kill and Fusilade ® was 

applied at a high rate (15 mL/L). 

Both herbicides tested on mature 

flowering plants were effective, 

particularly the Fusilade ® treatment 

in which no plants survived. 

However, only 48.3 % of plants in 

the control plots survived the trial 

period (Table 1). The high levels of 

natural senescence may be the 

result of an extremely dry summer 

or simply reflect the age of the 

population, factors that may also 

have contributed to the high death 

rate in the treatment plots. 

Younger plants Herbicide applied 

during flowering (November 2000) 

was ineffective on younger plants. 

Further trials were conducted in 

August when plants were actively 

growing yet not quite flowering (ie. 

before the boot stage). This time 

herbicide treatment was effective 

(Table 2). The presence of standing 

water limits Fusilade ® application 

to dry areas. 

Fire 

In January 2000 an unplanned fire 

burnt through the southern section 

of Brixton Street destroying earlier 

herbicide trials. However, pre- and 

post- fire counts of Tribolium 

plants in the control plots provided 

useful data on the weed’s response 

to fire. An average of only 26 % of 

plants resprouted following the fire, 

but by June 2000 an abundance of 

seedlings was observed in the plots 

and surrounding burnt area. 

The fire provided an excellent 

control opportunity. As well as 

killing 74 % of plants in the plots, 

the remaining plants were 

vigorously producing tillers before 

the break of season and winter 

rainfall. This was also well before 

most of the native vegetation had 

begun to recover from the fire. In 

the blackened landscape the green 

Tribolium plants were highly visible 

and easy targets for spraying 

(Figure 2). 

In May 2000 the effectiveness of 

Roundup ® and Fusilade ® (both 10 

mL/L) at controlling plants 

resprouting from burnt clumps was 

compared. The number of actively 

growing plants in three sets of three 

2 m x 2 m plots (three controls, 

three Fusilade ® , three Roundup ® ) 

were counted before, and then six 

weeks after treatment. At the time 

of treatment Tribolium plants in 

unburnt vegetation were still in the 

dry dormant stage with no visible 

green growth. 

Both herbicide treatments were 

effective. A mean of only 2.2 % 

survived the Roundup ® treatment 

and a mean of 5.4 % the Fusilade ® 

treatment (Table 3). Furthermore, 

seedlings that were prolific in postfire 

vegetation were effectively 

controlled with Fusilade ® at 10 mL/L. 

Table 1. Mean percentage of Tribolium plants surviving in trial plots following herbicide treatments on older flowering plants. 

TREATMENT GROWTH STAGE DATE MEAN SURVIVAL (%) SE +/- 

Fusilade 15 mL/L + Pulse 2 mL/L older plants, flowering Nov 2000 0 

Sertin Plus 12 mL/L + Pulse 2 mL/L 19.5 5.74 

Control 48.3 14.7 

Table 2. Mean percentage of Tribolium plants surviving in trial plots following herbicide treatments on younger plants at flowering 

and just prior tp flowering. 


Fusilade 10 mL/L + Pulse 2 mL/L younger plants, flowering Nov 2000 54.2 11.29 

Sertin Plus 12 mL/L + Pulse 2 mL/L 56.3 5.6 

Control 88.8 14.7 

Fusilade 10 mL/L + Pulse 2 mL/L younger plants, prior to flowering Aug 2001 3.9 0.93 

Fusilade 10 mL/L + DC-trate 2 mL/L 11.3 4.83 

Control 96.4 2.48 

Table 3. Mean percentage of Tribolium plants surviving in trial plots following herbicide treatments on plants resprouting after a 

January fire. Value greater than 100 % indicates recruitment. 


Fusilade 10 mL/L + Pulse 2 mL/L resprout from Jan 2000 fire May 2000 5.4 2.9 

Roundup 10 mL/L + Pulse 2 mL/L 2.2 5.12 

Control 100.8 5.1

Figure 2. Tribolium vigorously resprouting after fire. 

Hand-weeding 

Physical removal of Tribolium by 

cutting below the base with a sharp 

knife is one option appropriate for 

small, isolated populations when 

the soil is moist. However, this 

method is labour intensive and 

impractical on a larger scale. Where 

the grass grows very closely among 

native plants it is difficult to remove 

without damaging native vegetation. 

The effectiveness of hand-weeding 

is somewhat compromised by the 

ability of Tribolium to reproduce 

from small, adventitious buds that 

break off from the base. 

Management 

Effective management of Tribolium 

invading bushland relies on control 

of mature plants as well as 

subsequent seedling recruits. It is 

clear that the weed can be 

effectively controlled with grassselective 

herbicides. However, 

chemical control of established 

plants is only going to be one part 

of any strategy. 

As well as understanding how to 

control Tribolium, it is important to 

understand how the weed is 

dispersing and spreading. At 

Brixton Street dispersal is by the 

seed, which is light in weight and 

small in size. Sheet water flow 

occurring across the wetlands in 

winter probably carries seed into 

undisturbed bushland. Ants may 

also be moving seed around, with 

seedling recruitment consistently 


observed around their nests 

(Figure 3). 

Keeping fire and other disturbances 

out of the bushland is essential to 

stop the spread of Tribolium. 

Seedlings are able to exploit space, 

light and nutrients, made available 

by fire, establishing early and outcompeting 

regenerating native 

species. Any unplanned fire, 

however, should be taken as an 

opportunity to effectively control 

mature plants and the subsequent 

seedlings. Without follow-up control 

of germinants, fire will almost 

certainly contribute to the further 

spread of Tribolium in the bushland. 

Figure 3. Tribolium plants growing vigorously around an ant nest. 

Over the winter of 2001, seedling 

recruitment was also observed in 

plots where there had been high 

levels of senescence among mature 

plants (both natural and as a result 

of herbicide treatments). As tufts of 

perennial grasses die back, gaps are 

created that are available for 

colonisation by seedlings (O’Connor 

and Everson 1998). Using baseline 

distribution maps of the weed, it 

will be necessary to systematically 

monitor the bushland for seedling 

recruitment over a number of years. 

Knowing how long seed remains 

viable in the soil is important in 

management planning for follow-up 

work and is an area requiring 

further research. 

The management focus at Brixton 

Street is protection of the native 

plant communities, not just 

eradication of Tribolium. 

Consequently, plant species moving 

into the gap created as the weed is 

removed will need to be carefully 

monitored. There are other serious 

perennial weeds invading the 

wetlands that have the potential to 

recolonise the treated sites, 

including Harlequin Flower (Sparaxis 

bulbifera), Watsonia species, 

Gladiolus undulatus and African 

Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula). These 

are all subject to fairly intensive 

control programs at present. 

Source: Brown and Brooks 

(In press a) 

23

24 


Case study 3.3 Managing the rhizomatous Reed Sweet Grass (Glyceria maxima) 

at Gingin Brook 

Reed Sweet Grass (Glyceria 

maxima) was introduced to 

Australia as a pasture grass for 

continuously and seasonally wet 

areas (Humphries et al. 1991). 

However, in Australia and New 

Zealand it accumulates toxic levels 

of hydrocyanic acid, which has 

resulted in cattle deaths from 

cyanide poisoning (DPIWE 2001). 

A grass of temperate regions, Reed 

Sweet Grass rapidly became a weed 

of waterways and wet meadows in 

southern Australia (Humphries et al. 

1991, DPIWE 2001). Reaching heights 

of over two metres, this robust 

perennial is capable of rapidly 

forming large infestations. Factors 

contributing to its success include: 

• Prolific seeding throughout 

summer and autumn especially 

in newly establishing 

populations (DPIWE 2001). 

• Varying levels of dormancy 

(immediate germination 

through to dormancy for 

several years) (DPIWE 2001). 

• Development by seedlings of an 

extensive mat of roots and 

rhizomes in the first year of 

growth (DPIWE 2001). 

• Quick expansion from the mat 

of rhizomes, or underground 

stems, which comprise 40-55 % 

of the plant’s total biomass 

(DPIWE 2001). 

• Growth in mats on water to one 

metre deep, out-competing 

native aquatic plants. 

• Spread of seed and rhizome 

fragments in water, in mud on 

machinery and vehicles, on 

footwear and by livestock. 

In Tasmania, a common control 

method for larger infestations is 

foliar spray using a 1-3 % solution of 

glyphosate (Roundup Biactive ® ) 

during late summer through to early 

autumn. Translocation of 

photosynthates, and thus herbicide, 

may be best at this time; the plant 

is storing carbohydrates in the 

rhizomes in preparation for 

overwintering and growth in the 

following season (DPIWE 2001). 

Follow-up treatments early in the 

following summer are recommended. 

Plants that have more than about 

one-third of their stems below water 

might not be killed by herbicide. 

Reed Sweet Grass at 

Gingin Brook 

Reed Sweet Grass is one of several 

serious weeds invading the last 

remaining Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus 

rudis) – Swamp Paperbark 

(Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) 

woodlands fringing the Gingin 

Brook. With very little natural 

vegetation remaining along the 

brook, it was important to 

implement a management strategy 

that would remove the grass and 

allow the native flora to recolonise 

the area. Because the grass grows 

closely amongst native vegetation, 

the use of a non-selective herbicide 

was inappropriate. 

Treatment: To observe the 

effectiveness of the grass-selective 

herbicide Fusilade ® at controlling 

Reed Sweet Grass, a single 5 m x 5 

m plot was permanently marked. 

The percentage cover of natives 

and weeds was recorded and the 

grass sprayed with Fusilade ® 10 

mL/L plus Agral ® 3.5 mL/L late in 

February, 2000. 

Results: Before treatment, Reed 

Sweet Grass covered 90 % of the 

plot while the native Tassel Sedge 

(Carex fascicularis) and Tall Sedge 

(Carex appressa) covered the 

remaining 10 %. By November 2000, 

Reed Sweet Grass covered only 25 % 

of the plot and most of this 

appeared to be reinvasion from the 

edges. Tassel Sedge and Tall Sedge 

now covered 25 % of the plot and a 

carpet of Carex seedlings and the 

occasional Flooded Gum and Swamp 

Paperbark seedling were recorded. 

Scaling up: Given the encouraging 

results, it was decided to spray the 

whole population with 10 mL/L 

Fusilade ® and Pulse ® . The trial plot 

was also resprayed. It was planned 

Reed Sweet Grass forms a dense mass across the trial plot and surrounding areas. Reed Sweet Grass extending stolons into a 

bare area.

to spray the infestation twice over 

summer – when the area was dry. 

Therefore, in contrast to the latesummer 

spray within the trial plot, 

the initial treatment was carried out 

in early summer (November 2000). 

By February 2000, cover of Reed 

Sweet Grass within the trial plot 

(now sprayed twice) was reduced 

to 5 %, Carex cover remained at 

25 % and there were still many 

Carex seedlings. There was also an 

array of annual weeds and two 

perennial weeds flourishing in the 

bare soil. Outside the trial plot was 

At Blue Gum Lake, plots were put in 

to record the effectiveness of a 

Perennial Veldgrass (Ehrharta 

calycina) control program and to 

answer the question ‘what will 

return once Perennial Veldgrass 

is controlled?’. 

The four year control program 

adopted an integrated approach. 

Contractors sprayed the dense 

infestations with Fusilade ® at 4 L/ha 

and the Friends of Blue Gum Lake 

hand-weeded light infestations one 

day each summer in the areas of 

good bushland. Maps of the grass 

distribution and density, created 

prior to and after the control 

program, provided a broad measure 

of effectiveness (Figure 1a and 1b). 

The Veldgrass density was 

estimated for 20 metre squares on a 

grid basis over the bushland. 

Permanently marked plots to 

monitor the changes in vegetation 

composition, quantify the success 

of the spray program and assess 

the spray contractor’s efficiency 

were put in place in August 1998. 

Five treatment and five control 

plots (each two metres by two 

metres) were set up within a 

densely infested area (Figure 2). 

Mature and seedling Veldgrass 

plants were counted. All other 

species were recorded and the 

percentage cover of weed species 

within each plot estimated. When 

the infestation was sprayed the 

control plots were left untouched. 

Each year, all plots were re-scored 

immediately prior to treatment. 


a different story. Although Reed 

Sweet Grass was damaged by the 

November treatment, there was 

still substantial cover across the 

area. The November treatment was 

clearly not as effective as the late 

February treatment had been. This 

may have resulted from the 

different treatment time or the use 

of a different wetting agent. Some 

Carex plants were also damaged. 

Unfortunately the second herbicide 

application planned for late 

summer could not be made due to 

early rains that inundated the area. 

• 0 - 5% • 6 - 20% • 21 - 60% • 61 - 100% cover 

Management implications: This 

case study illustrates the possible 

importance of timing and wetting 

agent used in determining the 

outcome of a particular treatment. 

Before scaling up it is important to 

consider all factors when looking at 

the results of trials. 

Note: Reed Sweet Grass quickly becomes a 

large and vigorous plant and new 

infestations should be treated immediately. If 

control is delayed, eradication in one season 

is improbable and follow-up work over at 

least two or three seasons will be required 

(DPIWE 2001). 

Case study 3.4 Monitoring the effect of Fusilade ® treatment on Perennial Veldgrass 

(Ehrharta calycina) and the native plant community in a Banksia woodland 

a 

b 

Figure 1. Perennial Veldgrass density and distribution at Blue Gum Lake in 1999 (a) and 2001 (b). 

25

26 


Figure 2. One of the 2 m x 2 m plots set up to monitor the Perennial Veldgrass control program at Blue Gum Lake 

In 1998 the spray contractors were 

not available to treat the grass until 

early September – well past the 

peak growth period and after the 

plants had begun to flower. The kill 

rate was disappointing and not 

surprising given that Fusilade ® 

should be applied pre-boot stage. 

This was discussed with the 

contractors who agreed to address 

the matter. In 1999 the contractors 

sprayed in June, which is too early! 

It was not until 2000 that the plants 

were sprayed at the correct time – 

just before flowering, in mid July. 

Research at Kings Park, Perth, has 

shown how crucial timing is for the 

control of Perennial Veldgrass 

(Dixon 1998a). It is important to 

wait until the majority of the new 

season’s adventitious buds are 

actively growing to allow sufficient 

herbicide to be taken into the plant, 

but not leave it so long that 

flowering has begun. The results 

from monitoring plots provided the 

evidence to both contractors and 

local council about the importance 

of timing (Figure 3(a)). 

Results from counts of seedlings 

showed the expected high numbers 

following the wildfire in the year 

previous to the trials (Figure 3(b)). 

Fire is known to enhance 

germination of Perennial Veldgrass 

seed (Milberg and Lamont 1995, 

Myut 2001). The much lower 

numbers in the control plots in 

subsequent years suggests that 

Veldgrass recruitment may be 

density dependent, competition 

from the resprouting adults limiting 

seedling establishment. 

Mean number of mature Veldgrass plants 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

control 

treatment 

1998 1999 2000 2001 

Year 

a 

Less obvious were the changes in 

species composition. In terms of 

presence or absence there were no 

apparent differences between 

control and treatment plots. 

Ursinia (Ursinia anthemoides) 

increased in cover in the last year 

(2001), but observations from 

other bushland sites in the Perth 

area suggest this was a good year 

for the weed. Flatweed 

(Hypochaeris glabra) cover 

Figure 3. Mean number of mature Perennial Veldgrass clumps (a) and Perennial Veldgrass 

seedlings (b) in control and treatment plots at Blue Gum Lake from 1998 to 2001. 

Mean number of Veldgrass seedlings 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

1998 1999 2000 2001 

Year 

b 

control 

treatment

fluctuated throughout the period 

and all other weeds reduced in 

cover or remained similar. There 

was no influx of weeds following 

the Veldgrass removal which was 

encouraging – but nor was there an 

increase in native germination. 


Table 1. Native species occurring in the monitoring plots unaffected by the Fusilade ® treatment. 

Annual herbs 

Crassula colorata 

Homalosciadium homalocarpum 

Lobelia tenuior 

Perennial herbs 

Conostylis aculeata 

Desmocladus fasciculatus 

Desmocladus flexuosa 

Dianella revoluta 

Isotropis cuneifolia 

Lepidosperma angustatum 

Lepidosperma spp 

Lomandra caespitosa 

Lomandra hermaphrodita 

Lomandra preissii 

Lomandra sp. 

Lyginia barbata 

Opercularia vaginata 

Patersonia occidentalis 

Phlebocarya ciliata 

Schoenus curvifolius 

Tricoryne elatior 

Perennial herbs-geophytes 

Burchardia congesta 

Caesia micrantha 

Drosera menziesii ssp menziesii 

Microtis media 

Pyrorchis nigricans 

Sowerbaea laxiflora 

Thysanotus manglesianus 

The impacts of grass-specific 

herbicides on native plant 

communities are thought to be 

minimal. The sedges, rushes and 

many geophytes (orchids, native 

lilies, etc.) which are monocots like 

grasses, may however be 

particularly susceptible. From 

monitoring of plots at Blue Gum 

Lake it appears that Fusilade ® 

applied between June and 

September, has little impact on a 

range of native species (Table 1). 

Perennial grasses 

Austrodanthonia caespitosa 

Austrostipa compressa 

Shrubs 

Acacia stenoptera 

Bossiaea eriocarpa 

Dampiera linearis 

Dasypogon bromeliifolius 

Eriostemon spicatus 

Eucalyptus calophylla 

Gompholobium aristatum 

Gompholobium tomentosum 

Hardenbergia comptoniana 

Hibbertia hypericoides 

Hibbertia racemosa 

Hovea pungens 

Hovea trisperma 

Hypocalymma robustum 

Jacksonia furcellata 

Kennedia prostrata 

Lechenaultia floribunda 

Leptomeria empetriformis 

Macarthuria australis 

Petrophile linearis 

Pimelea rosea 

27

Chapter 3 Grass Weeds Management Table 

Species 

Alopecurus 

myosuroides 

Common name Lifeform Growth 

form 

28 

Photosynthetic 

pathway 

Staggered 

germination 

Growing 

season 

Flowering Reproductive unit Dispersal agent Seedbank persistence 

(years) 

Slender Foxtail a c C3 win-spr spr seed mammal 4+ 

Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass p r C3 spr? spr-sum rhizome (seed) water, wind, 

mammal 

Anthoxanthum 

odoratum 

Sweet Vernal Grass p r/c C3 win-spr spr-sum seed, rhizomes water, wind, bird, 

mammal, slash 

Arundo donax Giant Reed p r C3 spr-aut sum rhizomes, (seed) water 

(bird, wind) 

(some seed/seed sterile?) 

short-med-long? 

(rarely seeds) 

Avena barbata Bearded Oat a c C3 no win-spr spr seed mammal, wind 3+ (shorter unburied) 

Avena fatua Wild Oat a c C3 yes win-spr spr seed mammal, wind 10 (shorter unburied) 

Axonopus compressus Broad-leaved Carpet 

Grass 

Brachypodium 

distachyon 

Briza spp 

(B. maxima, B. minor) 

p r/s C4 spr-sum sum-aut seed, stolon wind short 

False Brome a c C3 aut-win spr seed mammal, wind 

Blowfly Grass a c C3 no late 

aut-win 

spr seed water, wind, 

mammal, slash 

Bromus diandrus Great Brome a c C3 win-spr spr seed mammal, wind short 

Bromus hordeaceus Soft Brome a c C3 win-spr spr seed mammal, wind short 

Bromus rigidus Rip Gut a c C3 win-spr spr seed mammal, wind short? 

Cenchrus ciliaris Buffel Grass p c C4 spr-aut opportunistic seed, short rhizome wind, mammal, 

water, bird 

Cenchrus echinatus Mossman River Grass a c C4 warmer 

months 

opportunistic seed wind, mammal mod 

Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass p c C3 win-sum opportunistic seed, rhizome wind, water, 

slash, mammal 

Cynodon dactylon Couch p s/r C4 spr-aut sum seed, rhizome, 

stolon 

Cynosurus echinatus Rough Dog's Tail a c C3 sum seed 

water, ant, wind, 

slash, 

Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot p c C3 variable spr-sum seed, tillers water, animal, 

slash, 

Digitaria ciliaris Summer Grass a c C4 spr-aut sum seed 

Digitaria sanguinalis Crab Grass a c C4 spr-aut sum seed 

Echinochloa crusgalli Barnyard Grass a c C4 spr-aut sum seed water, bird 1-9+ 

Ehrharta brevifolia a c C3 spr seed 

Ehrharta calycina Perennial Veldgrass p c/sr C3 cooler 

months 

Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldgrass p c/sr C3 slows in hot 

conditions 

spr (2 

flushes) 

spr-sum 

(all year) 

seed, short rhizome water, wind, bird, 

mammal, slash 

seed, short rhizome water, wind, bird, 

slash 

Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldgrass a c C3 yes aut-spr win-spr seed water, wind, 

mammal, slash 

3 

5+ 

2 

3-4 

1-4+ 

short-med 

short 1yr/long lived? 

Ehrharta villosa Pyp Gras p r C3 spr-sum spr-sum rhizome, seed? med-long? 

Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass p c C4 warmer 

months 

opportunistic seed water, wind, 

mammal, slash 

Glyceria maxima Reed Sweet Grass p r C3 spr-aut sum seed, rhizome water med 

Hainardia cylindrica Common Barbgrass a c C3 win-spr spr-sum seed wind, water, 

mammal 

Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog p c C3 win-spr spr-sum seed wind, water, 

mammal 

Holcus setiger Annual Fog a c C3 yes aut-win spr seed mammal 

Hordeum glaucum, 

H. leporinum, 

H. marinum 

Northern Barley Grass, 

Barley Grass, Sea Barley 

Hyparrhenia hirta Tambookie Grass p c C4 warmer 

months 

a c C3 yes aut-win spr seed mammal 2 

sum erratic seeder, 

tiller 

Lifeform: a = annual, p = perennial. Growth form: c = caespitose, r = rhizomatous, s = stoloniferous, sr = shortly rhizomatous. Photosynthetic pathway: C3 = 

cool season grass, C4 = warm season grass. Growing season: usual period of active growth. Flowering: period over which grass flowers. 

Seedbank persistence: length of seed viability in years (where known). 

1+ 

4+


Fire response Suggested methods of management and control References 

killed 17, 60, 167, 242 

resprouts Dig out very small infestations; spray with glyphosate 1 % + penetrant. 281, 256, 30, 167, 242 

resprouts Cut out plants, ensure rhizomes are removed; spray with grass-selective herbicide in winter/spring. Follow-up with seedling control. 231, 260, 241, 30, 167, 242 

resprouts Cut down close to ground and paint with neat glyphosate; carefully spot spray regrowth with 1 % glyphosate before 60 cm high (requires 4-6 

treatments) or Verdict 120 ® 10 mL/L + wetting agent or Fusilade ® 10 mL/L + wetting agent. 

162, 241, 316, 290, 300, 

126, 193, 222, 167, 242 

Spray at 3-5 leaf stage with Fusilade ® 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) + wetting agent; repeat over following 2 years. 17, 316, 237, 60, 228, 222, 

167, 242 

Spray at 3-5 leaf stage with Fusilade ® 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) + wetting agent; repeat over following 2 years. 17, 316, 237, 60, 228, 222, 

167, 242, 156 

fire rare in habitat 

but survives 

resprouts, stimulates 

seed production 

Spray when actively growing from spring to autumn with 8 mL/L (4 L/ha) Fusilade ® +wetting agent. 17, 316, 222, 167, 242 

Prevent seed set. Spray in winter 1 % glyphosate. 60, 222, 167, 242 

Prevent seed set - hand pull or spray at 3-5 leaf stage with Fusilade ® 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) + wetting agent; repeat for 2 - 3 years. 231, 212, 30, 313, 228, 

222,167, 242 

Prevent seed set - hand pull or spray at 3-5 leaf stage with Fusilade® 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) + wetting agent; repeat following year if required. 154, 300, 60, 228, 167, 242 

Prevent seed set - hand pull or spray at 3-5 leaf stage with Fusilade ® 5 mL/10 L (250 mL/ha) + wetting agent; repeat following year if required. 165, 60, 228, 167, 242 

Prevent seed set - hand pull or spray at 3-5 leaf stage with Fusilade ® 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) + wetting agent; repeat following year if required. 154, 60, 167, 242 

Cut out small populations, entire plants with dormant buds must be removed; spray with Fusilade ® 600 mL/ha + wetting agent or spot spray with 

glyphosate 1 %. Follow-up with seedling control. 

241, 307, 33, 208, 300, 289, 

310, 101,167, 242 

Prevent seed set, spray with Verdict 520 ® 5 mL/10 L (250 mL/ha) + wetting agent or spot spray with glyphosate 1 %. Follow-up with seedling control. 241, 248, 95, 289, 101, 222, 

167, 242 

resprouts Cut out small plants, do not leave uprooted plants lying on ground - they can resprout; remove flower heads - slash/burn clumps and spray regrowth 

with 1 % glyphosate . Treat young plants with 0.5 % Fusilade ® plus spray oil. May require more than one application. 

resprouts Solarisation; shade out; spray Fusilade ® 5 mL/L + wetting agent in late spring/summer and then in autumn or glyphosate 1 %; 

follow-up always required. Particularly effective after fire. 

Spot spray 50g 2,2 DPA + wetter in 10 L of water. 222 

231, 21, 152, 134, 241, 300, 

30, 331, 228, 222,167, 242 

231, 307, 241, 59, 24, 289, 

53, 222, 101,167, 242 

resprouts, increases Cut out plants; slash/burn clumps and spray regrowth with glyphosate 1 %. Follow-up with seedling control over following years. 231, 30, 17, 241, 298,167, 

242 

Spray 0.5 % glyphosate in spring/summer or Verdict 520 ® 2 mL/10 L (100 mL/ha) + wetting agent. 241, 222, 247,167, 242 

Spray 1 % glyphosate in spring. 300,167, 242 

probably killed Prevent seed set; intolerant of dense shade; spray Verdict 520 ® 5 mL/10 L (250 mL/ha) + wetting agent at 3-5 leaf stage up to first tillering. 17, 118, 222,167, 242 

resprouts, enhances seed 

production and germination 

resprouts, enhances seed 

production and germination 

Spot spray 1 % glyphosate. 

Cut out - ensure crown removal; spray with Fusilade ® 8 mL/L (4L/ha) + wetting agent - follow-up in subsequent years; utilise unplanned fires and 

spray regrowth and seedlings within 4-6 weeks. Do not slash. 

231, 97b, 216, 102, 289, 68, 

167, 242 

Cut out small populations removing all rhizomes; spray with Fusilade ® ; utilise unplanned fires and spray regrowth and seedlings within 4-6 weeks. 231, 210, 167, 242 

Hand pull; spray with Fusilade ® 20 mL/10 L + wetting agent before flowering stem emerges; or 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) at 3-5 leaf stage - secondary 

seedling flush often occurs - repeat if necessary. 

231, 30, 228, 222, 167, 242 

resprouts Spray with Verdict 520 ® 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) or glyphosate 1 % + penetrant. 228, 222, 167 

resprouts Cut out small plants; spray with 1 % glyphosate; utilise unplanned fires and spray regrowth at 5-10 cm. Always requires follow-up treatment. 231, 345, 248, 92, 102, 228, 

167, 242 

resprouts Spray monocultures with 1 % glyphosate + Pulse® or Fusilade® 

(10 mL/L) + Agral (3.5 mL/L) towards end of summer, respray begining of 

following summer. 

240, 21, 96, 167, 242 

Spray glyphosate 0.5 % 17, 60, 30, 222, 167, 242, 

222 

Spray glyphosate 0.5 % 167, 242, 222 

Prevent seed set - hand pull or spray with Fusilade ® 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) + wetting agent 4-6 weeks after opening rains . 228, 222, 167, 242 

resprouts Cut out small populations - ensure tiller bud removal; spray with 1 % glyphosate between November and March. Spray seedlings at 5 leaf stage with 

Fusilade ® 

at 20 mL/10 L (1L/ha) or slash in spring and spot spray regowth when 15cm high with glyphosate. 

167, 242 

247, 313, 209, 167, 242 

29


Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail Grass a c C3 yes win-spr spr-sum seed mammal, wind 2-3 

Lolium rigidum Annual Ryegrass a c C3 win-spr spr-sum seed water, wind, 

mammal 

Lolium temulentum Darnel a c C3 win-spr spr-sum seed water, wind 

Melinis repens Natal Redtop p c C4 warmer 

months 

30 

Species Common name Lifeform Growth 

form 

sum seed 

Parapholis incurva Coast Barbgrass a c C3 aut-win spr seed 

Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum p c/sr C4 late spr-early 

aut 

sum seed, short rhizome animal, water, 

wind 

Paspalum distichum Water Couch p s/r C4 spr-aut sum stolon, rhizome, 

seed 

Paspalum urvillei Vasey Grass p c/sr C4 spr-aut spr-sum seed 

Paspalum vaginatum Saltwater Couch p s C4 spr-aut sum 

Pennisetum 

clandestinium 

Pennisetum 

macrourum 

Kikuyu p s/r C4 warmer 

months 

African Feather Grass p c/r C4 spr-aut sum seed, rhizomes, 

tillers 

Pennisetum purpureum Elephant Grass p c/r C4 spr-aut spr-sum rhizomes, tillers, 

seed? 

2-4 

water ? 

sum rhizomes, stolons water, wind seed rare 

water, wind 

Pennisetum setaceum Fountain Grass p c C4 spr-aut spr-sum seed wind,water, 

mammal, slash 

Pentaschistis airoides False Hair Grass a c C3 win spr seed 

Pentashchistis pallida Pussy Tail p c C3 win spr seed wind, ant 

Phalaris minor Lesser Canary Grass a c C3 win-spr spr-sum seed wind, water, 

mammal 

Phleum arenarium Phleum a c C3 win spr seed wind, water 

Phragmites australis Common Reed p r/s C3 spr-sum sum rhizomes, stolons, 

(seed) 

Piptatherum 

miliaceum 

Rice Millet p c C3 win-spr spr-sum seed mammal, wind, 

water 

wind, water, bird viable seed? 

6+ 

wind, water establishment rare 

Poa annua Winter Grass a c C3 yes win-spr spr seed wind, water 3 

Polypogon maritimus Coast Beardgrass a c C3 win-spr spr-sum seed 

Polypogon 

monspeliensis 

Annual Beardgrass a c C3 win-spr spr-sum seed mammal, wind, 

water 

Rostraria cristata Annual Cat's Tail a c C3 win spr seed 

Rostraria pumilla Rough Cat's Tail p c C3 win spr 

Sorghum halepense Johnson Grass p r C4 spr-sum sum seed, rhizome explosive, wind, 

water, bird 

Spinifex sericeus Spinifex p s C4 spr-sum late 

spr-sum 

Sporobolus africanus Paramatta Grass p c C4 spr-sum late 

spr-sum 

Stenotaphrum 

secundatum 

Buffalo Grass p s C4 less active 

in winter 

stolon, seed? 

sum rhizomes, stolons, 

some seed 

Tribolium uniolae Tribolium p c/sr C3 spr spr-sum seed, 

short rhizome 

Urochloa mutica Para Grass p s C4 late 

spr-sum 

irregular stolon, (irregular 

seeder) 

seed wind, water, 

mammal 

5+ 

water seed rare 

water, wind, ant ? 

wind, water (seed set variable) 

Vulpia bromoides Squirrel's Tail Fescue a c C3 win-spr spr mammal, water persistent (med?) 

Vulpia myuros Silver Grass, Rat's Tail 

Fescue 

Photosynthetic 

pathway 

Staggered 

germination 

Growing 

season 

Flowering Reproductive unit Dispersal agent Seedbank persistence 

(years) 

a c C3 win-spr spr seed mammal, water 2-3 

Lifeform: a = annual, p = perennial. Growth form: c = caespitose, r = rhizomatous, s = stoloniferous, sr = shortly rhizomatous. Photosynthetic pathway: C3 = 

cool season grass, C4 = warm season grass. Growing season: usual period of active growth. Flowering: period over which grass flowers. 

Seedbank persistence: length of seed viability in years (where known).


Fire response Suggested methods of management and control References 

Prevent seed set - spray with 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ ha) Fusilade ® 

+ spray oil at 2-8 leaf stage before stem elongation. 60, 30, 228, 222, 167, 242 

Prevent seed set - hand pull or spray with grass-selective herbicide 4-6 weeks after opening rains. 60, 228, 167, 242 

Prevent seed set -spray with 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) Fusilade ® + wetting agent before stem elongation. 60, 222, 167, 242 

Cut out small populations. Spray 8 mL/L (2-4L/ha) Fusilade ® + wetting agent. 60, 241, 101, 167, 242 

Cut out small populations - ensure rhizome removal; spray with grass selective herbicide or cut near ground level and immediately wipe with 10 % 

glyphosate or spray adult plants10 mL/L Fusilade + wetting agent. Follow-up seedling control - spray 1 mL/L Fusilade ® + wetting agent. 

231, 96, 247, 241, 222, 167, 

242 

resprouts Spray with glyphosate 1 %, 2-3 sprays over single growing season. Plant weed break to block spread into at risk habitats. 292, 228, 167, 242 

Cut out small populations - ensure rhizome removal; slash and spray regowth with grass-selective herbicide or 1 % glyphosate. Follow-up seedling 

control - spray 10 mL/L Fusilade ® + wetting agent. 

As for P. distichium 

resprouts Solarisation over warmer months; spray with 1 % glyphosate or Fusilade ® 10 mL/L + wetting agent, 2-3 sprays over single growing season 

often required. 

resprouts Dig out small infestations; slash winter and/or spray with glyphosate 1 % + penetrant in spring to autumn. Follow up treatment until regrowth ceases - 

follow-up seedling control. 





247, 167, 242 

231, 241, 21, 247, 53, 228, 

167, 242 

21, 96, 149, 248, 30, 122, 

167, 242, 150 

241, 167, 242 

314, 241, 26, 102, 53, 190, 

167, 242 

60, 167, 242 

Prevent seed set - cut out or spray with grass-selective herbicide. 60, 167, 242 

Prevent seed set - Spray 5 mL/L Fusilade ® + wetting agent. 60, 167, 242 

60, 167, 242 

resprouts In summer dry areas, slashing over succesive years reduces biomass; spot spray with glyphosate. 60, 167, 129, 242, 315 

Cut out young plants, slash larger clumps and spot spray with glyphosate. 60, 167, 242 

60, 167, 242 

Spot spray 1 % glyphosate. 167, 242, 222 

Spot spray 1 % glyphosate. 60, 167, 242, 222 

resprouts Spray during first 2 weeks of season's growth - glyphosate 1 % (during summer); or 8 mL/10 L (400 mL/ha) Verdict 520 ® + wetting agent; avoid soil 

disturbance; follow-up with spot sprays and seedling control. 

resprouts 167, 242 

167, 242 

167, 242 

167, 234, 53, 21, 16, 293, 

78, 53, 222, 242 

resprouts Cut and bag seed head then dig out; slash large clumps in winter/spring and spray regrowth with glyphosate at label ra tes (summer/autumn). 167, 300, 27, 242 

resprouts Solarisation over warmer months; spray with glyphosate 1 %, 2-3 sprays over single growing season or 8 mL/L (4 L/ha) Fusilade ® + wetting agent. 

Plant weed break to block spread into at risk habitats. 

resprouts Spot spray with glyphosate 10 mL/L or Fusilade ® 12 mL/L + wetting agent prior to boot stage. Spot spray resprouting clumps and blanket spray 

seedling flushes with Fusilade ® 10 mL/L + wetting agent. 

167, 231, 21, 228, 222, 242 

167, 43, 242 

resprouts Spray with 2 % glyphosate. 167,241, 300, 289, 242 

Prevent seed set - hand pull, spray with Select ® 10mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) (resistant to 'fops' group of herbicides) prior to boot stage. 228,167, 242 

seed survives most fires Prevent seed set - hand pull, spray with Select ® 10 mL/ 10 L (500 mL/ha) (resistant to 'fops' group of herbicides) prior to boot stage. 309, 228, 242 

31

32 

Chapter 4 Corms, Bulbs 

and Tubers 

The Weeds that Die Back to Fleshy Underground 

Storage Organs 

Dying back to underground storage organs is a strategy 

to avoid drought and fire and to cope with low-nutrient 

soils (Raunkaier 1934, Pate and Dixon 1982, Ruiters et 

al. 1993). This strategy is employed by plants of 

Mediterranean ecosystems across the world and these 

plants are known as geophytes. Around 95 % of 

geophytes introduced to south west Australia come 

from the Cape Region of South Africa. Pre-adapted to 

the Mediterranean climate, the nutrient-poor soils and 

relatively frequent fires of south west Western 

Australia, they pose a serious threat to bushland in the 

region. The ability to invade relatively undisturbed 

bushland makes them a particularly serious group of 

environmental weeds. 

Geophyte weeds can be found invading a range of plant 

communities and conservation reserves across the 

Swan Coastal Plain and Jarrah Forest. On the 

Spearwood dunes at Shenton Bushland Freesia (Freesia 

alba x leichtlinii), Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa), 

Watsonia (Watsonia meriana) and Pink Gladiolus 

(Gladiolus caryophyllaceus) are all serious invaders of 

relatively undisturbed Banksia woodland. On the 

heavier winter wet soils at Brixton Street Wetlands, 

Harlequin Flower (Sparaxis bulbifera) and a number of 

Watsonia species are widespread in the wetland and a 

serious threat to the diverse native herblands. Babiana 

(Babiana angustifolia), Hesperantha (Hesperantha 

falcata), One Leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) and 

Black Flag (Ferraria crispa) are all present in small 

populations on the disturbed edges. At the foot of 

Darling Scarp, in the Talbot Road Bushland, Harlequin 

Flower, Freesia and Bulbil Watsonia (Watsonia meriana 

var. bulbillifera) are invading undisturbed Marri and 

Banksia woodlands, displacing the native herbs that 

make up much of the understorey. Just north of Perth 

along the edges of the Gingin Brook, Arum Lily 

(Zantedeschia aethiopica) and Taro (Colocasia 

esculenta) are a serious threat to the last remaining 

patches of Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) 

and Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis) woodlands. Most of 

these bushlands are listed as regionally significant and 

some support rare and threatened flora and threatened 

plant communities. Geophyte weeds are one of the 

greatest threats to their conservation values. 

This chapter deals with the weedy geophytes as a 

group as they often share common life-cycles and 

similar reproductive biology. This in turn often relates 

to similar control methods and management strategies. 

A single plant of Watsonia meriana on the edge of shrublands in 

Talbot Road Bushland. 

In this chapter the life-cycles and reproductive biology 

of the corms, the bulbs and then the tubers are 

described. How this relates to their dispersal, spread, 

establishment and persistence over time is covered 

next. Towards the end of the chapter detailed case 

studies illustrate how all this information relates to 

management and how it can be used to control these 

weeds where they are invading particular bushlands. 

Finally a table of available control and management 

information for 57 species of geophyte weeds is 

presented.

The underground storage organs; 

life-cycles and reproduction 

The underground storage organs of these weeds fall 

into three categories; corms, bulbs or tubers – 

depending on the plant part that is modified to make 

up the storage organ. Understanding their life-cycles 

and reproductive biology is an important part of 

knowing how to prevent spread and control these 

sometimes indefatigable invaders. 

The corms 

Corms comprise underground swollen stems or stem 

bases. The following naturalised genera Babiana, 

Chasmanthe, Freesia, Gladiolus, Hesperantha, Watsonia, 

Moraea, Sparaxis and Ferraria all die back to corms 

over summer. 

Freesia forming stem cormels just after 

flowering in late spring/early summer. 

Chapter 4 Corms, Bulbs and Tubers 

Life-cycles 

Almost without exception the weedy cormous plants in 

south west Western Australia are summer-dormant 

sending up their first shoots as the temperatures drop 

with the autumn rains. Almost all have annually 

renewed corms (Du Plessis and Duncan 1989). That is, 

each year a new daughter corm, sometimes two, is 

formed as the plant is actively growing. Meanwhile the 

parent corm slowly exhausts and dies. Sometimes the 

remains of the parent can be observed as a series of 

plates below large old corms of Watsonia or woody 

tunics on corms of Hesperantha. 

Black Flag is an interesting exception. It has a column 

of persistent perennial corms to which a new corm is 

added each year (Box 4.1). Taro, a native of southeast 

Asia, is another exception. It grows actively through 

summer and has a perennial corm. Although dormant 

through winter it doesn’t always lose its leaves. 

Reproduction 

Basal cormels on Wavy Gladiolus 

(Gladiolus undulatus). 

Cormous weeds are able to reproduce vegetatively in a 

variety of ways. 

• Two or more daughter corms from the one parent 

corm. 

• Axilliary buds formed on parent corms that go to 

produce new plants when the growing shoot is 

removed. 

• Tiny ‘seed like’ cormels produced around the base 

of the parent corm or along stems. 

Most species also reproduce by seed and seed and 

cormels are the main mechanisms for medium to long 

distance dispersal. 

Stem cormels on Bulbil Watsonia in 

late spring, after flowering. 

33

34 


The bulbs 

Bulbs are made up of swollen leaf bases. They form the 

underground storage organs for many common weeds 

such as Amaryllis, Allium, Lachenalia and Oxalis. The 

bulbs of Lachenalia, Oxalis and Allium are annually 

renewed while others such as Amaryllis are perennial. 

Life-cycles 

Most bulbous weeds are summer dormant, sending up 

leaves as the temperatures drop with the first autumn 

rains. Flowering and seed set take place at the end of 

the growing season, in winter to late spring. There are 

exceptions though. The flowers of Easter Lily 

(Amaryllis belladonna) and some others in the family 

Amaryllidaceae emerge in early autumn, often long 

before the first rains with the leaves appearing after 

flowering is finished. 

Bulbils forming on the 

base of Yellow Soldier 

stems. 

Reproduction 

Bulbous weeds reproduce vegetatively in a number 

of ways. 

Perennial bulbs such as Amaryllis and Narcissus 

produce offsets or daughter bulbs each year. 

Oxalis produces new bulbs and bulbils that arise from 

nodes along underground stems. 

Lachenalia bulbifera, as the name suggests, has a 

frightening capacity to reproduce from bulbils formed 

around the base of the bulb, along underground stems 

and even along the base of leaves left lying around. 

Lachenalia refexa (Yellow Soldier) has also been 

observed to produce bulbils on the base of leaves 

and flowering stems that have become separated from 

the bulb. 

Most bulbous weeds produce large amounts of seed 

each year and seed appears to be a major mechanism 

for dispersal into relatively undisturbed bushland. 

Bubils forming on the end 

of underground stems in 

Finger Leaf Oxalis 

(Oxalis glabra). 

Bulb offset forming in 

Narcissus. 

Bulbils forming along the stems of Lachenalia 

bulbifera at flowering time.

The tubers 

Tubers generally comprise swollen underground 

stems or roots. Asparagus (A. asparagoides - Bridal 

Creeper, A. declinatus - Bridal Veil, A. densiflorus - 

Asparagus Fern and A. scandens - Climbing 

Asparagus) arise from rhizomes (underground stems) 

supported by a dense tuberous root mat. Arum Lily 

arises from a large tuberous root sometimes referred 

to as a rhizomatous tuber. 

Life-cycles 

The species of Asparagus that occur as weeds in 

bushland around Perth are all dormant over the 

summer months with active growth triggered by falling 

temperatures and the first rains in autumn. 

Arum lily will retain green leaves year round if there is 

sufficient water available. On drier sites it goes into 

dormancy over summer. 

Perennial tuberous root mat of Bridal Creeper 

with a shoot coming from the rhizome. 


Reproduction 

Vegetative reproduction in Bridal Creeper is via yearly 

expansion of rhizomes supported by a perennial 

tuberous root mat. The mat is usually five to ten 

centimetres below the soil surface and up to 10 

centimetres thick. The rhizomes have a series of shoot 

buds along their length and new shoots always arise 

from the rhizome, never directly from a tuber. This bud 

bank confers local persistence and an ability to 

withstand disturbance (Willis 2000). 

The perennial tubers of Arum Lily produce offsets 

throughout the growing season. Spread in this way is 

very localised, less than 30 centimetres per year 

(Moore 1997). 

Both Arum Lily and Bridal Creeper produce large 

amounts of viable seed each year. 

Arum Lily tuber with tiny daughter 

tubers starting to form. 

35

36 


Spread into undisturbed bushland 

Most bulbous and cormous species originally establish 

at bushland sites via dumped garden rubbish or soil. 

Once established, production of daughter corms or 

bulbs, unless there is extensive soil movement, only 

allows for local expansion of existing populations. Seed 

provides the major mechanism for medium to long 

distance dispersal into undisturbed bushland. 

The seeds of species such as Freesia, Sparaxis and 

Lachenalia have no specialised adaptation for 

dispersal, relying mainly on water or soil movement. 

Gladiolus, and to a lesser degree Watsonia, with their 

winged seeds, can also rely on wind for medium to 

long distance dispersal (Goldblatt 1989, Goldblatt and 

Manning 1998). The widespread distribution of Pink 

Gladiolus throughout bushland around Perth is often a 

reflection of its predominantly wind dispersed seed. 

Fire appears to play a major role in the seedling 

establishment of many of these species, facilitating the 

expansion of populations into otherwise intact 

bushland (Box 4.2). 

For those species that do not set seed, movement into 

relatively undisturbed bushland is reliant on soil 

disturbance. Soursob (Oxalis pes-caprae), Finger Leaf 

(O. glabra) and Four O’Clock (O. purpurea) rarely set 

seed in the Perth area. Spread is almost entirely 

dependent on movement of bulbs or bulbils. Left 

undisturbed Soursob will only spread around ten 

centimetres per year (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001). 

Consequently these weeds often occur on the 

degraded edges of bushland and, without soil 

disturbance, rarely spread into intact areas. 

The tiny cormels produced around the base of 

cormous species such as Wavy Gladiolus (Gladiolus 

undulatus) and around the base and in the leaf axils of 

Two Leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea miniata), also provide a 

mechanism for medium to long distance dispersal and 

for spread into undisturbed bushland. This can be via 

water, soil movement, birds and human activity. 

c 

a 

Scale x 2 

Scale x 5 Scale x 5 

Seeds of a) Watsonia, b) Pink Gladiolus, c) Freesia, d) Harlequin Flower, e) Yellow Soldier. 

Birds are the agents of medium to long distance 

dispersal of the fleshy berries of Arum Lily and the 

small red berries of Bridal Creeper and the major 

mechanism for establishment of new populations in 

undisturbed areas (Stansbury 1996, Moore 1997). 

Water flow and, for Arum Lily, foxes (ingesting seed), 

also play a role. 

Persistence of propagules 

The seeds 

Among natural populations within the Cape Region of 

South Africa, the seeds of most geophytes do not 

display dormancy and do not require fire-related cues 

(smoke or heat) to germinate (Keeley and Bond 1997). 

Interestingly horticulturists have found that with very 

few exceptions the seed of South African geophytes 

germinate easily, most in the first season after ripening 

(Du Plessis and Duncan 1989). 

The seed contained within the fleshy berries of Bridal 

Creeper generally germinate or decay within two years 

(Raymond 1996) and those of Arum Lily in less than six 

months (Panetta 1988). 

Observations in bushland around Perth certainly 

suggest that, for many species, most seed germinate in 

the first winter after ripening. Each year carpets of 

seedlings can be observed among invading populations 

of Freesia, Sparaxis, Lachenalia, Romulea and some 

species of Gladiolus. However in a season immediately 

following any control program where seed set is 

prevented, few seedlings can be observed. So once 

adult plants have been controlled follow-up work on 

seedlings could be over in a few short years. There are 

bound to be exceptions though. 

Effective management will rely on detailed 

information and research on individual species. In the 

meantime it is important to remain vigilant for at least 

five years following initial control of adult plants. 

d 

Scale x 1 

e 

b 

Scale x 5

Box 4.1 Black Flag – a growing concern 


Black flag (Ferraria crispa) has been around as a garden escape in the Perth area for more than 100 years. It 

was first collected by the botanist Alexander Morrison from ‘east of Perth’ in 1898. It is now naturalised on 

sandier soils in Banksia and Tuart woodlands from Perth around the coast to Busselton, in Karri forest around 

Augusta and on sandier soils in Agonis woodlands near Albany. It has also been recorded from roadsides in the 

Wheatbelt, 100 km east of Perth, near Cunderdin (Western Australian Herbarium 1998). 

Currently Black Flag grows mainly in discrete patches on the disturbed edges of bushland and along roadsides. 

Spreading both by corms and seed, occasional infestations can be found in the middle of relatively undisturbed 

areas. Once established in bushland it can form dense monocultures excluding most native flora. 

The unusual biology of Black Flag makes it of particular concern to anyone trying to protect native plant 

communities from exotic invaders. 

Each year plants produce a new corm that is added to a column of dormant, previous years’ corms. In 

evolutionary terms the column is thought to be 

half way between a corm and a rhizome (Du Plessis 

and Duncan 1989). 

• Any herbicide application appears to knock 

only the present and sometimes the previous 

year’s corm, leaving all others intact. 

• The next corm down in the column generally 

sprouts the following year. 

• Herbicide does not appear to be translocated 

between corms in the columns. 

• If one of the dormant corms in the column is 

dislodged it will sprout and go on to produce a 

new plant. 

• Large amounts of seed are produced in late 

spring. 

Preventing Black Flag from becoming wide-spread 

in bushland in the short term is going to depend 

on careful physical removal of small infestations 

as soon as they become apparent, or, for large 

infestations, repeated herbicide application over 

many years. Research into the biology of Black 

Flag and management options are urgently 

required. 

For small infestations (approx 2 m x 2 m) on the 

disturbed edge of bushland think seriously about 

physical removal. But be warned – if extreme care 

is not taken your efforts could result in spreading 

Black Flag even further. You may need to sieve soil 

to get all corms and the level of soil disturbance will 

be extreme. All material will require very deep 

burial (more than a metre) away from your 

bushland site. Place excavated material in a ‘tough 

garden bag’ and send to the local tip for deep burial. 

The vegetative parts – corms, bulbs, tubers, 

offsets, cormels and bulbils. 

Vegetative material can sometimes have greater 

persistence in the soil than seed. The cormels of Two 

Leaf Cape Tulip are known to remain viable in the soil 

for at least eight years (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001) 

and cormels from Bulbil Watsonia also remain viable 

for many years (Lamp and Collet 1989). 

Corm dormancy has been reported in Moraea, 

Gladiolus and Watsonia (Box 4.2). You may think you 

have the weed under control when in fact there is a 

population of dormant corms lying just beneath the 

soil surface waiting for the next fire or other suitable 

conditions to stimulate active growth. 

For many species that arise from corms or produce 

bulbils or cormels, follow-up work could be required 

for several years. 

37

38 


Box 4.2 Fire and the geophyte weeds 

Fire is the major disturbance in the Mediterranean 

ecosystems of South Africa from where 95 % of our 

bulbous and cormous weeds have come. Consequently 

many have evolved life history traits that are strongly 

tied to recurrent fire. 

Mechanism for survival 

Dying back to an underground storage organ over the 

long dry summer is an extremely effective way of 

surviving fire. Soil offers very effective insulation to the 

corms or bulbs and some have contractile roots that 

pull the storage organs of young plants deeper into the 

soil helping avoid lethal fire temperatures (Bond and 

van Wilgen 1996). When dormant in summer, most 

cormous, bulbous and tuberous weeds will probably 

survive all but the very hottest fires. 

Dormancy and fire-stimulated flowering 

Some cormous and bulbous weeds, to varying degrees, are dormant between fires and sometimes between 

seasons. That is, the corms remain dormant in the soil producing no leaves or flowers during the growing 

season. Within Cape Tulip populations, for example, up to 60 % of corms may be dormant in any one season. 

Fire often brings most corms out of dormancy but seasonal conditions including soil temperature and rainfall 

also play a role (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001). 

Others flower particularly well following fire with fire-stimulated flowering commonly observed among many 

geophytes where they occur naturally in southern Africa (Goldblatt 1978, Richardson et al. 1984, Le Maitre and 

Brown 1992). Nearly all species of Watsonia flower profusely following veld fire (Goldblatt 1989). Some, such as 

Watsonia borbonica, only flower for the first few seasons following fire (Le Maitre 1984). This mass flowering 

corresponds with prolific seed production. Displays of Gladiolus are also striking in the first few seasons 

following a burn, particularly in the winter rainfall areas on the nutrient-poor sandstone soils of the Cape 

Region (Goldblatt and Manning 1998). It is also interesting to note that horticulturists commonly use smoke to 

induce flowering in South African geophytes with Narcissus tazetta, Freesia and Crinum species all responding 

favourably (Tompsett 1985, Mathew 1997). 

Fire-stimulated flowering also appears to occur to some degree among populations of these plants where they 

are invading the Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Australia. Interestingly both corm dormancy and firestimulated 

flowering have been recorded in Pink Gladiolus invading Banksia woodland near Perth (Marshall 

2001). In the first season following fire workers recorded a mean of 42 flowering plants per one metre square 

plot. Two years after the fire a mean of only 2.6 flowering plants was recorded. The total number of plants 

(flowering and non-flowering combined) decreased from a mean of 54 per plot to 7 plants per plot. This work 

indicates that most corms of Pink Gladiolus seem to go into dormancy between fires. How wide-spread the 

phenomenon is among weedy geophytes requires further investigation as it has important implications for 

management and control of cormous and bulbous weeds. 

Seeds, seedlings and spread 

Generally the seeds of these plants do not require the smoke or heat of fire for germination. Rather, it is 

thought that the fire-stimulated flowering is actually linked to favourable post-fire conditions. For cormous and 

bulbous plants the post-fire environment offers space and light for seed germination and seedling 

establishment in the absence of larger trees and shrubs (Keeley and Bond 1997, Goldblatt and Manning 1998). 

With mass flowering and prolific seed production followed by favourable conditions for seed 

germination and seedling establishment, fire appears to be one of the major factors facilitating the 

establishment of many of these weeds into otherwise undisturbed bushland. 

A window of opportunity 

Pink Gladiolus flowering in the spring season following a summer 

fire in Banksia woodland at Shenton Bushland. 

Fire however also offers a significant opportunity to control bulbous, cormous and tuberous weeds in 

bushland. Following a summer fire these weeds will often emerge in autumn, prior to regeneration of native 

vegetation. The plants are clearly visible and the resprouting flowering bulbs, corms and resprouting tuberous 

mats of bridal creeper are an easy target for herbicide control. Control of established populations and 

prevention of seed production and further spread are achievable. It is an ideal time to control those species 

such as Cape Tulip and Pink Gladiolus that are largely dormant between fires. 

Additional resources should always be made available to control bulbous, cormous or tuberous weeds 

following fire.


Stopping the spread 

• Understand the distribution of the weed across the 

bushland by mapping the spread. This is an 

important first step (chapter 7). Maps are the 

basis for any strategy to limit further spread and 

contain existing populations. 

• Target small populations in good bush and the 

outliers of dense infestations (use the maps). 

• Determine if paths and water run-off are 

contributing to spread of cormels, bulbils or seed. 

• Determine whether the sources of infestations are 

old soil or rubble dumps. Sometimes the only 

option may be physical removal of these dumps 

(Box 4.3). 

• Avoid removing plant material at times of seed or 

cormel production. 

• Avoid working in areas where weeds are actively 

shedding seed. 

• Control in the season immediately following fire 

will prevent seed set in established plants, reduce 

seedling establishment in the post fire landscape 

and prevent expansion of existing populations. 


Physical removal 

Although hand-removal can be very labour intensive 

and ties up a lot of resources it is often the most 

appropriate and sometimes the only method of control 

available. It is particularly appropriate for small 

isolated populations in good bushland. 

Targeting these isolated populations of weeds in 

good bushland and preventing their establishment 

and spread is the key to protecting undisturbed 

plant communities. 

Minimising soil disturbance 

Physically removing weeds with fleshy underground 

storage organs requires extreme care in handling. Soil 

disturbance can lead to the establishment of other 

weeds, particularly annual herbs (Hobbs and Atkins 

1988, Hobbs 1991). In Shenton Bushland the soil 

disturbance caused by physical removal of Yellow 

Soldier bulbs caused an increase in the cover of annual 

weeds such as Flat Weed (Hypochaeris glabra) and 

French Catchfly (Silene gallica). To try and minimise 

soil disturbance a range of tools are used for physically 

removing bulbous, cormous and tuberous weeds. Such 

tools include sharp knives, long screwdrivers and 

narrow trowels for smaller plants such as Freesia and 

Harlequin Flower and specially designed ‘Peter levers’ 

for Watsonia and Arum Lily. 

Box 4.3 Dealing with sources of weed invasion into undisturbed bushland. 

Old rubble/garden refuse dumps throughout Shenton Bushland appear to be one of the major sources of 

cormous and bulbous weed invasion into undisturbed bushland. In late winter 2000 the Friends, City of Nedlands 

with a group of community service workers, Green Corps and EWAN, removed one such dump that appeared to 

be the source of Freesia invasion into the Banksia woodland at Shenton Bushland. The operation took five 

working days and involved moving around 30 cubic metres of rubble, taken away for deep burial at a tip site. 

The remaining bare ground was direct seeded with species of native herbs, shrubs and a few trees. The seed was 

collected from adjoining Banksia woodland. The following autumn Slender Podolepis (Podolepis gracilis), Prickly 

Moses (Acacia pulchella), Native Wisteria (Hardenbergia comptoniana) and Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) were 

among the species germinating on the removal site. A few annual weeds were also present. 

Green Corps team starting to remove the soil dump . The site on completion of removal. 

39

40 


Timing is everything 

Understanding the life-cycle of the weedy geophytes 

over the growing season can mean the difference 

between effective control and unwitting spread. For 

many species hand-removal should only be carried out 

early in the growing season. 

• Late in the growing season specialised roots 

(known as contractile roots) drag annually 

renewed corms or bulbs deeper down into the soil. 

For the relevant species hand-removal is much 

easier and causes a lot less soil disturbance if 

undertaken early in the growing season e.g. 

Freesia, Sparaxis and Watsonia. 

• Stem cormels and bulbils are produced towards 

the end of the growing season. These are easily 

dislodged and can contribute to the spread of the 

weed you are trying to control e.g. Freesia, 

Sparaxis bulbifera, Lachenalia bulbifera. 

• Oxalis species produce bulbils at the nodes of 

underground stems later in the season, just after 

flowering. These are easily dislodged and handremoval, 

after bulbil formation has occurred, 

will generally contribute to their spread e.g. 

Soursob, Finger Leaf Oxalis and Four O’Clock. 

• Towards the end of the growing season, as the 

days get longer and warmer, many species finish 

flowering and start producing seed (often 

coincides with bulbil and cormel production). 

When physically removing plants that are setting 

seed ensure seed is not dislodged and spread 

through the bushland as material is transported. 

For the following species physical removal is 

hazardous at any time. 

• Those species that produce masses of cormels 

around the base are extremely difficult to 

physically remove without dislodging and 

spreading cormels any time of the year. The 

cormels are tiny, float in water and easily stick 

with mud to boots, tools and the feet of animals. 

Physical removal needs to be undertaken 

in a way that avoids releasing or dropping 

cormels. e.g. Wavy Gladiolus, Long Tubed 

Painted Lady (Gladiolus angustus) and 

Two Leaf Cape Tulip. The parent 

corm often confers dormancy on 

cormels and its removal is often 

followed by mass germination 

of those cormels left behind. 

• Arum Lily produces numerous tiny daughter 

tubers that become dislodged during handremoval. 

This appears to happen throughout the 

growing season. 

• The rhizomes attached to the tubers of Bridal 

Creeper will produce new shoots from any tiny 

fragments left behind. 

Note: Physical removal of weeds such as Watsonia, Arum Lily or 

Bridal Creeper on steeper slopes or along creeks and riverbanks can 

lead to serious soil erosion. 

fruits containing 

seed 

stem cormels 

a b c d 

Harlequin flower (Sparaxis bulbifera); a) Summer, dormant corm b) Late autumn, corm begins to sprout c) Early spring, flowering and corm 

exhaustion d) Spring to early summer, leaves begin to die back, seed and stem cormels are formed.

Slashing leaves and stems 

Repeated removal of leaves and stems of some species 

of weedy geophytes over time can reduce population 

density, reproductive output and plant vigour. It is 

generally labour intensive, however, and often not 

effective in the longer term. The few examples below 

illustrate where it can be a useful tool, under certain 

circumstances. 

• If Bridal Creeper is slashed back to the stem bases 

every month over the growing season for several 

years plants are severely weakened (J. Moore 

pers. comm.). In bushland on Garden Island, just 

off the coast of Perth, continual grazing by 

Tammar wallabies has prevented Bridal Creeper 

from becoming wide-spread on the island 

(Keighery 1993). 

• Trials in the fringing vegetation along Bennett 

Brook in Perth suggested that slashing Arum Lily 

back to the base every month over the growing 

season can, in the short term at least, greatly 

reduce the number of adult plants in a population. 

Plants were slashed to the base every month for 

seven months over the 1999 growing season. Over 

80 % of plants in the population did not resprout in 

the 2000 season (Brown unpubl). The slashing was 

done by hand with a sharp hoe and would be very 

labour intensive over a broad area. The work 

would need to continue over a number of years 

and if left for any length of time populations would 

probably quickly return to pre-treatment levels. 

• Work in South Australia has found if Bulbil 

Watsonia plants are slashed at 15 centimetres or 

less above the ground, at the first sign of a flower 

spike, neither flower spike nor bulbils will be 

produced in that year. In addition the plant will 

form smaller corms the following year (Wilson and 

Conran 1993). 

Note: simply removing flower spikes to prevent seed set can 

sometimes lead to more vigorous plants the following year. Work on 

Pink Gladiolus in south west Western Australia found that removal of 

flowers just as they were opening resulted in a larger replacement 

corm (and presumably more vigorous plants that would be harder to 

kill) the following year (Hocking 1992). 

Chemical control methods 

Chemical control of bulbous, cormous and tuberous 

weeds is often the only practical option available for 

dense infestations invading good bushland. It can be 

practical on a large scale, avoids soil disturbance and 

prevents soil erosion. 

Herbicide application needs to be done by experienced 

operators with the correct equipment, knowledge of 

herbicides and an understanding of bushland and of 

the native flora. Regardless of the herbicide, 

application needs to be carefully timed to be effective 

on many of the species dealt with in this chapter, 

particularly the annually renewed bulbs and corms 

(Box 4.4). 

Note: Anyone applying herbicides should have appropriate training 

in the safe use and handling of relevant chemicals (Chapter 8). 


The herbicides 

Important note: The following herbicides are currently the subject 

of a minor use off-label permit in non-crop situations in Western 

Australia. Application must comply with all conditions of the permit. 

Available from: (http://permits.nra.gov.au/PER4984.PDF). 

Glyphosate 

When applied at the correct stage of the life-cycle, this 

non-selective herbicide has been found to be effective 

against a number of South African bulbous, cormous 

and tuberous species. These include Freesia (Freesia 

alba x leichtlinii), Ixia species (Dixon and Keighery 

1995), Watsonia (Day 1993) and Bridal Creeper 

(Pritchard 2002). Glyphosate is an acceptable option 

where the weeds occur in dense monocultures on the 

disturbed edges of bushland. However these weeds 

often grow closely amongst native vegetation and the 

use of non-selective herbicides can lead to 

unacceptable off-target damage unless the application 

method is very carefully targeted (Box 4.2 and Box 4.3). 

Metsulfuron methyl 

Following the introduction of the sulfonylurea group of 

herbicides in early 1980s, metsulfuron methyl (Brushoff 

® , Ally ® ) in particular has been found to be very 

effective against a number of South African 

bulbous/cormous species. These include Soursob 

(Peirce 1998), Bridal Creeper (Pritchard 1991, Dixon 

1996), Freesia (Dixon 1998b), Harlequin Flower (Meney 

1999, Brown and Brooks in press c) and Yellow Soldier 

(Brown et al. 2002). Interestingly, some of these studies 

suggest that many native species are resistant to the 

effects of metsulfuron methyl at rates of 5 g/ha and 

below (Dixon 1996, Meney 1999, Moore 1999, Brown et 

al. 2002, Brown and Brooks in press c). This is an area 

that requires further study and any use of the 

sulfonylurea group of herbicides in bushland needs 

very careful consideration. Metsulfuron methyl can 

remain active in dry alkaline soils and is absorbed by 

roots for many months following application (Parsons 

1995, Noy 1996, Sarmah et al. 1998). 

Chlorsulfuron 

Also of the sulfonylurea group of herbicides, 

chlorsulfuron (Glean ® ) is known to be effective on 

Arum Lily (Moore and Hoskins 1997), Cape Tulip 

(Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001) and Harlequin Flower 

(Brown and Brooks 2002). The impacts of chlorsulfuron 

on native plants that co-occur with these weeds are 

not well understood. Trials on Harlequin Flower 

invading herb-rich shrublands in the Brixton Street 

Wetlands indicated chlorsulfuron had an impact on 

some native herbs (Brown and Brooks in press c). 

Important note: Both metsulfuron methyl and chlorsulfuron can 

inflict damage to vegetation at very low concentrations. Both can 

remain active in the soil for some months following application. They 

should only be spot sprayed on target species invading native 

bushland and always by well-qualified responsible operators with a 

thorough knowledge of the native flora. 

2,2-DPA 

Reported to successfully control Watsonia invading 

remnant native vegetation. Sprayed at a rate of 10 g/L, 

2,2-DPA has little impact on a range of native species 

(Moore and Fletcher 1994, Brown and Brooks unpubl.). 

41

42 


Targeted application techniques 

Sometimes the only option for effective control is a 

non-specific herbicide such as glyphosate. The 

herbicide needs to be carefully targeted so that only 

the weed, often growing closely amongst native 

vegetation, is treated. An example of a successful 

targeted application technique in practice is the 

effective control of Watsonia invading native bushland 

on the Darling Scarp (Day 1993). Using a 500 mL spray 

bottle with a sponge wired over the nozzle, a 10 % 

solution of glyphosate is wiped onto individual leaves 

just before flowering, at corm exhaustion. Community 

volunteers have controlled large populations of Watsonia 

and contained the spread of the weed using this method. 

The effectiveness of this treatment was recorded at 

three bushland sites 

across the Swan 

Coastal Plain from 

1999-2001 with some 

interesting results 

(case study 4.2). 

Wiping Watsonia leaves in spring in 


Biological control 

For the smaller 

cormous and bulbous 

species wiping leaves 

of individual plants is 

not practical. In 

Shenton Bushland for 

example there were 

up to 1700 bulbs of 

Yellow Soldier in a 

single 2 m x 2 m plot. 

With limited resources 

available wiping 

individual plants was 

not an option (case 

study 4.1). 

Biological control is presently available for Bridal 

Creeper. In 1999 CSIRO released a leafhopper that 

weakens the plant by sucking sap, causing a silver 

patterning on leaves and reducing seed set. It is a very 

useful tool for preventing the spread of large 

infestations that are either inaccessible or beyond the 

resources of current control programs. A rust fungus 

has been released and is also available for the control 

of Bridal Creeper. Infected plants shed leaves early and 

are severely weakened. The rust is slow to spread 

through established populations of Bridal Creeper. 

Recording effectiveness of control methods 

and regeneration of native plant communities 

It is important to have in place objective methods for 

assessing effectiveness of control methods over time 

so treatments and management strategies can be 

adjusted accordingly. 

• Maps of a particular weed species in a patch 

of bush: These provide good base line 

information for a control program, and over time, 

if updated, will provide a record of the 

effectiveness of that program. 

• Fixed photo points: Although an interesting 

record, fixed photo points do not provide 

quantitative information on the overall success of 

the program or the degree of follow-up required. 

They also provide very limited information on the 

impact of a control program on the native plant 

community. As long as the limitations are 

recognised, photo points can be a useful tool for 

recording change over time. Photos were 

particularly useful for recording the highly visable 

changes that occurred following removal of Taro 

along the Gingin Brook, (case study 4.3), and for 

recording the change in Watsonia treatment sites, 

as long as they were accompanied by a detailed 

species list. They were not so useful for recording 

change following the removal of smaller cormous 

weeds such as Harlequin Flower in the diverse 

plant communities at Brixton Street. 

For more information Elzinga et al. (2001) provides 

very detailed information on setting up photo point 

monitoring and studies where repeat photography has 

been used to monitor long-term change. 

Importantly though, distribution maps and photos will 

not record in any detail changes in weed populations. 

Recording the density and frequency of particular 

weeds from year to year is often vital in assessing the 

effectiveness of a control program. Also, when 

undertaking any weed management program in 

bushland, the focus is not simply on eliminating weeds 

but on protection of intact native plant communities. It 

is important to have an understanding of what impacts 

the control work is having and what moves in once the 

target weed/s have been controlled. In the incredibly 

diverse flora of south west Western Australia this can 

be a complex task. At one site on the eastern side of 

the Swan Coastal Plain there are over 300 native plant 

species in only 19 hectares and up to 80 in a 10 m x 10 

m plot. It is important to know and understand these 

systems if they are to be managed effectively for nature 

conservation. Some methods used to collect 

information on change over time in populations of 

weeds that die down to underground storage organs 

and co-occurring native species are described in case 

studies on Yellow Soldier (case study 4.1), Watsonia 

(case study 4.2), Taro (case study 4.3) and Harlequin 

Flower (case study 4.4). 

Note: With bulbous, cormous and tuberous weeds, until they begin 

active growth in the growing season following herbicide application, 

it is often not possible to know how many plants including the 

storage organ, have been killed. It may be nine months after 

treatment before you can assess effectiveness of a control program. 

Key points 

• South African geophytes are one of the most 

serious groups of bushland weeds in south west 


• Once established on disturbed edges they can 

invade relatively undisturbed bushland, generally 

via seed or cormels, form dense monocultures and 

displace native plant communities. 

• Fire appears to facilitate establishment of 

seedlings and expansion of populations.

• Fire also offers a valuable window of opportunity 

for control. 

• Understanding the life-cycles of these weeds is an 

integral part of effective chemical and physical 

control and preventing spread into intact 

bushland. 

Dealing with weedy geophytes invading bushland can 

be a complex task. The information in the following 

case studies illustrates that with a consistent and 

carefully targeted effort over time, effective control and 

containment of populations can be achieved. The case 

Box 4.4 Timing herbicide treatment 

Annually renewed corms and bulbs 


For those species with annually renewed corms and bulbs, the 

most effective time for herbicide application is when the parent 

corm or bulb has shrivelled and the new daughter corm/bulb has 

only partly developed. This usually occurs just before or just at 

flowering. Apply the herbicide too early and the parent corm/bulb 

could have enough reserves to survive; too late and the daughter 

corm/bulb will not be affected. 

In addition herbicide application at this time prevents the 

development of bulbils in many species. This is particularly 

important with Oxalis pes-caprae, O. glabra and O. purpurea where 

new bulbils are formed on the nodes of underground stems each 

year (Du Plessis and Duncan 1989, Peirce 1990, 1998). If herbicide 

application takes place after bulbils have begun to develop they 

will probably survive and go on to produce new plants the 

following season. 

Perennial corms 

studies cover managing and controlling the spread of 

the Yellow Soldier, two species of Watsonia, Harlequin 

Flower and Taro where they are invading wetlands and 

woodlands around Perth. The final table provides 

detailed, species-specific information on control 

techniques where they are known. The information in 

the table also highlights the many species of weedy 

geophytes that have similar life-cycles and reproductive 

biologies. The next chapter looks at a much more 

diverse group of weeds, the broadleaf herbs that are 

not geophytes and the sedges and the succulents. 

Only two species dealt with here arise from perennial corms, Black 

Flag (Ferraria crispa) and Taro (Colocasia esculenta). Timing for 

control of Black Flag is quite problematic as the parent corm does not shrivel and die as the new corm 

develops, so effectively there is no corm exhaustion. In addition there is a series of previous years’ corms 

below the parent which appear to be joined by a fine thread of living tissue and it is not known if herbicides 

can be translocated between these corms (Box 4.1) 

Effective control of Taro was obtained by cutting and painting the bases in early to mid summer with 

glyphosate and spraying regrowth in late summer with glyphosate and metsulfuron methyl (Case Study 4.3). 

Some workers have noted that excessive sap movement when cutting bases early in the season prevents cut 

stumps from taking up herbicide. 

Perennial bulbs 

The lowest dry weight of a perennial bulb generally occurs just when all the leaves are up but before flowering 

(Dafni et al.1981). This is probably the time plants would be most vulnerable to herbicide application. An 

interesting exception is the Easter Lily (Amaryllis belladonna) which belongs to a group of bulbs that flower as 

temperatures drop with the first rains – before the leaves come up. Dry weight in the perennial bulbs with this 

kind of life-cycle is generally lowest as the new leaves emerge, a couple of months after flowering (Dafni et al. 

1981) and this is probably the best time to apply herbicide. 

Perennial tubers 

developing daughter 

corm 

exhausted 

parent corm 

remains of 

previous years’ 

corms 

Corm exhaustion in Watsonia meriana – late winter. 

Herbicide application to Arum Lily is effective throughout its period of active growth (Moore and Hoskins 1997, 

Brown unpublished data). Early herbicide application prevents the majority of the population flowering and 

setting seed but misses tubers that begin active growth later in the season. 

Studies on Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) have shown herbicide application to have an impact from 

flowering through to the green berry stage, although is most effective at flowering (Pritchard 2002). 

43

44 

Chapter 4 Corms, Bulbs and Tubers Case Studies 

Case study 4.1 Managing the spread of Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa) 

in a Banksia woodland 

Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa). 

This study investigated the 

effectiveness of hand-removal and 

two herbicide treatments on the 

control of Yellow Soldier 

(Lachenalia reflexa). Trials took 

place in the species-rich 

Banksia/Jarrah woodland in 

Shenton Bushland. The impact of 

each treatment on the native flora 

was also recorded. 

Carefully hand-removing Yellow Soldier in 


Measuring cover of all species 

in treatment plots 

The ‘point quadrat’ method 

(Bonham 1989) was used to 

determine percentage-overlapping 

cover (referred to as cover) for all 

species using 200 points within 

each plot (2 m x 2 m). There were 

five replicates of each treatment. 

Effectiveness of treatments 

Hand-removal (1998 & 1999) over 

two seasons left all natives intact 

but was very labour intensive, 

reducing cover of Yellow Soldier by 

only 44 %. It also triggered 

germination of annual weeds. 

Wiping the leaves (1998) of 

individual plants with a 10 % 

glyphosate solution was not 

effective and was also very labour 

intensive. 

Spot spraying (1999) with 

metsulfuron methyl at 0.2 g/15 L (5 

g/ha) reduced the cover of Yellow 

Soldier by 65 % in one season and 

appeared to have no significant 

impact on native shrubs or herbs 

including native geophytes. 

The control (do nothing) Yellow 

Soldier increased in cover by over 

30 % between 1998 and 2000. 

Percentage cover 

55 

50 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

control 

hand removal 

herbicide 

1998 1999 2000 

Year 

Figure 1. Cover of Yellow Soldier in control, 

hand-removal and herbicide treatment plots 

in 1998,1999 and 2000. The bars indicate 

standard errors. 

Impacts on natives 

The herbicide treatments did not 

significantly affect native shrubs or 

perennial herbs, with both groups 

increasing in cover in the treatment 

plots over two years. Although the 

impacts of the metsulfuron 

treatment on native geophytes 

appeared not to be significant it was 

difficult to assess. There was a large 

variation across the trial sites in 

both cover (which is naturally low), 

and in species. Of the eight species 

present only one, Milkmaid 

(Burchardia congesta), was present 

in all 15 plots. Leafy Sundew 

(Drosera stolonifera), Vanilla Lily 

(Sowerbaea laxiflora), Climbing 

Fringe Lily (Thysanotus 

manglesianus), and Haemodorum 

spp. were present in most plots 

with Pale Grass Lily (Caesia 

micrantha) and Red Beak Orchid 

(Pyrorchis nigricans) occurring only 

occasionally. 

Percentage cover 

15 

10 

5 

0 

control 

hand removal 

herbicide 

1998 1999 2000 

Year 

Figure 2. Cover of native geophytes in 

control, hand-removal and herbicide 

treatment plots in 1998, 1999 and 2000. 

The bars indicate standard errors. 

Implications for management 

Yellow Soldier still comprised 12 % 

of cover in 2000 therefore indicating 

that any broad scale application 

would need to be carefully followed 

up for a number of years following 

initial application to ensure reinvasion 

does not occur. 

In the species-rich Banksia 

woodland at Shenton Bushland, 

Yellow Soldier co-occurs with up to 

25 native species in a 2 m x 2 m plot


and the current policy is to allow 

indigenous species to recolonise 

treated sites unassisted. 

One of the major weeds that 

invades sites where bulbous weed 

control has taken place on the 

sandy soils of the Swan Coastal 

Plain is Perennial Veldgrass 

(Ehrharta calycina). A spray 

program using Fusilade ® is 

successfully controlling this weed 

over much of Shenton Bushland 

including the study site. 

Stopping the spread 

The distribution of Yellow Soldier in 

Shenton Bushland is not dependent 

on disturbance, with populations 

extending into relatively intact 

bushland (Figure 1, Chapter 2). 

Preventing spread into undisturbed 

areas is the primary aim of the 


Yellow Soldier spreads within the 

bushland via seed. The populations 

are generally quite discrete 

suggesting seed is not easily 

dispersed over long distances. 

Table 1. Costing of Yellow Soldier control over time. 

Source: Brown et al. (2002). 

Water movement and human 

activity play a role in the spread. 

Fire reduces competition from the 

native vegetation and creates bare 

areas where the seed can 

germinate. 

Fire, however, can also create 

opportunities for land managers to 

prevent further spread and 

establishment. After fire, Yellow 

Soldier plants are clearly visible and 

the reduced cover of native 

vegetation makes the resprouting 

flowering bulbs an easy target for 

herbicide control. 

Understanding the current 

distribution of the weed allows any 

new infestations to be recognised, 

recorded and targeted for control. 

Note: In this trial, the metsulfuron methyl 

was, where possible, targeted at Yellow 

Soldier and not applied as a blanket 

treatment over all vegetation. This is not a 

difficult or time consuming task but does 

require responsible operators with a 

reasonable knowledge of the flora. There is 

evidence from other studies that some native 

species, particularly seedlings, are 

susceptible to metsulfuron methyl at 5 g/ha 

(Moore 1999). 

How the study was used 

In the two years since the results of 

the study became available to the 

Friends of Shenton Bushland, they 

have secured funding to implement 

control of Yellow Soldier across the 

bushland. The map helped provide 

information for costing the project 

and indicated clear objectives to 

funding bodies. The Friends have 

since hired an experienced 

contractor with knowledge of the 

flora who has carried out the work. 

With approximately one hectare of 

bushland currently invaded the cost 

of control is relatively low. In the 

first year funding was obtained 

through a state government grant 

and in the second year the local 

government authority agreed to 

fund the follow-up work and should 

continue to do so until the 

populations require only occasional 

hand-removal. 

YEAR TREATMENT COST/HECTARE AREA COST 

2001 Brush-off @ 2.5 - 5 g/hectare + pulse@2 mL/L. $300.00/hectare ~ 1 hectare (from maps) $300.00 

2002 Brush-off @ 2.5 - 5 m/hectare + pulse@2 mL/L. $300.00/hectare check 1 hectare $300.00 

2003 As above but also consider hand weeding isolated plants. $300.00/hectare check 1 hectare $300.00? 

2004 Now only hand weeding isolated plants may be required. check 1 hectare 

45

46 


Case study 4.2 Monitoring and managing Watsonia (Watsonia meriana and Watsonia 

meriana var. bulbillifera) invading wetlands and woodlands across the Swan Coastal Plain 

Transect running through Bulbil Watsonia population in Brixton Street Wetlands in a) August 

1999 and b) August 2001. 

While working on Watsonia 

populations at three different sites 

across the Swan Coastal Plain, the 

importance of monitoring the 

effectiveness of weed management 

work and of having an 

understanding of the biology of the 

target species became apparent. At 

all sites W. meriana and/or 

W. meriana var. bulbillifera formed 

dense monocultures, appearing to 

displace much of the herbaceous 

flora and seriously impact on native 

plant diversity. 

Mapping, monitoring and 

managing the populations 

In 1998 the populations of Watsonia 

at Shenton Bushland, Brixton Street 

Wetlands and Talbot Road Bushland 

were mapped. Between July and 

September 1999 a transect was run 

through the length of each 

population, from the highly 

disturbed edge, through the 

Watsonia and into intact bushland. A 

series of quadrats (1 m x 1 m) were 

placed at regular intervals along the 

Table 1. Management actions and herbicide treatment over the monitoring period. 

1999 

2000 

2001 

SHENTON BUSHLAND 

Green Corps team and Friends wiped 

entire population with 1:10 glyphosate 

over 2 days in early September. 

Green Corps team again employed to do 

follow- up wiping. One day’s work. 

Green Corps team employed to do 

follow-up on the remaining smaller plants. 

One day. 

a b 

BRIXTON ST 

Friends and volunteers physically 

removed plants from the clay flats 

throughout the season and in early 

September wiped all plants in the 

population. 

Friends continued hand-removal and in 

early September Green Corps team 

assisted wiping the population. 

Plants left now quite numerous but too 

small for wiping individually and so 

Friends carry on hand-removal program. 

transects, the number of Watsonia in 

each quadrat counted, all other 

species occurring in each quadrat 

recorded and each quadrat 

photographed. This procedure was 

repeated in 2000 and again in 2001. 

Treatments at each site varied as 

outlined in Table 1. 

Shenton Bushland 

Introduction and spread The 

bushland has a long history of 

having garden rubbish dumped 

along its boundaries. Alternatively, 

plant material may have been 

brought in with laterite gravel in 

World War II. Spread appears to be 

by slow expansion of the main 

population via corms and seed. 

Distribution Watsonia meriana 

occurs in a relatively small discrete 

population in Banksia–Jarrah 

woodland at the southern end of 

the bushland. 

Response to treatment Two years 

after treatment a relatively high 

number of plants remained in the 

plots (Figure 1) indicating that 

intensive follow-up will be required 

for a number of years. Before 

treatment the W. meriana 

population consisted mostly of 

large adult plants. One year after 

treatment the population consisted 

mostly of small single leafed plants, 

less than 10 cm high. Those smaller 

plants arose from corms and were 

not seedlings. 

TALBOT RD 

Contractor employed to spray dense 

infestations on disturbed edge and wipe 

plants growing closely among natives. 

(They do not follow instructions and spray 

glyphosate over native vegetation resulting in 

loss of some native plants). 

Green Corps employed to do follow-up, wiping 

individual plants. 

Numbers of plants so reduced that only a few 

isolated plants left for Friends to deal with.

Number of Watsonia 


350 

300 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

0 

Figure 1. Number of Watsonia meriana in 

plots (1 m x 1 m) along a transect through 

the population in Shenton Bushland in 1999, 

2000 and 2001. 

Brixton Street Wetlands 

1999 

2000 

2001 

0 20 40 60 80 

Distance along transect (m) 

Introduction and spread: There 

are at least four species of Watsonia 

in the Brixton Street Wetlands; 

W. borbonica, W. versfeldii, 

W. meriana and W. meriana var. 

bulbillifera. At present only 

W. meriana and W. meriana var. 

bulbillifera form dense infestations. 

Garden refuse, soil movement and 

work along the adjoining railway 

line could all have brought in seed 

and vegetative material. Seed or 

cormels may also have come in 

with water movement or birds. 

Spread appears to be mainly by a 

slow expansion of populations via 

corms, cormels and possibly 

seed. Occasionally however, 

isolated plants are found 100 

metres or more from the main 

population in undisturbed bushland 

indicating cormels or seed are 

dispersed by birds, other animals 

or human activity. 

Distribution: Only a few scattered 

plants of W. versfeldii and 

W. borbonica have been found in the 

wetlands. The one dense infestation 

of W. meriana that was invading the 

highly disturbed area of Viminaria 

shrubland has been eradicated by 

the Friends of Brixton Street. The 

focus of this study was a dense 

infestation of W. meriana var. 

bulbillifera invading understorey of 

the Marri woodland. 

Response to treatment: The 

number of W. meriana var. 

bulbillifera plants remaining after 

two years treatment (Figure 2) 

indicates that intensive follow-up 

will be required for a number of 

years in this site also. Once again 

much smaller plants arising from 

small corms not seed, made up the 

population in the years following 

the initial treatment. 


350 

300 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

0 

0 10 20 30 40 50 


Figure 2. Number of Watsonia meriana var. 

bulbillifera in plots (1 m x 1 m) along a 

transect through the population in Brixton 

Street Wetlands, 1999, 2000 and 2001. 

Talbot Road Bushland 

Introduction and spread: Bulbils 

or seeds may have come in on 

maintenance machinery doing 

works along a drain near the main 

infestation. Water and soil 

movement may also have brought 

material in. Movement into good 

bushland appears to have been 

facilitated by soil disturbance 

associated with track maintenance. 

Distribution: A dense infestation 

of W. meriana var. bulbillifera 

occurs in disturbed Marri woodland 

on the eastern boundary, extending 

into good bushland for around 40 

metres. Occasional isolated plants 

are found in undisturbed bushland 

a long way from the main 

infestation suggesting birds or other 

animals are playing a role in spread 

of cormels and perhaps seed. 

Response to treatment: The 

population of W. meriana var. 

bulbillifera was effectively 

controlled in the first year of 

treatment. No smaller plants came 

back into the sites and the small 

amount of follow-up required was 

on large plants missed the first time 

around (Figure 3). 

What do the results tell us? 

1999 

2000 

2001 

Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera 

responded quite differently to 

treatment at Talbot Road than at 

Brixton Street. It appears this is 

because the population at Talbot 


350 

300 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

0 

1999 

2000 

2001 

0 10 20 30 40 50 


Figure 3. Number of Watsonia meriana var. 

bulbillifera in plots (1 m x 1 m) along a 

transect through the population in Talbot 

Road Bushland, 1999, 2000 and 2001. 

Road was initially sprayed with a 1 

% solution of glyphosate rather 

than wiped with 10 % solution, but 

site differences may also have 

played a role. Brixton Street is a 

denser population on a much 

wetter site. Whatever the cause, 

intensive follow-up will be required 

at the Brixton Street site for a 

number of years. Spraying 

glyphosate is not an option in 

bushlands where Watsonia grows 

closely among native flora. The 

Shenton Bushland population of 

W. meriana is also going to require 

intensive follow-up for a number of 

years. Why large numbers of 

smaller plants continue to come up 

each year at this site also is difficult 

to explain – age and density of the 

population and site conditions may 

all be playing a role. 

Understanding the biology of 

Watsonia and monitoring 

populations is clearly important if 

this weed is to be effectively 

managed. This case study highlights 

the importance of assessing invasive 

weeds on a site-specific basis and 

the necessity of resources to be 

made available over the long term. 

The results of the monitoring also 

provided the impetus to look for 

more effective methods and trials 

with the herbicide Dalapon (2,2-DPA) 

in Shenton Bushland are looking 

promising. This herbicide has been 

used on roadside populations of 

Watsonia in the Albany region for 

many years (J. Moore pers. comm.). 

47

48 


Case study 4.3 Control of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) and subsequent regeneration of the 

native plant community – a case study from along the Gingin Brook 

Illustration: IFAS Center for Aquatic 

Plants 1996. 

The study site was located along a 

section of the Gingin Brook in the 

town site where Swamp Paperbark 

(Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) and 

Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis) 

form the main overstorey in the 

fringing vegetation and Tall Sedge 

(Carex appressa), Tassel Sedge 

(Carex fascicularis) and the fern 

Cyclosorus interruptus the 

understorey. Where Taro invades it 

completely displaces the 

understorey and allows no 

regeneration of overstorey species. 

Small population of Taro, before treatment 

May 1999. 

Physically removing isolated 

population in summer 1999 

Physically removing small (up to 10 

m x 10 m) outlying populations, was 

initially tried in the summer of 1999. 

The work was quite labour intensive 

with corms weighing around five 

kilos and the biomass left to dispose 

of significant. Follow-up work was 

required for the next two years and 

involved removing small plants that 

was regrowth from pieces left 

behind. Although effective on smaller 

populations, physical removal was 

not practical for larger infestations. 

Herbicide treatment in the 

summer of 2000 

In December 2000, following some 

preliminary trials, all Taro (around 

one hectare) was cut to the base 

and the bases painted with a 50 % 

glyphosate solution. These plants 

were up to two to three meters high 

and beyond the reach of a backpack 

unit. Six weeks later the regrowth, 

less than one metre high, was 

carefully spot sprayed with a 2 % 

glyphosate solution + metsulfuron 

methyl (0.05 g/L + Pulse ® 2 mL/L). A 

small 750 mL hand held sprayer was 

used to carefully target Taro 

regrowth. The glyphosate provided 

a relatively fast knock-down of top 

growth so the area covered could 

easily be seen. 

A bare open patch was left following 

removal in February 2000. 

Results from the 

monitoring transect 

Information collected along a 

transect run from the native 

vegetation into the Taro infestation 

showed the treatment was 

effective (Table 1). 

Regeneration of the native plant 

communities – photo points 

from the preliminary trials 

Preliminary trials over the summer 

of 1999/2000 provided the basis to 

treat the entire population of Taro in 

this way. Fixed photo points at those 

trial sites showed the treatment was 

effective. In addition, they showed 

rapid regeneration of the native 

plant community. Photo points can 

provide useful information when the 

changes are visually dramatic and 

the plant community relatively 

simple. In this case the plant 

community went from almost 100 % 

cover of Taro to 100 % cover of 

native species over a couple of 

years. Only six species of natives 

made up that cover; Tall Sedge, 

Tassel Sedge, Swamp Paperbark and 

Flooded Gum all spread by seed, 

often in water flow, while Cyclosorus 

interruptus and Native Knotweed 

(Persicaria decipiens) spread rapidly 

by vegetative means. 

Source: Brown and Brooks (in 

press b). 

By May 2001 native sedges, ferns and 

seedling paperbarks had colonised the 

open ground.


Table 1. December 2000–before treatment, February 2000–the regrowth, February 2002–one year after regrowth sprayed. Cover 

values: 1 (

50 


An integrated approach 

Initially it was thought the 

population could be managed with 

an intensive hand-weeding program. 

The first year this was tested it 

became evident it was going to be 

extremely labour intensive and 

expensive. Effective, affordable and 

appropriate control in the wetlands 

required a combination of carefully 

targeted hand-weeding and 

herbicide application. 

From 1999-2002 bush regenerators 

were employed in the wetlands 

through September/October to 

manually remove small isolated 

populations in undisturbed areas 

and populations growing around the 

edges of claypans where herbicide 

use is inappropriate. At this time of 

the year the wetland soils are still 

soft and entire plants including 

corms come out quickly and easily 

with minimal soil disturbance. 

Workers hand-removing Harlequin Flower in 

the wetlands 

Herbicide trials have indicated that 

Harlequin Flower can be controlled 

effectively with metsulfuron methyl 

(Brush-off ® ) at 2.5 g/ha (0.1 g/15 L) 

with limited impact on co-occurring 

native species in the Brixton Street 

Wetlands (Brown and Brooks in 

press c, Table 1). The Harlequin 

Flower populations are generally 

fairly discrete and are only ever 

spot sprayed. A spray contractor 

with a knowledge of the flora and a 

background in bushland work has 

been employed to carry out 

chemical control on heavier 

infestations in more disturbed areas 

and on the drier sites. 

To be effective over the three years 

the project has relied on workers 

having an understanding of the 

distribution of Harlequin Flower 

across the Brixton Street Wetlands. 

The populations were mapped at 

the start of the project in 1998. 

These maps helped set priorities 

and allowed for a carefully targeted 

works program revisiting small 

isolated populations over a number 

of years. The maps also enabled us 

to accurately record works carried 

out over time and will provide some 

information on the effectiveness of 

the management strategy. 

Figure 1. Distribution of Harlequin Flower • across the Brixton Street Wetlands, September 1998. 

Deep claypan (clay) - Melaleuca lateritia shrubland, Amphibromus grassland 

Wet flats - Viminaria juncea tall shrubland/dry flats - mixed low shrublands 

Shallow claypans (wet) - Pericalymma open heath 

Melaleuca shrubland 

Uplands - Marri Woodlands 

Disturbed areas 

Table 1. Native flora co-occurring with Harlequin Flower in the trial plots. 

Annual Herbs Perennial Herbs-Geophytes 

Aphelia cyperoides Burchardia congesta 

Centrolepis aristata Burchardia multiflora 

Drosera glanduligera Drosera menziesii ssp. menziesii 

Goodenia micrantha Philydrella drummondii 

Hydrocotyle alata Sowerbaea laxiflora 

Isolepis cernua Tribonanthes longipetala 

Schoenus odontocarpus Utricularia violacea 

Siloxerus humifusus Shrubs 

Perennial Herbs Acacia lasiocarpa var. bracteolata 

Borya scirpoidea Kunzea micrantha ssp. micrantha 

Chorizandra enodis Pimelea imbricata var. major 

Chorizandra multiarticulata Verticordia densiflora 

Cyathochaeta avenacea 

Juncus capitatus 

Lomandra spp 

Meeboldina canus 

Mesomelaena tetragona 

Viminaria juncea


Table 2. Management actions across Harlequin Flower populations in 1998 to 2001. 

YEAR ACTION/TREATMENT 

1998 Transects put in place over population. Numbers of Harlequin Flower in each 1 m x 1 m plot counted. No treatment. 

1999 Numbers of Harlequin Flower in plots counted again. Population appears to be expanding rapidly. Hand-weeding program 

attempted across wetlands and all plots hand-weeded. 

2000 Plots rescored. Also this year recorded cover estimates (Braun-Blanquet 1965) for all other species, weeds and natives, in plots. 

Hand-weeding program this year restricted to isolated populations and those in wetter areas. This population (being monitored) 

sprayed 2.5 g/ha Brush-off ® + Pulse ® 2 mL/L. 

2001 Plots rescored and control program continued as for 2000. 

More detailed monitoring 

over time 

In September 1998 three 30 metre 

long transects were run from the 

disturbed edge of the bushland, 

through the Harlequin Flower 

population. Along each transect 

quadrats (1 m x 1m) were placed at 

five metre intervals. The aim was to 

monitor changes in the density of 

the Harlequin Flower population 

Average number of plants 

10 

5 

0 

1998 1999 2000 2001 

Year 

over time and to gain an 

understanding of the effectiveness 

of the management actions. 

The populations of mature (Figure 

2a) and juvenile Harlequin Flower 

(Figure 2b) increased from 1998 to 

1999 before a management program 

was in place. Hand-weeding was 

very effective (1999-2000) and so 

was the herbicide treatment (2000- 

2001). The increase in Harlequin 

a Average number of Sparaxis by 

year and distance from edge 

b 

Average number of juvenile Sparaxis 

by year and distance from edge 

25 

1-2 m 

500 1-2 m 

6-7 m 

6-7 m 

20 

12-13 m 

18-19 m 

400 

12-13 m 

18-19 m 

24-25 m 

24-25 m 

15 

29-30 m 300 

29-30 m 

Average number of plants 

200 

100 

0 

1998 1999 2000 2001 

Year 

Figure 2. a) Average number of mature (flowering) Harlequin Flower plants and b) juvenile 

Harlequin Flower plants in plots (1 m x 1 m) along three 30 metre transects over four years 

(ie three replicates used). 

Flower one to two metres from the 

edge over 2000-2001 may indicate 

that the area missed herbicide 

treatment. If so it illustrates that 

there will be reinvasion of 

populations if follow-up is not 

consistent in the early years of the 


Funding 

Funds have to be sought by the 

Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands 

each year to continue the work. 

It is anticipated that the cost will 

drop after the first three years. 

Unless the control program is 

consistently applied each year in 

the early stages, reinvasion will 

probably eventuate. 

The work at Brixton Street illustrates 

that with some resources and a 

carefully targeted and consistent 

effort over time, effective control of 

seriously invasive geophytes like 

Harlequin Flower moving into 

undisturbed bushland is possible with 

minimum off-target damage to cooccurring 

native species. 

Source: Brown and Brooks 

(in press c) 

Table 3. Cost of works, including funding sources, over three years. * A number of volunteers assisted the bush regenerators with 

their work in the wetlands 

TREATMENT RATE 2000 2001 2002 

Physical removal 

( 2 x bush regenerators) * 

48 hrs @ $17.50 x 2 $1,680.00 $1,680.00 $1,680.00 

Spot spray dense 

infestations (contractor) 

$60.00 per hour $600.00 $600.00 $300.00 

Total $2,280.00 $2,280.00 $1,980.00 

Funding source Wildflower Society W.A Dept. of Conservation Dept. of Conservation 

(Inc.) Perth branch & Land Management & Land Management 

51

Chapter 4 Corms, Bulbs and Tubers Weed Management Table 

Family Species Common name Storage organ Reproductive unit Dispersal agent Time to first 

flowering (years) 

Flowering Seedbank 

persistence 

(years) 

Hyacinthaceae Albuca canadensis bulb offsets, bulbils, seed 2-3 Sept-Oct short 

Alliaceae Allium triquetrum Angle Onion, Threecornered 

Garlic 

52 

bulb offsets, seed water, soil 2 Aug-Oct 

Amaryllidaceae Amaryllis belladonna Belladonna Lily bulb p offsets, seed birds, water, soil 5 Feb-Apr short 

Asparagaceae Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper rhiz/tub p rhiz/tub, seed birds, water, soil 2-3 Aug-Sept 2-3 if buried 

Asparagaceae Asparagus declinatus Bridal Veil rhiz/tub p rhiz/tub, seed birds, water, soil 2-3 Apr-Aug medium? 

Asparagaceae Asparagus densiflorus Asparagus Fern rhiz/tub p rhiz/tub, seed birds, water, soil Mar medium? 

Asparagaceae Asparagus scandens Climbing Asapargus rhiz/tub p rhiz/tub, seed birds, water, soil Aug-Sep medium? 

Iridaceae Babiana angustifolia Babiana, corm ar 

Baboon Flower 

offsets, seed 

water, soil Jul-Nov medium? 

Iridaceae Babiana nana corm ar offsets, seed 

water, soil Aug-Sep medium? 

Iridaceae Babiana tubulosa corm ar offsets, seed water, soil Jul-Aug medium? 

Colchicaceae Baeometra uniflora corm Aug-Dec 

Iridaceae Chasmanthe floribunda African Corn Flag corm ar offsets, seed birds, water, soil 2-3 Jul-Oct 

Araceae Colocasia esculenta Taro corm p offsets, vegetativefragments 

water, soil Mar-Jul 

Amaryllidaceae Crinum moorei bulb p 3 short 

Iridaceae Ferraria crispa Black Flag corm p corms, seed soil Aug-Oct medium? 

Iridaceae Freesia alba x leichtlinii Freesia corm ar offsets, stem-cormels, 

seed 

water, soil, birds 2- Jul-Oct short? 

Iridaceae Gladiolus angustus Long Tubed corm ar 

Painted Lady 

offsets, seed?, cormels soil, water Aug-Nov* 

Iridaceae Gladiolus caryophyllaceus Pink Gladiolus corm ar d offsets, seed wind Aug-Nov medium? 

Iridaceae Gladiolus undulatus Painted Lady, corm ar 

Wavy Gladiolus 

offsets, seed, cormels soil, water Oct-Dec* medium? 

Iridaceae Hesperantha falcata Hesperantha corm ar offsets? seed water, soil Aug-Oct medium? 

Iridaceae Homoglossum watsonium Red Afrikaner corm Aug-Nov 

Alliaceae Ipheion uniflorum Spring Starflower bulb Sept-Nov 

Iridaceae Ixia maculata Yellow Ixia corm ar cormels on stolons, seed Aug-Oct medium? 

Iridaceae Ixia paniculata Tubular Corn Lily, Long 

Tubed Ixia 

corm ar seed Sep-Nov medium? 

Iridaceae Ixia polystachya Variable Ixia corm ar variable seed set Sep-Dec 

Hyacinthaceae Lachenalia aloides Soldiers bulb ar seed water, soil 2-3 Oct medium? 

Hyacinthaceae Lachenalia bulbifera bulb ar bulbils on leaves and 

stolons, seed 

soil, water 2-3 Sep medium?bulbils 

Hyacinthaceae Lachenalia mutabilis bulb ar seed water, soil 2-3 Sep medium? 

Hyacinthaceae Lachenalia reflexa Yellow Soldier bulb ar bulbils on leaves seed water, soil 2-3 Jul-Aug medium? 

Orchidaceae Monadenia bracteata South African Orchid tuber p seed wind Oct-Nov 6+ 

Iridaceae Moraea flaccida One Leaf Cape Tulip corm ar d offsets seed water, soil 2-3 Sept-Nov less than 8 

Iridaceae Moraea fugax corm ar seed, cormels 3 Oct-Nov 

Iridaceae Moraea lewisiae corm ar offsets, seed soil, water, birds 3 Sept-Oct 

Storage organ: rhi=rhizome tub=tuber Renewal: ar=annually renewed p=perennial d=some dormancy between fire 

Reproductive units: bold=main method of dispersal Flowering: period over which plants flower Seedbank persistence: how long seed remains 

viable short=days to 1yr, medium=1-5yr

Suggested method of management and control Timing References 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1% . 

Spot spray glyphosate 1 % + Pulse ® 

171, 242, 108, 101, 

167 

or metsulfuron methyl 0.15 g/10 L + Pulse ® . Just before flowering. 242, 231, 30, 248, 102, 

108, 167, 263 

Spot spray glyphosate 1 % + Pulse ®. After flowering just as new leaves emerge. 242, 167, 108 

Spray glyphosate 1 % + Pulse ® 


or metsulfuron methyl 0.04 g/10 L + Pulse ® . Best results when flowering. 242, 167, 270, 264, 

346, 222 

Spray glyphosate 1 % + Pulse ® . Best results when flowering. 242, 101, 167, 222 

Try 1 % glyphosate + 1 g metsulfuron methyl + 25 mL Pulse ® in 10 L water. Best results when flowering. 242, 101, 167, 222 

Try 100 mL glyphosate + 1 g metsulfuron methyl + 25 mL Pulse ® in 10 L water. Best results when flowering. 242, 167, 222 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1 % . Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 196, 101 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1% . Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 196, 101 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1% . Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 196, 101, 

181 

Spot spray glyphosate 1 % + Pulse ® . Before flowering. 242, 167, 108, 222 

Cut plants to base, paint metsulfuron methyl 0.05 g/L + glyphosate 50 % . Six weeks later carefully spray 

regrowth metsufuron methyl 0.05 g/L + glyphosate 1 % + Pulse ® . 

Hand-remove very small populations, sift soil to find all corms. Some control spraying metsulfuron methyl 

0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1 % . 

In summer when actively growing. Some reports suggest 

later in summer is more effective. 

242, 167 

44, 128, 41, 167 

108, 167 

When flowering. 242, 167, 108, 101 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + Pulse ® (2.5-5 g/ha). Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 108, 253 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1 % + Pulse ® in degraded sites. Physical removal 

can result in spread of cormels. 

Just on flowering? Once parent corm killed cormels in soil 

lose dormancy and germinate. 

242, 167, 108, 140 

Wipe individual leaves glyphosate 10 % , spray dense infesations in degraded area 1 % glyphosate. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 108, 160, 

140 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1 % in degraded sites. Physical removal can result in 

spread of cormels. 

Just on flowering? Once parent corm killed cormels in soil 

lose dormancy and germinate. 

181, 242, 108, 140 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + Pulse ® (2.5-5 g/ha). Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 108 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1 %. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 101, 167 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1 %. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 101, 266, 167 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1 %. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 181, 167 

Try as for L. reflexa. Just on flowering at bulb exhaustion. 242, 167, 109 

Try as for L. reflexa. Physical removal can result in spread of bulbils. Just on flowering at bulb exhaustion. 242, 167, 109 

Try as for L. reflexa. Just on flowering at bulb exhaustion. 242, 167, 109 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + Pulse ® (2.5g-5g/ha). Just on flowering at bulb exhaustion. 242, 46, 167, 109 

Spot spray glyphosate 1 % + Pulse ® . Just on flowering. 30, 242, 101, 167 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/10 L or chorsulfuron 0.2 g/10 L + Pulse ® . Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 248, 138, 

253, 

Try as on M. miniata. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 108, 167 

Try as on M. miniata. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 138, 108, 5 

266, 167 

53

Iridaceae Moraea miniata Two Leaf Cape Tulip corm ar d offsets, cormels on stem 

and base 

54 

Family Species Common name Storage organ Reproductive unit Dispersal agent Time to first 

flowering (years) 

water, soil, birds, 

Cyclone Albey 

2-3 Jul-Nov cormels 8 

Iridaceae Moraea setifolia Thread Thread Iris Iris corm ar offsets, seed water, soil 3 Sept-Jan 

Hyacinthaceae Muscari comosum Grape Hyacinth 

bulb offsets, seed water, soil, birds Sep 

Amaryllidaceae Narcissus papyraceus Paperwhite 

bulb p offsets, seed soil, water Aug-Sep 

Alliaceae Nothoscordum gracile False Onion Weed 

bulb bulbils, seed soil, water Oct-Jan 

Hyacinthaceae 


Ornithogalum thyrsoides Cincherinchee 

bulb seed water Oct-Nov 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis depressa bulb ar May-Jun 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis flava Pink Bulb Soursob bulb ar bulbils soil May 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis glabra Finger Finger Leaf Leaf Oxalis Oxalis bulb ar bulbils soil May-Aug 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis incarnata Pale-flowered Oxalis bulb ar bulbils soil Aug-Nov 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob Soursob bulb ar bulbils soil Jun-Oct 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis purpurea Four o'clock, Largeflowered 

Wood Sorrel 

bulb ar bulbils soil May-Sep 

Amaryllidaceae Pancratium maritimum bulb offsets, seed Aug-Oct 

Iridaceae Romulea flava corm ar seed 2 Jul-Sep medium? 

Iridaceae Romulea obscura corm ar seed 2 medium? 

Iridaceae Romulea rosea Guildford grass 

corm ar seed 2 Aug-Oct medium? 

Iridaceae Sparaxis bulbifera Harlequin Flower 

corm ar offsets, cormels on stem, 

seed 

water, soil 2-3 Sep-Oct short? 

Iridaceae Sparaxis pillansii Harlequin Flower 

corm ar seed Sep-Oct short? 

Iridaceae Watsonia borbonica corm ar d offsets, seed? wind, water, soil 2-3 Sep-Nov medium? 

Iridaceae Watsonia marginata Fragrant Bugle Lily corm ar d offsets, seed water, soil, wind 2-3 Oct-Dec medium? 

Iridaceae Watsonia meriana Bugle Watsonia 

corm ar d offsets, seed water, soil, wind 2-3 Sep-Dec medium? 

Iridaceae Watsonia meriana 

var.bulbillifera 

Bulbil Watsonia 

corm ar d offsets, cormels on stem 

and base, seed 

Flowering Seedbank 

persistence 

(years) 

water, soil, wind 2-3 Sep-Dec medium? 

Iridaceae Watsonia versfeldii corm ar d offsets, seed water, soil, wind 2-3 Sep-Nov medium? 

Araceae Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Arum Lily Lily tub/rhiz p offsets, seed water, birds, soil Jun-Nov short 

Storage organ: rhi=rhizome tub=tuber Renewal: ar=annually renewed p=perennial d=some dormancy between fire 

Reproductive units: bold=main method of dispersal Flowering: period over which plants flower Seedbank persistence: how long seed remains 

viable short=days to 1yr, medium=1-5yr

Suggested method of management and control Timing References 

or chorsulfuron 0.2 g/10 L + Pulse Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 248, 138, 

in spread of cormels. 

253, 5 

Try as on M. miniata. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 138, 108 

® Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/10 L 

. Physical removal can result 

Try 1 % glyphosate + 0.1 g metsulfuron methyl + 25 mL Pulse ® in 10 L water. 


Spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + glyphosate 1 %. Just before flowering. 108, 167 

Try 1 % glyphosate + 0.1 g metsulfuron methyl + 25 mL Pulse ® in 10 L water. Just on flowering. 101, 167, 222 

1 g of metsulfuron methyl in 10 L of water + Pulse ® gives partial control. Before flowering. 300, 228, 167, 222 

As for O. pes-caprae. At bulb exhaustion, generally just on flowering. 242, 2, 167 



Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + Pulse or 1 % glyphosate . Physical removal can result in 

spread of bulbils. 

® , 

At bulb exhaustion, generally just on flowering. 242, 167, 181, 40 

At bulb exhaustion, generally just on flowering. 242, 167, 248, 252, 40 

As for O. pes-caprae. At bulb exhaustion, generally just on flowering. 242, 167, 250, 40 

Try as for R. rosea. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 181, 108, 167 

Try as for R. rosea. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 181, 108, 167 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/15 L + Pulse ® . Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 102, 108, 167 

or chlorsulfuran 0.3 g/10 L + Pulse ® Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/15 L +Pulse Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167, 45, 222 

® 

Try as for S. bulbifera. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 167 

As for W. meriana var. bulbillifera. Just on flowering at corm exhaustion. 242, 194, 108, 167 



Wipe individual leaves glyphosate 10 % or spray dense infesations 2,2-DPA 10 g/L + wetting agent or in 

degraded area 1 % glyphosate. 

222 

181, 167 

Just as flower spikes emerge at corm exhaustion. 242, 139, 108, 167 

As for W. meriana var. bulbillifera. Just as flower spikes emerge at corm exhaustion. 242, 139, 108, 167 

Spot spray metsulfuron methyl or chlorsulfuron 0.4 g/15 L of water + Pulse 

litre hand held sprayer applying a single squirt to leaves avoids off target damage. 

® . Higher concentration in one 

Any time between June and September. Early prevents 

flowering and seed set but may miss later sprouting tubers. 

223, 227, 270, 42, 167 

55

Chapter 5 Broadleaf Herbs, 

Sedges and Succulents 

56 

Herbs are seed plants with non-woody green stems. 

Grasses and geophytes, both classified as herbs, have 

been covered in previous chapters. This chapter covers 

the rest of the weedy herbs. The information is 

presented in two sections – those broadleaf herbs with 

an annual life-cycle and then the sedges, succulents and 

broadleaf herbs with a perennial life-cycle. With their 

small biomass and ephemeral nature, annuals are often 

not serious weeds of bushland. Perennial weeds on the 

other hand, are persistent over time, can form a large 

biomass and tend to have a much greater impact on 

native plant communities. 

Annual herbs 

As a group, annual herbs share similar life-cycles and 

reproductive biology. They also often share common 

management and control strategies. 

Annual plants complete their full life-cycle from 

germination to seed production within one year and then 

die. As their life expectancy is short, they are favoured 

where frequency of habitat disturbance is high (Hobbs 

and Atkins 1988, McIntyre et al. 1995, Sheppard 2000). 

They are among the most commonly occurring weeds on 

the disturbed edges of bushland. Soil disturbance and 

nutrient run-off in particular, facilitate the rapid 

establishment of weeds with an annual life-cycle. 

In south west Western Australia, most annual weeds 

germinate with the first autumn rains, grow actively 

over the winter spring period and set seed and die with 

the onset of higher temperatures in summer. In 

wetlands though, some annual weeds germinate as 

water levels drop in spring, grow actively over the 

summer months setting seed in autumn. Examples of 

the latter include Bushy Starwort (Symphyotrichum 

subulatum) and Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola). 

Others can germinate and go through to flowering 

whenever conditions are suitable, often several times 

over the one year. Caltrop (Tribulus terrestris) and 

Doublegee (Emex australis) are good examples. 

Impacts 

Although there are large numbers of introduced annual 

herbs there are only a few species that are serious 

weeds of bushland in south west Western Australia. 

Many co-exist among native plant communities without 

having much of an impact and are often not a high 

priority for management. However, it is important to 

consider the impacts of particular annual weeds at 

individual sites and over several seasons. There are a 

number that can be serious weeds in particular plant 

communities and under certain seasonal conditions. 

For example, Lupins (Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus 

consentinii) are one of the more serious annual weeds in 

Banksia woodland around Perth. They can form dense 

stands that prevent regeneration of native plants and 

alter the soil chemistry through nitrogen fixation 

(Swarbrick and Skarratt 1994). Each year Fumitory 

(Fumaria capreolata) grows up and smothers native 

shrubs and seedlings among the understorey of Banksia 

woodlands. The seed remains viable in the soil for 

several years (Chancellor 1996, Peltzer and Matson 2002) 

germinating with the onset of any disturbance. Isolepis 

hystrix is emerging as a serious annual weed of clay-based 

wetlands where it forms dense mats, competing with the 

rich native annual flora (Keighery 1999c). 

Annual weeds can have a serious impact where they 

invade native herbfields on granite outcrops (Hopper et 

al. 1996, Pigott and Sage 1996) and the herbaceous 

understorey of York Gum (Eucalyptus loxophleba) – Jam 

(Acacia acuminata) woodlands. They are also often 

prolific on the highly degraded edges of bushland. 

Restoring these sites often involves dealing with 

continual germination of annual weeds competing with 

regenerating natives. 


Management and control of this group of weeds is about 

preventing germination and seed set. On highly degraded 

edges it may sometimes involve restoring/re-establishing 

the cover of some local species that will displace and 

out-compete annual weeds and prevent further dispersal 

of weed seed into undisturbed areas. 

Preventing establishment 

Minimising soil disturbance 

Persistence of annual weeds at a site is often due to a 

long-lived soil seedbank that will germinate with the 

onset of any disturbance. Often the soil disturbance 

brought about by removal of perennial weeds is enough 

to stimulate germination of annual weed seed that has 

lain dormant in the soil. As soon as space and light 

become available dormancy is broken, seeds germinate 

and seedlings establish (Box 5.1). 

Box 5.1 Black Nightshade – a disturbance 

opportunist 

An isolated clump of Arum Lily removed from among 

native sedges and ferns along the Gingin Brook was 

very quickly replaced by a dense monoculture of the 

annual Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum). Seed of 

Black Nightshade can remain viable in the soil for up 

to eight years and dormancy can be broken by light 

(Thullen and Keeley 1982). Black Nightshade will 

need to be controlled until the soil seedbank is 

exhausted or native perennials fill the gap and 

prevent further germination. 

A patch of Black Nightshade coming up where an isolated clump 

of Arum Lily has been physically removed. 

Illustration provided by: IFAS, Centre for Aquatic Plants University 

of Florida, Gainesville, 1996

Chapter 5 Broadleaf Herbs, Sedges and Succulents 

Other annual weeds establish by rapidly dispersing 

into recently disturbed sites. Many annual weeds of the 

Swan Coastal Plain and Jarrah Forest belong to the 

daisy family (Asteraceae), a group with largely wind 

dispersed seed. They are able to disperse effectively 

into sites of soil disturbance, rapidly growing and 

exploiting available resources (McIntyre et al. 1995). 

Often the most prolific is the wind dispersed Flat Weed 

(Hypochaeris glabra) (Box 5.2). 

Box 5.2 Fire and soil disturbance in a 

Banksia woodland 

The disturbance caused by fire and then the handremoval 

of Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa), an 

introduced bulb, in study plots in Shenton Bushland 

encouraged the establishment of weedy annuals. 

Fire 

The initial increase in cover of annual broadleaf 

weeds that occurred over 1998/1999 across all plots 

was probably a reflection of conditions following 

the October 1997 fire. The gaps created by the fire 

and the increased nutrient levels provide ideal 

conditions for annual weed establishment. 

Soil disturbance 

Where Yellow Soldier was removed by hand and 

the soil disturbed, the cover of annual weeds 

increased to an even greater degree. Flat Weed 

(Hypochaeris glabra) was the most prolific. With its 

wind dispersed seed and flat rosette of leaves it is 

a prime example of a weed able to disperse 

effectively and rapidly exploit available resources. 

Other broadleaf annual weeds colonising the plots 

included Ursinia (Ursinia anthemoides), French 

Catchfly (Silene gallica), and Slender Suckling 

Clover (Trifolium dubium). Any hand-removal 

program aimed at controlling bulbous weeds such 

as Yellow Soldier in Banksia woodland is likely to 

result in colonisation by annual weeds. 

Percentage Cover 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

control 

hand removal 

herbicide 

1998 1999 2000 

Year 

Figure 1. The cover of weedy annual herbs in plots (2 m x 2 m) 

for three years following fire. Bars indicate standard errors. 

Keeping out fire 

Fire can also facilitate invasion of annual weeds into 

bushland. Weed seed builds up in the soil seedbank 

between fires. After fire many annual weed species 

germinate, exploit available resources and set seed 

before native species (Fisher 1998, Perez-Fernandez 

et al. 2002). In the two years following fire at Shenton 

Bushland, the cover of annual weeds at study sites 

increased greatly (Box 5.2). 

Assisting regeneration of the native plant 

community 

Management that favours the regeneration of native 

plant communities increases competition against 

weeds. Annual weeds, probably more than any other 

weeds, can be displaced and prevented from 

establishing through careful bush regeneration - 

encouraging regeneration of the native plant 

communities and allowing native plants to fill gaps 

(Bradley 1988, Vranjic et al. 2000). This can be a 

particularly useful tool when fast-growing native 

perennials are present (Box 5.3). 

Stimulating the native soil seedbank to germinate by 

the use of smoke or smoke-derived products (Dixon 

et al. 1995, Roche et al. 1998) is one way to encourage 

regeneration of the native plant community. At most 

disturbed sites weed management will be labour 

intensive and ongoing until a cover of native species is 

well established. 

Direct seeding with local provenance seed 

If there is no native soil seedbank remaining, as in 

many degraded sites on the edge of bushland (Fisher 

1998), then direct seeding the site is the next option. 

Consider the following: 

• The great diversity of native flora of south west 

Western Australia is recognised internationally. 

Less well known is the diversity we cannot see, 

hidden diversity in the genetic make up of our flora 

(Byrne 2002). In order to protect the integrity of 

that genetic diversity, always collect seed locally, 

i.e. from bushland adjoining the restoration site. 

Collecting seed for restoration work locally is, at 

present, the only way to avoid introducing nonlocal 

genetic material and non-local forms of plants 

to bushland. It also ensures plants established are 

adapted to local conditions (Box 5.4). 

• Ensure that the species selected occur on the soils 

and are from the plant community of the site that is 

being restored. Vegetation maps, species lists and 

near-by intact bushland are useful reference points. 

• Think about species selection. When the aim of the 

project is to displace annual weeds along a 

disturbed edge, think about selecting easy to 

establish, fast-growing species. Remember though, 

returning as much of the natural diversity to the 

site as possible is the long-term objective. 

• Weed control will be ongoing for many years until 

a cover of native plants is well established. 

57

58 


• Success will often depend on at least one or two 

year’s site preparation and seed collection and a 

long-term access to resources for follow-up work. 

• Results will vary across sites, soils, seasons, plant 

communities and species selected. 

• Ensure appropriate permits have been acquired 

before seed collection is undertaken. 

Control methods 

There are 60 species of annual weeds listed in the table 

at the end of the chapter. Methods of control are often 

going to be quite specific for each species. 

Nevertheless, some useful generalisations can be made. 

Physical control 

• Hand-removal is only useful before seed set and all 

flowering material should be taken from a site. Left 

behind, it may well go on to produce seed. 

• Mowing or brushcutting can reduce seed production 

and reduce populations if carried out well before 

seed set. As slashing is non-specific it is really only 

useful in highly degraded sites. Work needs to be 

Box 5.3 Managing annual weeds after Arum Lily control – experience from the banks of 

Bennett Brook 

Trials on different methods to control Arum Lily along Bennett Brook highlight the invasive potential of annual 

weeds. The trials were located in a very degraded patch of Flooded Gum (Eucalyptus rudis) – Swamp 

Paperbark (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) woodland. The understorey in most places was a monoculture of Arum 

Lily. Weeds that moved into areas where Arum Lily had been controlled included 12 species of annual weeds 

(nine broadleaf herbs and three species of annual grasses) (Table 1.). 

Interestingly, the only natives to move into the site were four species of herbaceous perennials, all of them 

fast-growing, easily-propagated, mat-forming plants highly suitable for displacing weeds, particularly those 

with an annual life-cycle. Such species are often present in disturbed wetland sites and they provide a great 

opportunity to quickly fill gaps, helping prevent further germination of annual weeds. 

Slender Knot Weed (Persicaria decipiens). 

Water Buttons (Cotula coronopifolia). 

Table 1. Weeds and natives that colonised the site following 

removal of Arum Lily. 

WEEDS 

Annual Grasses 

Annual Rye Grass Lolium sp. 

Annual Veldgrass Ehrharta longiflora 

Annual Barb Grass 

Perennial Grasses 

Polypogon monspeliensis 

Phalaris 

Annual Herbs 

Phalaris aquatica 

Bushy Starwort (annual or biennial) Symphyotrichum subulatum 

Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis 

Common Starwort Callitriche stagnalis 

Pattersons Curse Echium plantagineum 

Lesser Loosestrife Lythrum hyssopifolium 

Slender Birds Foot Trefoil Lotus angustissimus 

Plantain (or short-lived perennial) Plantago major 

Sow Thistle Sonchus oleraceus 

Sharp Buttercup 

Perennial Herbs 

Ranunculus muricatus 

Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus 

Water Cress 

NATIVES 

Perennial Herbs 

Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum 

Juncus microcephalus 

Water Buttons Cotula coronopifolia 

Centella Centella asiatica 

Joy Weed Alternanthera nodiflora 

Slender Knot Weed Persicaria decipiens


carefully timed; too early and some species will 

resprout. Slash too late (after seed set) and the result 

will be further spread of propagules and expanding 

populations of the weed the following year. 

Chemical control 

Spot spraying with glyphosate generally well before 

flowering is the recommended herbicide control for 

many annual weeds. There are some species of annual 

weeds not killed by glyphosate. Check the table at the 

end of the chapter. 

Box 5.4 Using local provenance seed in 

restoration (from Keighery et al. 1998) 

This is a list of species from Brixton Street 

Wetlands that can be easily propagated for 

restoration purposes. The list highlights the 

importance of using locally collected seed. 

Many species have locally occurring forms that 

could be lost with the introduction of genetic 

material (seeds or cuttings) from other areas. 

FAMILY/SPECIES 

Anthericaceae 

HABITAT PROPAGATION 

Sowerbaea laxiflora dry division/seed 

Tricoryne humilis 

Asteraceae 

dry division/seed 

Hyalosperma cotula dry/damp/wet seed 

# Podolepis gracilis 

Haemodoraceae 

damp/wet seed 

Anigozanthos manglesii 

Mimosaceae 

dry seed 

# Acacia lasiocarpa dry/damp seed 

# Acacia pulchella dry seed 

# Acacia saligna 

Myrtaceae 

dry seed 

# Astartea aff. fascicularis wet seed 

Baeckea camphorosmae dry/damp seed 

Eucalyptus calophylla dry seed 

Hypocalymma angustifolium dry/damp cuttings/seed 

Hypocalymma robustum dry cuttings/seed 

# Melaleuca rhaphiophylla wet seed 

# Melaleuca viminea wet seed 

Pericalymma ellipticum 

Papilionaceae 

damp/wet seed 

Kennedia prostrata dry/damp seed 

Viminaria juncea 

Proteaceae 

damp/wet seed 

# Grevillea bipinnatifida dry/damp cuttings/seed 

# Hakea trifurcata dry/damp seed 

# Hakea prostrata dry/damp seed 

# Hakea varia damp/wet seed 

Key # Species with recognised local variants Habitats dry = uplands 

damp = waterlogged areas wet = inundated areas. 

As glyphosate is non-specific it needs to be carefully 

targeted and is only useful in degraded sites where 

there is no danger of off-target damage. 

In direct seeding trials, the Main Roads Department 

has found that Lontrel at 500 mL/ha controls Lupins 

and Cape Weed in the early stages with little off-target 

damage to native species (Grist and Thompson 1997). 

Clopyralid, the active ingredient of Lontrel, is 

particularly effective on members of the Asteraceae 

(daisy family) and the Fabaceae (pea family). 

Important note: Lontrel can persist in the soil for several months, is 

not bound by soil particles, and is highly soluble. It should only be 

applied in bushland by well-qualified, responsible operators with a 

thorough knowledge of the native flora (see Chapter 8.). 

Key points 

• The majority of annual weeds do not have serious 

impacts in bushland and are often not a priority 

for management. 

• Annual weeds often germinate from soil stored 

seed or disperse into a site following removal of 

more serious perennial weeds. 

• Their management is then the next step in the 

restoration process – sometimes simply waiting for 

native perennials to fill the gap. 

• Preventing the establishment of annual herbs in 

bushland is about minimising soil disturbance, 

nutrient run-off and fires. 

• Limiting spread is about preventing or reducing 

seed set. 

• Restoration of native plant communities along the 

disturbed edges, either through germination of the 

native seedbank stored in the soil or direct 

seeding, is often part of a long-term solution to 

management of annual weeds. 

Perennial herbs 

Perennial plants have a life span that extends over two 

or more years. The perennial herbs covered in the 

table at the end of this chapter are a diverse group. 

They include everything from succulents and sedges to 

plants with underground storage organs, to 

Pelargonium and perennial members of the daisy 

(Asteraceae) family. They have a diverse range of lifecycles 

and mechanisms for spreading into bushland. 

As management and control strategies vary 

accordingly, it is not possible or useful to provide 

general information for the group as a whole. 

Instead, case studies are presented for three weedy 

perennial herbs of the Swan Coastal Plain and Jarrah 

Forest. They illustrate how some of the weeds in this 

group can be managed where they are invading 

bushland. Detailed control techniques and information 

on the biology for specific species that are serious 

weeds in the region are provided in the final table. 

59

60 


Case Studies 

Case study 5.1 Direct seeding to manage annual weeds along a disturbed edge of Swish 

Bush (Viminaria juncea) shrublands 

Site history 

• The site has a long history of 

soil disturbance associated with 

track and drain maintenance. 

• Before 1995: The site was 

100 % covered by Watsonia 

meriana with a few emergent 

Swish Bushes. The Watsonia 

population provided a continual 

source of propagules to the 

adjoining intact bushland. 

• 1996 and 1997: The Friends 

of Brixton Street sprayed the 

Watsonia (1 % solution of 

glyphosate as flower spikes 

were emerging) for two 

consecutive years eradicating 

the population. 

• 1998 and 1999: Invasion by a 

large number of annual and a 

few perennial weeds followed. 

Early in the season Wild Radish 

(Raphanus raphanistrum), Wild 

Oat (Avena barbata) and 

Annual Veldgrass (Ehrharta 

longiflora) were prolific and 

later on Slender Suckling Clover 

(Trifolium dubium), Patersons 

Curse (Echium plantagineum), 

Lotus (Lotus angustissimus), 

Vicia (Vicia sativa) and Stagger 

Weed (Stachys arvensis) 

covered the site. 

• There was also some 

recruitment of native species, 

mostly isolated seedlings of 

shrubs including Swish Bush, 

Running Postman (Kennedia 

prostrata), and Acacia 

lasiocarpa var. bracteolata. The 

adjoining bushland is rich in 

native herbs and some of these 

also moved into the site, 

tending to colonise bare soil – 

Yellow Autumn Lily (Tricoryne 

elatior), Centrolepis aristata and 

Goodenia micrantha were the 

most common. 

• Given the resources available, 

hand-weeding was not an 

option. Spot spraying of 1 % 

glyphosate was required four 

times over the season as 

germination of soil stored weed 

seed continued. 

The Swish Bush shrublands at Brixton Street occur on winter-wet clay soils. 

• The management of this site in 

the longer term required 

restoration of native plant 

cover, particularly 

fast-growing perennials to 

displace, shade out and prevent 

continual germination of weedy 

annuals over the winter and 

spring seasons. 

• Trials with smoke water at the 

site in autumn 1999, indicated 

little viable native seed 

remained in the soil. 

The trial 

Seed collection and species 

selection 

Seed was collected from adjoining 

Swishbush shrublands over the 

summer. Species selected included 

five shrubs: Acacia lasiocarpa var. 

bracteolata, Swishbush, Hakea 

trifurcata, Running Postman and 

Verticordia densiflora. Seed was also 

collected from Foxtail Mulga Grass 

(Neurachne alopecuroidea) and 

Clustered Lovegrass (Eragrostis 

elongatus), chosen for their potential 

to occupy bare ground quickly. 

There was one disadvantage in using 

grasses; grass-selective herbicides 

could not be used in follow-up weed 

control as germinating native grass 

seedlings are susceptible. 

Site preparation and trials 

• The site was spot sprayed with 

1 % glyphosate twice over the 

autumn prior to setting up the 

direct seeding trial. 

• Prior to sowing, the soil surface 

in trial plots was very lightly 

raked to create microsites for 

seed germination and to 

prevent the seed blowing away. 

• Trial plots measured 2 m x 2 m 

and there were three replicates 

of two different seed mixes 

(shrubs only and shrubs and 

grasses) and a control – no seed. 

• The hard-seeded legumes 

(Acacia, Kennedia and 

Viminaria) were all soaked in 

just-boiled water for two hours 

prior to sowing. 

• Once seed was broadcast, plots 

were sprayed with Regen 2000 

(smoke water) diluted to 100 

mL/L (Lloyd et al. 2000). The 

aim was to break dormancy 

and stimulate germination of 

the Verticordia and the native 

grass seed. 

• Heavy rains fell in the days 

following sowing.


Case Studies 

July 2000 just after direct seeding. 

Note: 1. Disturbing the soil to create a seed 

bed for germination can easily facilitate 

establishment of more weeds. 

2. Viability of seed was not determined 

before sowing but subsamples were set 

aside for the purpose should germination 

failure occur. 

The trials were hand-weeded twice 

and sprayed with grass-selective 

herbicide where appropriate in the 

winter season following sowing 

(2000). No weed control took place 

in 2001. 

Establishment of natives 

Two years after sowing, in June 

2002, all seeded plots had 100 % 

cover of natives. Hakea trifurcata 

formed the greatest cover in all 

plots followed by Acacia lasiocarpa, 

Swish Bush, Running Postman then 

Verticordia densiflora. Foxtail Mulga 

Grass occurred at 25-50 % cover in 

two plots and 1-5 % in the third. 

Clustered Lovegrass had not 

germinated in any plots. All the 

controls (not seeded) had less than 

1 % cover of native species. 

Effectiveness in displacing 

annual weeds 

The same 6 -10 species of annual 

weeds occurred across all plots, 

seeded and not seeded. The most 

commonly occurring were Scarlet 

Pimpernel, Wild Oat, Blowfly Grass, 

Slender Suckling Clover, Slender 

Birds Foot Trefoil and Silver Grass 

(Vulpia species). Together they 

formed 100% cover in all the control 

(unseeded) plots. In the seeded 

plots, where native cover was 

established, the weeds were more 

scattered and less vigorous with 

reduced flowering and seed 

production. 

Management implications 

July 2002, two years later. 

• Although a cover of native 

species was established within 

two years at this site, the 

complete displacement of 

annual weeds is a longer-term 

project. 

• Direct seeding will need to be 

at a larger scale than the trial 

plots (2 m x 2 m). 

• Weed control in the winter 

season following sowing will 

need to be very intensive to 

ensure seedling establishment. 

• Establishment of native shrub 

cover along the disturbed edges 

will begin to reverse the cycle 

of degradation. It will prevent 

further weed encroachment 

into intact bushland and, over 

time, reduce resources required 

for weed control. 

This case study highlights the 

complexities of restoring degraded 

bushland edges where there are 

scattered regenerating natives 

among a diverse weed flora. 

61

62 


Case Studies 

Case study 5.2 Preventing further spread of a recent invader – Holly-leafed Senecio 

(Senecio glastifolius) 

Holly-leafed Senecio, a tall perennial 

herb from the daisy family, occurs 

naturally in the Cape Region of 

South Africa. It was first recorded 

as naturalised in Western Australia 

in 1986 (Western Australian 

Herbarium 1998). Collected from 

the Mt Adelaide and Mt Clarence 

Nature Reserves in the south west 

town of Albany, Holly-leafed Senecio 

was apparently an escapee from a 

garden adjoining the reserve. A 

series of fires facilitated rapid 

expansion of the original infestation 

and slashing of fire breaks 

contributed to further spread of 

seed. Holly-leafed Senecio now 

occurs throughout much of the 260 

hectares of Jarrah (Eucalyptus 

marginata), Albany Blackbutt 

(Eucalyptus staeri), and Marri 

(Eucalyptus calophylla) woodlands, 

as well as Allocasuarina open 

woodland, in the reserves. In recent 

years infestations have also been 

found growing on coastal sands and 

loams up to 20 kilometres from the 

original infestation (Western 

Australian Herbarium 1998). Hollyleafed 

Senecio has the potential to 

become a major weed of natural 

areas around much of the south 

coast of Western Australia 

(Keighery 1999c). 

Senecio glastifolius (photograph Greg Keighery) 

Why is it such a successful 

weed? 

• Produces prolific amounts of 

viable, wind dispersed seed. 

• Some evidence of persistent 

soil seedbank. 

• Fire is a major mechanism for 

establishment and facilitates 

spread. 

• Soil disturbance also facilitates 

spread and establishment. 

(from Williams et al. 1999) 

Management 

The Mt Adelaide and Mt Clarence 

Nature Reserves are vested in the 

City of Albany. Until very recently 

few resources have been available 

for weed management in the 

Reserves. Although the original 

infestation of Holly-leafed Senecio 

threatened natural areas from 

Augusta to Albany and possibly 

beyond, it was never clear who was 

responsible for its eradication. 

Community volunteers initiated the 

first control programs. 

The following report comes 

from Karin Baker, Friends of 

Mt Adelaide and Mt Clarence 

Nature Reserves 

• 1998: Fire followed by good 

rains led to prolific germination 

of Holly-leafed Senecio on the 

north face of the saddle 

between Mt Adelaide and Mt 

Clarence. Many people who 

used the reserves for their 

daily walks started hand-pulling 

the plants and leaving them in 

the Reserves. (It was not known 

at this stage that they could 

form seeds after being pulled). 

Three community volunteers 

started a hand-removal 

program in a Casuarina open 

woodland area, where the 

thickest infestations occurred. 

• 1999: Holly-leafed Senecio was 

hand-removed from dense 

thickets of Acacia pulchella up 

to 700 mm high. Hand-pulling in 

this area required thick gloves 

and trousers. Some of the Hollyleafed 

Senecio removed was 

two and a half metres tall. This 

time the plants were removed 

from the site. We were learning! 

• John Moore and Dale Baker, a 

board member of the first CRC 

(Cooperative Research Centre) 

for Weed Management Systems 

ran a series of herbicide trials. 

Lontrel at 500 mL/ha applied 

from a backpack mister in 

spring was found to be effective 

on the Holly-leafed Senecio and 

caused little damage to the 

native species in the area. 

• The CRC for Weeds and the 

Department of Agriculture, 

Western Australia held the 

state launch of ‘Weedbuster 

Week’ at the Mt Adelaide and 

Mt Clarence Reserves in 

October. Over 100 people 

turned up to hand-pull Hollyleafed 

Senecio and the ‘Friends 

of Mt Adelaide & Mt Clarence 

Reserves’ was formed. The 

following year the Bushcarers 

Group, an umbrella group for 

all the Friends groups that were 

starting up around the city was 

formed. 

• Following on from the work 

day, populations were sprayed 

with Lontrel (500 mL/ha).


Case Studies 

• Further spot fires in the 

following years have produced 

a germination of Holly-leafed 

Senecio. These have been dealt 

with as quickly as time and 

labour allow. Green Corps 

teams have been used but are 

not usually available at the time 

they are most needed. 

• Outcome: Areas where there 

is a good cover of natural 

vegetation have had very little 

Holly-leafed Senecio growing in 

the following years. However, 

along slashed firebreaks and 

under power lines, germination 

occurs every year. Outbreaks 

should be sprayed or hand - 

pulled in the first year following 

fire, to stop the spread of seed. 

• Being wind dispersed, there is 

probably seed all over the 

reserves, and any fire will result 

in further outbreaks. 

Case study 5.3 

As well as 260 hectares of the 

nature reserves to deal with, 

outlying populations also needed to 

be covered as a priority and 

resources were limited. 

In 2000, Holly-leafed Senecio was 

placed on the ‘Alert List for 

Environmental Weeds’ – weeds 

identified by Environment Australia 

as likely to be a significant threat to 

biodiversity. Grants to undertake onground 

actions to manage/control 

isolated populations of weeds listed 

became available. The objective was 

to prevent further establishment 

and expansion of listed weeds. 

The Department of Agriculture, 

Western Australia, City of Albany 

and Albany Bushcarers jointly 

applied for funding to have the 

current distribution of the Hollyleafed 

Senecio mapped and to 

implement a carefully targeted 

control program. They were 

successful and work will begin in 

spring 2002. 

The case study is an example of 

community, federal, state and local 

government working together to 

acquire resources and to 

implement effective on-ground 

management of weeds invading 

natural areas. With any one of the 

parties not present, the work 

would not be possible. It also 

highlights, again, the importance of 

early intervention and eradication 

of small infestations of new weeds. 

Source: Information for the case 

study was provided by Karin Baker, 

(Friend of Mt Adelaide & Mt 

Clarence Reserves), Greg Keighery 

(DCLM), John Moore (Western 

Australian Department of 

Agriculture, Albany) and Ryan 

Munro (City of Albany). 

Geraldton Carnation Weed (Euphorbia terracina) – managing the spread of a serious invader 

Geraldton Carnation Weed has 

been slowly spreading south and 

east over the last 60 years and 

habitats at risk include bushlands 

of the offshore islands and 

calcareous (limestone) plant 

communities throughout southern 

Western Australia (Keighery and 

Keighery 2000). 

Reproductive biology, 

dispersal and spread 

• Short-lived perennial herb to 

one metre. 

• Loses leaves and dies back to a 

stem in summer, reshooting 

with the first autumn rains. 

• Often but not always killed by 

fire. 

• Regenerates from soil-stored 

seed. Seed remains viable in 

the soil for at least 3-5 years. 

Bulk of seed germinates with 

onset of autumn rains but will 

germinate after good summer 

rains. 

• Seed released explosively 

from fruits. 

• Water, soil movement, birds 

(particularly feral doves), and 

possibly ants play a role in 

dispersal. Often introduced 

into bushland with crushed 

limestone material brought in 

for paths. 

• Is increasing on roadsides and 

highways. Soil movement and 

road maintenance machinery 

are one of the major 

mechanisms for long distance 

dispersal. 

(Source: Keighery and Keighery 

2000, Randall and Brooks 2000, 

Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001). 

Impacts 

In Western Australia Geraldton 

Carnation Weed can be found 

invading natural ecosystems from 

Geraldton to Cape Arid. It has been 

recorded in coastal dune heath, 

limestone heath, Tuart woodland, 

Banksia woodland and ephemeral 

wetlands. Once established it is 

able to invade relatively 

undisturbed bushland. It is a 

particularly serious weed of Tuart 

woodlands and one of the few 

serious weeds of coastal heath in 

south west Western Australia 

(Keighery and Keighery 2000). 

Control and Management in 

Kings Park 

Geraldton Carnation Weed is 

invading Kings Park Banksia 

woodlands in four main locations. 

Management has effectively 

focused on preventing spread 

through the identification and 

eradication of new outbreaks. 

• Volunteers and contractors are 

able to accurately identify the 

weed and new outbreaks are 

mapped as soon as located. 

• Large infestations are initially 

spot sprayed with herbicide 

Brush-off ® (1 g/150 L) or 

Brush-off ® + glyphosate. 

Follow-up includes regular 

inspection of the site and 

hand-removal of remaining 

plants. This continues for at 

least five years. 

Note: The entire plant must be removed. 

Plants as young as three weeks will resprout 

from any root material left behind. 

63

64 


Case Studies 

Euphorbia terracina invading the understorey of Tuart woodland at Bold Park. 

Case study 5.4 Typha orientalis – an aggressive coloniser of wetlands 

Two species of Typha are known 

from Western Australia, 

T. domingensis and T. orientalis. 

Native to eastern Australia, 

T. orientalis is thought to be 

introduced in Western Australia and 

it is an aggressive coloniser of 

wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain 

and Jarrah Forest. Typha 

domingensis is native and occurs 

only occasionally in the region. The 

native and the weed can be difficult 

to tell apart. 

Typha domingensis has a 

leaf blade that does not 

exceed 8 mm in width 

and a cinnamon brown 

female flower spike that 

is 5 to 20 mm in diameter 

and 6 to 20 times as long 

as it is wide. 

Typha orientalis has a leaf 

blade up to 14 mm wide 

with a chestnut brown 

female flower that is 10 to 

30 mm in diameter and 5 

to 10 times as long as it is 

wide. Intermediates exist 

and expert help is 

sometimes required for 

identification. 

Life-cycle and Reproductive 

Biology of Typha orientalis 

• Expansion of existing 

populations is rapid, occurring 

via rhizomes that grow out 

from the population each 

season. Establishment of new 

populations is via seed. 

• Typha orientalis can produce 

220,000 seed per flower head. 

The seed is very light and winddispersed, 

often over several 

kilometres. Seed also spreads 

via water and is moved around 

in mud on the feet of birds, 

livestock and humans. 

• Seed germination generally takes 

place from December to April. 

• High temperatures (above 

20° C) and high levels of light 

are required for germination. 

Seeds germinate in mud on the 

margins of waterways and, 

sometimes, under water (less 

than eight centimetres deep). 

• Once established, seedlings 

start producing rhizomes and 

the diameter of the plant can 

extend to three metres within 

the first year. 

The program has resulted in a 

significant reduction of Geraldton 

Carnation Weed invading the 

bushland in Kings Park. 

Effective management has relied on: 

• Recognising, recording and 

removing new infestations. 

• Revisiting known populations 

year after year (for at least five 

years) following up previous 

work. 

(From Dixon 2000) 

Cautionary note: The sap in the stems of 

Euphorbia terracina is highly caustic and 

can cause quite dramatic and painful 

inflammations of sensitive skin. If the sap 

gets into the eyes temporary blindness is 

often reported and in some severe cases 

varying vision loss has been reported. When 

working with this plant, or any Euphorbia, 

care should be taken to minimise direct 

contact with the plant. Safety glasses or face 

shields and gloves, at a minimum, with fully 

enclosed shoes and neck to wrist to ankle 

protection is advised. 

• Active growth is mainly 

through summer and autumn 

although in mild climates it can 

occur at any time of the year. 

• Flowering commences in early 

summer and seed is dispersed 

from December onwards. 

(from Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001) 

Establishment and spread of 

Typha orientalis at Lake 

Forrestdale 

A study based on a series of aerial 

photographs of Lake Forrestdale 

just south of Perth illustrates how 

quickly the weed can spread once 

established at a site (Watkins and 

McNee 1985). The aerial photos 

revealed that prior to 1964 no 

T. orientalis occurred at the lake, 

with the first stand appearing in 

1967. By 1976 a fairly large stand 

had established on the southern 

end of the lake and by 1984 

T. orientalis had colonised almost 

the entire six kilometres of lake 

margin. Dense colonies had in many 

places displaced the native rushes 

and sedges in the understorey of 

the Melaleuca woodland fringing the


Case Studies 

lake. Seed had been responsible 

for the establishment of new 

populations but existing 

populations had also been 

expanding rapidly over that time 

(Watkins and McNee 1985). 

Control of Typha 

Preventing establishment of 

seedlings is vital to limiting spread 

of the weed. Trials at Lake 

Forrestdale found cultivating 

seedling populations late in 

autumn, when most seed has 

germinated, effectively prevented 

seedling establishment. Although 

water levels are at their lowest at 

this time in Perth, the ground was 

still soft. A Honda trike with 

balloon tyres dragging a piece of 

weld mesh was used to cultivate 

the population (Watkins and 

McNee 1985). 

Maintaining a cover of native 

species in fringing vegetation will 

keep light levels down and prevent 

germination of seeds. Juncus 

species will displace seedlings. 

Cutting shoots 15 cm below the 

water surface two to three times in 

one season when plants are 

actively growing, but before seeds 

are fully formed, can reduce a 

stand by 95-99 % (Motivans and 

Apfelbaum 2002). 

Plants generally resprout following 

fire unless fire kills rhizomes. Case 

studies looking at control through 

burning (low intensity) dense 

infestations of Typha species in 

North America, in late winter, have 

shown that under certain 

conditions a 70 % reduction in 

populations can be achieved 

(Snyder 1993). 

As Typha often grows in water, 

chemical application is sometimes 

inappropriate. Roundup Biactive 

(360 g/L) at 13 mL/L is registered 

for use on Typha species in 

Tasmania. Apply in the period 

between male flowers opening, and 

six weeks after female flowers 

emerge. Avoid producing run-off or 

spray drift (DPIWE 2001). 

Typha orientalis is an 

aggressive coloniser of 

wetlands on the Swan 

Coastal Plain. Effective 

management requires an 

integrated approach 

• Keeping disturbance out of 

intact plant communities 

prevents establishment of 

seedlings. 

• Controlling seedlings as a 

priority prevents establishment 

of new populations. 

• Removing emerging flower 

spikes from established 

populations limits seed 

production and spread. 

• Using both physical and 

chemical techniques is 

essential for effective control 

of established populations. 

Rhizome of Typha orientalis 

65

Chapter 5 Annual Broadleaf Herbs, Sedges and Succulents Weed Management Table 

66 

Species Common name Timing of seed germination Growing 

season 

Arctotheca 

calendula 

Bellardia 

trixago 

Cakile 

maritima 

Flowers Dispersal agent Seedbank 

persistence (years) 

Cape Weed after rains win/spr Aug-Nov wind some dormancy 8+? y 

White Bartsia autumn/winter win/spr Sep-Jan wind 

Sea Rocket mostly spring but any time after 

rain 

Can be 

biennial 

win/spr Jan-Dec wind, water 2+ y 

Carduus Slender Thistle 

pycnocephalus 

up to 6wks after autumn rains win/spr Oct-Dec wind, water, birds 10+ 

Carduus 

tenuiflorus 

Carthamus 

lanatus 

Centranthus 

macrosiphon 

Chenopodium 

album 

Cirsium 

vulgare 

Sheep Thistle up to 6wks after autumn rains win/spr Sep-Nov wind, water, birds 10+ 

Saffron Thistle autumn and early winter. 

staggered south west W.A 

win/spr Dec-Apr water, adhesion 8 

Pretty Betsy win/spr Aug-Nov limestone gravel, wind? short? 

Fat Hen after rains all year Mar-Apr/Oct- 

Dec 

birds, machinery 20-40 

Spear Thistle autumn mostly win/spr Jan-Dec wind, water, machinery 30+ y 

Conyza albida Tall Fleabane autumn/winter/spring win/spr Dec-Feb wind 

Conyza 

bonariensis 

Crepis 

capillaris 

Flaxleaf 

Fleabane 

Smooth Hawks 

Beard 

Crepis foetida Stinking Hawks 

Beard 

Cucumis 

myriocarpus 

Dischisma 

arenarium 

Dischisma 

capitatum 

Dittrichia 

graveolens 

Echium 

plantagineum 

Prickly Paddy 

Melon 

autumn/winter/spring win/spr Dec-Feb wind 

win/spr Nov-Jan wind y 

win/spr Nov-Jan wind y 

sum Jan-May birds, machinery 

win/spr Aug-Nov 

Wolly Dischisma win/spr Aug-Sep 

Stinkwort sum Jan-Apr wind, animal 

Patersons Curse all year win/spr Sep-Jan water, machinery 6 (most in 2) y 

Emex australis Doublegee all year win/spr Jul-Oct tyres, water, machinery 4+ 

Erodium botrys Long Storksbill mainly autumn/winter but spring/ 

summer if moisture is available 

Euphorbia 

peplus 

Fumaria 

capreolata 

Fumaria 

muralis 

Hypochaeris 

glabra 

Hypochaeris 

radicata 

Petty Spurge autumn to spring win/spr Jul-Jan 

Climbing 

Fumitory 

autumn to spring win/spr Aug-Nov 

win/spr Aug-Nov 3+ 

Wall Fumitory autumn to spring win/spr Jun-Dec 20+ 

Flat Weed autumn/winter win/spr Jan-Dec wind y 

autumn win/spr Jan-Dec wind


Suggested methods of management and control Similar natives 

often mistaken 

for weeds 

Colonises bare soil and disturbed sites. Lontrel ® 6 mL/10 L (300 mL/ha) in early growth stages. Glyphosate 0.2 % will control 

at all growth stages. 

Reference 

146, 53, 96, 115, 101, 

167, 242, 222 

Colonises disturbed wetlands. Hand remove isolated plants before seed set. Spot spray 0.2 % glyphosate. 167, 242, 222 

300, 207, 167, 242 

Seedlings establish in bare open ground so establish desirable vegetation cover. Hand remove isolated plants through spring 

and early summer. Glyphosate applied with a rope wick provides good control or spot spray Lontrel®10 ® mL in 10 L water 

+ 25 mL wetting agent. Control at rosette stage. 

300, 248, 91, 121, 228, 

167, 242 

as for Slender Thistle 300, 248, 91, 228, 167, 

242 

as for Slender Thistle 300, 248, 96, 147, 251, 

145, 120, 228, 167, 242 

Hand remove small populations. Spray metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/15 L (2 g/ha) + wetting agent. 300, 101, 167, 242 

Highly susceptible to mowing before flowering. Requires bare ground for establishment and persistence. Herbicide application 

most effective in early growth stages. 

Seedlings establish in bare open ground so establish desirable vegetation cover. Glyphosate 0.5 % provides effective control of 

seedling and adult plants or Lontrel® ® 6 mL/10 L (300 ml/ha) + wetting agent, rosette to early flowering. 

Does not compete well under high plant density or cover. Requires disturbance to establish and persist. Establish desirable 

vegetation. 

Does not compete well under high plant density or cover. Requires disturbance to establish and persist. Establish desirable 

vegetation. 

19, 228, 167, 242 

248, 96, 167, 242, 222 

333, 325, 167, 242 

300, 333, 325, 167, 242 

Spot spray 1 % glyphosate + Pulse®or ® 10 mL Lontrel® ® in 10 L of water + 25 mL Pulse ® . 167, 242, 222 

Spot spray 1 % glyphosate + Pulse®or ® 10 mL Lontrel® ® in 10 L of water + 25 mL Pulse®. ® 

300, 167, 242, 222 

Hand remove isolated plants before flowering. Not killed by glyphosate. Spot spray 2 mL Garlon®in ® 10 L of water + 25 mL 

wetting agent. 

Spot spray 0.2 % glyphosate. 167, 242 

Spot spray 0.2 % glyphosate. 167, 242 

248, 167, 242, 222 

Hand remove isolated plants before flowering. Slash very close to ground (can resprout). 248, 167, 242 

Slashing or mowing can cause out of season flowering and seed production. Spot spray in late autumn when most seed has 

germinated for the year with 0.5g/10 L chlorsulfuron + wetting agent-this will help prevent further germination. Glyphosate will 

control existingplants. Spot spray plants with 1 % Grazon®. ® 

Seed produced at early stage. Any control program must aim at killing all plants shortly 

after emergence and must continue for a number of years. Spot spray with glyphosate 0.5-0.7 % to kill existing plants but bare 

soil quickly reinfested. 

Lontrel®at ® 6 mL/10 L (300 mL/ha) + wetting agent applied before flowering or Verdict 520® ® at 1.5 mL/ 10 L (75 mL/ha) + 

wetting agent. 

229, 248, 96, 257, 167, 

242, 222 

133, 248, 286, 167, 242, 

222 

E. cygnorum 12, 228, 222, 101, 167, 

242, 222 

Colonises degraded sites; spray metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/15 L (2.5 g/ha) + wetting agent or glyphosate 0.5 %. 101, 167, 242 

Colonises degraded sites; spray metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/15 L (2.5 g/ha) + wetting agent or glyphosate 0.5 %. 101, 167, 242 

Colonises degraded sites; spray metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/15 L (2.5 g/ha) + wetting agent or glyphosate 0.5 %. 254, 62, 101, 167, 242 

Rosettes wiped with glyphosate 30 % provides effective control. Dense infestations - 25 mL wetting agent + 10 mL Lontrel®in ® 

10 L of water. 

Rosettes wiped with glyphosate 30 % provides effective control. Dense infestations - 25 mL wetting agent + 10 mL Lontrel®in ® 

10 L of water. 

300, 228, 222, 167, 242 

300, 54, 228, 167, 242 

167, 242 

67


68 

Species Common name Timing of seed germination Growing 

season 

Lactuca 

serriola 

Lupinus 

angustifolius 

Lupinus 

cosentinii 

Malva 

parviflora 

Medicago 

polymorpha 

Melilotus 

indicus 

Mesembryanthemum 

crystallinum Osteospermum 

clandestinum 

Parentucellia 

viscosa 

Petrorhagia 

velutina 

Portulaca 

oleracea 

Ranunculus 

muricatus 

Raphanus 

raphanistrum 

Senecio 

elegans 

Senecio 

vulgaris 

Prickly Lettuce autumn to spring sum Oct-Feb wind y 

Narrowleaf 

Lupin 

Sand Plain 

Lupin 

Small Flowered 

Mallow 

autumn/winter win/spr Jul-Nov little dormancy 

autumn win/spr Aug-Nov some dormancy 

spring to autumn win/spr Jul-Nov soil, water 100? y 

Burr Medic autumn/winter win/spr May-Nov animal, adhesion 5+ 

King Island 

Meliot 

Common Ice 

Plant 

win/spr Aug-May water, wind 20+? y 

autumn/winter or after rains win/spr Sep fleshy fruit-animal ingestion 22? y 

Stinking Roger autumn/winter win/spr Oct-Dec wind 

Sticky Bartsia win/spr Aug-Jan wind, water, machinery 

Velvet Pink win/spr Aug-Dec 

Pigweed most in autumn sum Feb-May wind, water, soil, birds 40 

Sharp Buttercup win/spr Aug-Dec 

Wild Radish bulk after autumn rains but 

sporadic throughout year 

all year Apr-Nov wind, water, machinery 20 y 

win/spr Sep-Mar wind 

Groundsel all year win/spr Jul-Feb wind 5 

Silene gallica French Catchfly win/spr Jul-Dec 

Solanum 

americanum 

Solanum 

nigrum 

Glossy 

Nightshade 

Black 

Nightshade 

Sonchus asper Prickly 

Sowthistle 

Sonchus 

oleraceus 

Symphyotrichum 

subulatum 

Tribulus 

terrestris 

win/spr Mar-Dec birds, water, soil, machinery 

spring/summer win/spr Jan-Dec birds, water, soil, machinery 5+ y 

all year win/spr Sep-Dec wind 1-2 y 

Sowthistle autumn/winter win/spr Sep-Dec wind 1-2 y 

Bushy Starwort sum Dec-Mar wind 

Caltrop all year all year Jan-Dec tyres, water, machinery several 

Trifolium spp Clovers win/spr Sep-Dec soil, water some dormancy 

Ursinia 

anthemoides 

Flowers Dispersal agent Seedbank 

persistence (years) 

Ursinia win/spr Jul-Dec wind, adhesion 

Vicia sativa Common Vetch autumn/winter win/spr Jul-Dec birds, horses, sheep ingest some dormancy 

Can be 

biennial


Suggested methods of management and control Similar natives 

often mistaken 

for weeds 

Colonises disturbed wetland sites. 316, 167, 242 

Hand remove scattered plants. Spray dense infestations metsulfuron-methyl 0.1 g/15 L (2-3 g/ha) + wetting agent or 

Lontrel® ® 6 mL/10 L (300 mL/ha) + wetting agent to late flowering (will prevent seed set). 

101, 222, 167, 242 

Hand remove scattered plants. Spray dense infestations metsulfuron-methyl 0.1g/15 L (2-3 g/ha) + wetting agent. 258, 101, 222, 167, 242 

Hand remove isolated plants. Chemical control only effective at early growth stages. M. australiana 197, 222, 167, 242, 

25 mL of wetting agent + 10 mL of Lontrel® ® in 10 L of water provides effective control in early winteror 

metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/10 L + wetting agent. 

200, 228, 167, 242 

Weed of highly disturbed bushland. If slashing cut below lowest branch axil to prevent resprouting. 300, 335, 167, 242 

Hand remove isolated plants through spring and early summer. Spot spray with 0.5 % glyphosate or Lontrel® ® 10 mL/ 10 L 

(500 mL/ha). 

334, 316, 167, 242, 222 

Spot spray with glyphosate 0.5 % before flowering. 222, 167, 242, 222 

Spot spray with glyphosate 0.5 % before flowering. 167, 242, 222 

Hand remove before flowering. Will shoot from stem fragments under moist conditions. Spot spray 0.5 % glyphosate. 217, 167, 242, 222 

Weed of highly disturbed edges. Hand remove isolated plants several times over the year. Spot spray 1% glyphosate before 

flowering. 

Only persists in disturbed sites. Lontrel® ® at 10 mL in 10 L of water + 25 mL wetting agent applied before stem elongation in 

late spring. 

Only persists in disturbed sites. Lontrel® ® at 10 mL in 10 L of water + 25 mL wetting agent applied before stem elongation in 

late spring. 

167, 242 

R. amphitrichus, 167, 242 

R. colonorum 

248, 66, 228, 167, 242 

30, 167, 242, 222 

300, 337, 167, 242, 222 

167, 242 

Weed of disturbed sites. Shade reduces seed production. Hand weed small infestations. 300, 167, 242 

Weeds of disturbed sites. Shade reduces seed production. Hand weed small infestations. 300, 141, 167, 242 

Slashing often ineffective as flowers continue to be produced. Rosette stage preferred time for effective chemical control. 

Lontrel® ® at 10 mL in 10 L of water + 25 mL wetting agent. 

Slashing often ineffective as flowers continue to be produced. Rosette stage preferred time for effective chemical control. 

Lontrel® ® at 10 mL in 10 L of water + 25 mL wetting agent. 

S.hydrophilus 

Native 

Sowthistle 

Colonises disturbed wetlands. Hand remove isolated plants before seed set. 167, 242 

Glyphosate 1 % effective on seedlings. Exclude people and close tracks to stop spread. On bare tracks diesel can be used to kill 

plants and penetrate and destroy seed in surface soil. 

Hand remove isolated plants before flowering. Spot spraying Lontrel® ® 10 mL/10 L + wetting agent in early winter before 

flowering provides effective control. 

Colonises bare disturbed sites. Can smother native plants. Lontrel® ® 10 mL/10 L + wetting agent provides effective control in 

early growth stages or metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/ 10 L + wetting agent. 

300, 11, 168, 167, 242, 

222 

300, 11, 168, 167, 242, 

222 

248, 167, 242 

228, 167, 242 

167, 242 

Reference 

1, 228, 222, 167, 242, 

222 

69

Chapter 5 Perennial Broadleaf Herbs, Sedges and Succulents Weed Management Table 

70 

Species Common name Flowering Reproductive unit Seedbank persistence 

(years) 

Dispersal agent 

Acetosella vulgaris Sorrel Aug-Dec seed, root fragment long wind, water, animal, soil 

Agapanthus praecox Agapanthus Oct-Dec rhizome, seed short soil 

Agave americana Century Plant Dec-Jan seed, suckers wind, water 

Alternanthera pungens Khaki Weed Mar-Jul stem and root fragment, seed many soil, animal (adhesion) 

Arctotheca populifolia Dune Arctotheca Jun-Jan seed wind, soil 

Arctotis stoechadifolia Arctotis Sep-Jan root fragment germination of seed rare soil 

Argyranthemum frutescens Marguerite Jul-Oct seed 

Asphodelus fistulosus Onion Weed Jun-Oct seed many wind, machinery, water 

Berkheya rigida African Thistle Oct-May seed, stem and root fragments many adhesion, soil 

Canna x generalis Canna Lily Nov-Mar rhizome, seed? soil, bird 

Carex divisa Divided Sedge Sep-Dec seed? water? 

Carpobrotus aequilaterus Angular Pigface Aug-Nov seed, stem fragments 

Carpobrotus edulis Pigface Aug-Nov seed, stem fragments 2 + rabbits, birds (ingestion) 

Centranthus ruber Red Valerian Oct-Mar seed, rhizome soil 

Chenopodium ambrosioides Mexican Tea Mar-Jul seed soil, machinery, water 

Cyperus congestus Dense Flat Sedge Jul-Oct 

Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge Jun-Jul seed, rhizome soil, water 

Cyperus polystachyos Bunchy Sedge Dec-Jul 

Cyperus rotundus Nut Grass Apr-Jul seed, tubers, rhizome seed viability low, tubers 

longevity up to 10 

soil, water (flooding), wind 

Epilobium ciliatum Willow Herb Oct-Jan seed, crown fragments short? wind, soil 

Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge Oct-Jun seed, root fragments 2 + in salt water explosive, water, sand, wind 

Euphorbia terracina Geraldton Carnation 

Weed 

Aug-Dec seed 3-5 explosive, birds, ants, limestone, 

machinery 

Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Jul-Jan root fragments, seed soil, machinery ,water 

Hypericum perforatum St John Wort Mar-0ct stem fragments, seed, rhizome 10 water, soil, machinery, animals 

(adhesion and ingestion) 

Isolepis prolifera Budding Club Rush Oct-Jan seed? stem fragments water 

Juncus acutus Spiny Rush Oct-Dec seed, crown fragments water, machinery 

Juncus microcephalus Nov-Feb seed water, machinery 

Limonium companyonis Statice, Sea Lavender Nov-Feb seed 

Limonium sinuatum Statice, Sea Lavender Sep-May seed 

Lotus uliginosus Greater Lotus Nov-Mar seed, rhizome water, soil 

Reproductive unit: bold=main mechanism of dispersal. Seedbank perisistence: long=5+ years short= months to 1 year


Some suggested methods of management and control Similar natives often 

mistaken for weeds 

Reference 

Spot spray with 0.5 % glyphosate or metsulfuron methyl 0.2 g/10 L + 25 mL Pulse ® . 248, 21, 228, 167, 

242 

Dig out taking care to remove all bulbs. Remove and burn or deep bury flower heads to stop spread of seed. Spray with 1 % Grazon ® just 

before flowering. 

21, 101, 167, 242 

Dig out small infestations. Stem inject into base of leaves 1 partTordon ® / 5 parts diesel. (flowers only once, after 10 to 15 years, then dies) 21, 167, 242 

Difficult to control as it is a true deep-rooted perennial. Cut roots well below surface. Cultivation can spread plant fragments. Spot spray 

with 1 % glyphosate before flowering. 

Difficult to hand pull and resistant to chemicals, it is short-lived. Lontrel® ® 10 mL/10 L (500 mL/ha) + Pulse ® in early growth stages. 

Glyphosate 1% will control at all growth stages. 

A. nodiflora 248, 222, 167, 242 

143, 102, 167, 242, 

222 

30, 167, 242 

Hand pull small infestations. 143, 102, 167, 242, 

Hand pull small infestations. Metsulfuron-methyl 0.1 g /10 L +100 mL spray oil when flowering. 248, 228, 167, 242 

Dig out and destroy single plants before flowering. Suggest Lontrel ® 10 mL/10 L + wetting agent at early rosette stage or 0.5 % glyphosate. 30, 248, 222, 167, 

242 

Hand pull small infestations. Cut stems to ground level, paint 10 % glyphosate on larger infestations. 241, 167, 242 

Physical control where only scattered plants occur. Try 1 % glyphosate. 167, 242, 222 

As for C. edulis? C. virescens 167, 242 

Roll up large mats removing all roots (shallow-rooted) and stem fragments. Follow up with removal of any germinating plants. Spray with 

glyphosate at label rates. 

13, 83, 84, 167, 242 

Suggest metsulfuron methyl 0.15 g/10 L (5 g/ha) + Pulse ® before flowering. 300, 101, 167, 242 

Hand remove small populations (use gloves); Suggest metsulfuron methyl 0.7 g/10 L (20 g/ha) + Pulse ® before flowering or 

1 % glyphosate + Pulse ® . 

102, 167, 242 

Try 1 % glyphosate + Pulse ® . 167, 242, 222 



Intolerant of dense shade - apply glyphosate at label rate before the fifth leaf stage after this time herbicide is not translocated to tubers. 

Difficult to control. 

Spray seedlings with glyphosate; established plants will resprout from crown after glyphosate treatment. Seedlings normally only establish 

on bare moist soil. 

E. billardiereanum, 

E. hirtigerum 

332, 248, 241, 317, 

167, 242 

248, 96, 167, 242 

Hand remove small isolated infestations. Long tap root. Consider possible dune erosion. 248, 330, 167, 242 

Large infestations - spot spray- with herbicide metsulfuron methyl 0.1 g/15 L or metsulfuron methyl + 1 % glyphosate before flowering. 

Follow-up with hand removal for at least five years. 

Usually found in very disturbed sites; persistent and difficult to eradicate. Spot spray with 1.5 % glyphosate or metsulfuron methyl 

0.7 g/10 L (20 g/ha) + Pulse ® . On older plants apply just before flowering. Follow up on seedlings. Seed germinates throughout year; 

plants don't flower until around 2 years. 

Seedlings establishment restricted by soil cover, litter and competition. Spot spray at flowering (50 % bud - 50 % open flowering - do not 

spray after 50 % green bud) with Grazon® ® (triclopyr + picloram) at label rates. Biological control available from CSIRO. 

Establish native vegetation cover; dig out isolated plants; spray 2 % glyphosate-repeat application six weeks later. Burning plants after 

they have been knocked back by herbicide increases kill rate. Consider possibility of erosion. 

98, 173, 267, 248, 

167, 242 

23, 102, 167, 242 

55, 56, 8, 341, 57, 

167, 242 

167 

6, 241, 248, 167, 

242 

Dig out isolated plants. J. holoschoenus 167, 242 

Hand remove small patches. 167, 242 

248, 167, 242 

Weed of highly disturbed areas. Spot spray Lontrel ® at 10 mL/10 L + 25 mL wetting agent. 101, 228, 167, 242 

71


72 

Species Common name Flowering Reproductive unit Seedbank persistence 

(years) 

Malva dendromorpha Tree Mallow Aug-Dec seed long birds-(adhesion and ingestion) 

Myosotis sylvatica Forget-Me-Not Sep-Dec seed animals (adhesion), soil 

Oenothera drummondii Beach Evening Primrose Feb-Jun seed O. biennis up to 80. 

Oenothera laciniata May-Jan seed 

Oenothera mollissima Nov-Mar seed 

Oenothera stricta Jan-Nov seed 

Dispersal agent 

Parietaria judaica Pellitory Dec-Jan seed, root fragments water, wind, soil, animals 

(adhesion), ants 

Pelargonium capitatum Rose Pelargonium Aug-Dec seed, root fragments wind, water, soil 

Phytolacca octandra Red Ink Plant Jan-Mar seed short birds (ingestion) 

Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain Nov-mar seed, stem fragments some dormancy soil, water 

Plantago major Greater Plantain Oct-Feb seed up to 40 soil, water 

Rumex brownii Swamp Dock Apr-May seed, root fragments 80+ (some species) animals, soil, machinery 

Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock Oct-Feb seed, root fragments long animals, soil, machinery 

Rumex crispus Curled Dock Jul-Dec seed, root fragments 20+ animals, soil, machinery 

Sagina procumbens Spreading Pearlwort Jul-Sep seed, stem and root fragments long probably wind 

Senecio glastifolius Holly-leafed Senecio Aug-Oct seed some persistence wind, soil, machinery 

Trachyandra divaricata Dune Onion Weed Aug-Nov seed light induces dormancy wind 

Trifolium repens White Clover Jul-Jan seed, stem fragments, stolons 25+ wind, water, birds, animal 

(ingestion) 

Typha orientalis Typha Oct-Dec seed, rhizomes wind, water, soil 

Vinca major Blue Periwinkle Aug-Nov stem fragments, stolons Seed rarely matures soil, machinery, water? 

Reproductive unit: bold=main mechanism of dispersal. Seedbank perisistence: long=5+ years short= months to 1 year


Some suggested methods of management and control Similar natives often 

mistaken for weeds 

Biennial, rapidly replacing the native Malva on islands off the coast of Perth. Cut to ground and paint stump with glyphosate. Weed mat 

will prevent germination of seedlings. 

M. australiana 274, 167, 242, 197 

Try 0.5 % glyphosate + Pulse®. 167, 242, 222 

Control in seedling stage, older plants resistant to herbicide. Relatively tolerant of glyphosate. Hand remove small populations in areas not 

susceptible to erosion. Spot spray chlorsulfuron 0.4 g/10 L + spray oil. 

Control in seedling stage, older plants resistant to herbicide. Relatively tolerant of glyphosate. Hand remove small populations - remove 

entire root stystem. Spot spray chlorsulfuron 0.4 g/10 L + spray oil. 





Hand pull isolated plants. Regular spot spraying with 1 % glyphosate is reported to give effective control in Australia. Resistance to 

glyphosate reported from the Mediterranean. 

300, 38, 49, 228, 

167, 242, 222 

300, 38, 49, 228, 

167, 242, 222 

300, 38, 49, 228, 

167, 242, 222 

300, 38, 49, 228, 

167, 242, 222 

P. debilis 248, 18, 167, 242 

Hand pull isolated plants taking care to remove entire stem - will reshoot from below ground level. Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 5 g/ha + 

Pulse ® . Easy target after fire. 

300, 101, 167, 242 

Dig out isolated plants - cut root at least 5 cm below ground. Spray with 1 % glyphosate + Pulse ® . 300, 21, 101, 167, 

242, 222 

Spray in early stages of growth with 1 % glyphosate. P. debilis, P. drummondii, 

P. exilis 

300, 336, 167, 242, 

222 

Spray in early stages of growth. Suggest 1 % glyphosate. 30, 336, 151, 167, 

242 

Spot spray with 1 % glyphosate in early bud stage, cultivation of older plants will spread root fragments. R. dumosus, 

R. drummondii 

96, 248, 326, 167, 

242 

Spot spray with 1 % glyphosate in early bud stage, cultivation of older plants will spread root fragments. 96, 248, 326, 167, 

242 

Spot spray with 1% glyphosate in early bud stage, cultivation of older plants will spread root fragments. 96, 248, 326, 167, 

242 

Hand remove small infestations. Seed generally does not move far from parent plants. Boiling water reported to destroy 99 % of soil 

seed bank. 

130, 167, 242 

Hand remove small infestations. Lontrel ® at 10 mL/10 L (500 mL/ha) + wetting agent just before stem elongation in spring. 339, 228, 167, 242 

Wipe with 50 % glyphosate solution before flowering. Dense infestations in degraded areas spot spray 0.4 g chlorosulfuron plus 25 mL 

wetting agent in 10 L of water when plants actively growing. 

300, 153, 25, 228, 

167, 242, 222 

Spot spray with 1 % glyphosate before flowering. Lontrel ® 3 mL/10 L (150 mL/ha) up to 6 leaf stage. 77, 102, 167, 242 

Roundup Biactive ® (360 g/L) at13 mL/L. Apply in the period between male flowers opening, and 6 weeks after female flowers emerge. 

Avoid producing run-off or spray drift. Cutting shoots 15 cm below the water surface two to three times in a season when actively growing, 

but before seeds are formed, greatly reduces stands. 

Hand pull small infestations. Spray larger areas with 2 % glyphosate + 2 % Pulse® ; spray when plants have approximately 5 cm new 

growth in 8-12 weeks - repeat applications will be required. 

Reference 

T. domingensis 230a, 96, 167, 242 

21, 22, 228, 167, 

242, 222 

73

74 

Chapter 6 Trees, Shrubs 

and Climbers 

The Woody Weeds 

The term “woody weed” refers to any woody perennial 

tree, shrub or climber that has established within 

bushland outside its natural range. Unlike the 

herbaceous plants covered in previous chapters, 

woody plants have secondary growth, which means 

their stems continue to lay down new tissue increasing 

in girth even after they stop increasing in height. 

Most woody weeds recorded around the world were 

deliberately introduced as ornamentals or forestry 

species (Binggeli et al. 1998). Many of the species found 

in south west Western Australia come from southern 

Africa, South America and the Mediterranean region. 

Planting of ‘Australian natives’ in parks and bushland, 

has also resulted in the naturalisation of numerous 

weedy Australian species. Of the 81 tree and shrub 

species recorded as environmental weeds of the Swan 

Coastal Plain and Jarrah Forest, 39 % are eastern 

Australian species (Keighery 1999a). Given the 

opportunity, even Western Australian species can 

become weedy outside their natural range (Box 6.1). 

The biology of woody plants varies considerably. Most 

reproduce by seed – but not all. Some are deciduous, 

some evergreen. Many resprout when felled, some 

sucker, others simply die. Woody species may retain 

their fruit in the canopy, releasing it when the tree is 

damaged, or shed it as soon as it is ripe. Mammals, 

birds, insects, wind, water or gravity may disperse fruit. 

Seed may remain viable for years, or only weeks, and 

plant lifespan can vary from several to hundreds of 

years. Some woody species produce toxins that inhibit 

growth of other plants. The toxins produced by the 

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) are so strong their 

Box 6.1 Western Australian natives can be weeds too. 

potential use as a natural herbicide has been 

researched (Lin et al. 1995). 

Common characteristics that make woody weeds highly 

competitive (Binggeli et al. 1998, Buist et al. 2000) include: 

• Fast growth. 

• Early maturity and prolific seeding. 

• High seed germinability. 

• Readily germinate and grow within shady conditions. 

• Ability to grow at high densities. 

• Resprouting or suckering response. 

• Lack of seed and plant predation in the naturalised 

habitat. 

• Resilience to a range of environmental conditions. 

• A rapid response to changes in space, light, 

nutrient or water availability. 

As a group the woody weeds pose several problems to 

bushland managers. They are often large, both difficult 

to dig out and to spray without causing damage to the 

surrounding vegetation. Their removal can result in the 

loss of desirable shade and cause a considerable 

increase in the space, light and nutrients available to 

other weeds that might be present. The act of removal 

itself can damage surrounding vegetation and spread 

propagules. This chapter discusses these problems and 

looks at some of the different treatment options 

available. In particular it highlights the relationship 

between treatment approach and the plant’s ability to 

resprout and sucker. 

“In Western Australia thirty five species of Western Australian plants have become naturalised, largely outside their 

ranges, from plantings” (Keighery 2002b). It is important to emphasise the use of locally collected material 

(seed or cuttings) when planting in or near bushland areas. Likewise, correct identification of plants from 

which material is collected is also essential. 

Table 1. Some Western Australian natives known to have naturalised outside their native range (adapted from Keighery, G., 

unpublished report). 

Acacia acuminata (Jam) 

Acacia blakelyi 

Acacia lasiocalyx 

Acacia microbotrya (Manna Wattle) 

Acacia myrtifolia 

Allocasuarina huegeliana (Rock Sheoak) 

Banksia caleyi (Caley's Banksia) 

Callitris glaucophylla 

Callitris preissii (Rottnest Island Pine) 

Calothamnus chrysantherus (Clawflower) 

Calothamnus graniticus 

Calothamnus quadrifidus (One-sided Bottlebrush) 

Calothamnus validus (Barrens Clawflower) 

Ceratopteris thalictroides 

Diplolaena dampieri (Southern Diplolaena) 

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) 

Eucalyptus conferruminata (Bald Island Marlock) 

Illustration provided by: IFAS, Centre for Aquatic Plants University 

of Florida, Gainesville, 1996 

Eucalyptus erythrocorys (Illyarrie Gum) 

Eucalyptus todtiana (Coastal Blackbutt) 

Grevillea leucopteris (White Plume Grevillea) 

Hakea costata (Ribbed Hakea) 

Hakea francisiana (Emu Tree) 

Hakea pycnoneura 

Hibbertia cuneiformis (Cut-leaf Hibbertia) 

Kunzea baxteri 

Melaleuca nesophila 

Melaleuca pentagona 

Melia azedarach (Cape Lilac) 

Verticordia monadelpha (Woolly Featherflower) 

Actual or potential serious weeds 

Agonis flexuosa (Peppermint) 

Chamelaucium uncinatum (Geraldton Wax) 

Melaleuca lanceolata (Rottnest Tea Tree)

Impacts 

Invasive woody species can have profound effects on 

the structure and diversity of the invaded bushland. 

Weedy trees and shrubs often form dense stands, 

shading out and preventing the germination and 

establishment of native species (Gleadow and Ashton 

1981, Gleadow 1982, Weiss and Noble 1984, Rose and 

Fairweather 1997, Goodland et al. 1998, Mullett 2002). 

Over a 25 year period at Croydon North in Melbourne, 

scattered plants of Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum 

undulatum) coalesced into a dense stand, obliterating 

nearly all the original understorey (Gleadow and 

Ashton 1981). Closer to home, on the Darling Scarp 

east of Perth, stands of eastern Australian Acacias, 

including Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana), 

Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) and Flinders Range 

Wattle (Acacia iteaphylla), form dense stands in the 

understorey of the Jarrah Forest. The establishment of 

dense weed infestations also impact on the fauna. 

Habitat and food sources are lost, which may lead to 

decreases in native animal diversity. 

It may only require one or two plants to establish and 

reach maturity for the source of an infestation to form. 

The seed rain that follows, coupled with the ability to 

germinate in shady conditions and/or take rapid 

advantage of disturbance events, is enough to allow 

dense establishment of the plant. In Kings Park and 

Botanic Garden, Perth, a small number of Acacia 

lasiocalyx were planted on the edge of bushland 

around 1967. A wildfire in 1989 resulted in mass 

germination of the species and it was realised this 

Western Australian Wheatbelt species had become a 

serious weed. By 1993, when the non-sprouting trees 

were cut out by a group of dedicated volunteers, 

A. lasiocalyx had covered 0.6 hectares of the park’s 

bushland area (Dixon 2001, Dixon pers. comm. 2002). 

A dense infestation of Acacia lasiocalyx in Kings Park Bushland. 

(Photograph by Bob Dixon). 

Chapter 6 Trees, Shrubs and Climbers 

Mechanisms of spread 

Woody plants may reproduce by seed, or create clones 

from vegetative fragments or propagules. Dispersal of 

propagules, over short or long distances, followed by 

successful establishment results in the spread of the 

plant. 

• Birds, insects and mammals spread the seeds of 

many invasive woody species. Seeds of Brazilian 

Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), Edible Fig (Ficus 

carica) and Blackberry (Rubus spp) are all ingested 

by birds and germinate in their droppings. Finding 

weed species growing at the base of perching trees 

is a good indication that these particular weeds 

are spread by birds (Gleadow 1982, Blood 2001). 

Propagules also attach to feathers and fur or can 

be carried by ants (many Acacia species). 

• Wind is an effective disperser of seed especially if 

an individual plant emerges above the canopy (eg. 

Tamarisk, Sheoaks and Eucalypts). Dispersal 

distance is considerably less than with birddisseminated 

species. 

• Water can carry propagules down stream and, 

during floods, to distant sites. The seeds of many 

Acacia species, stems of Willows (Salix spp), and 

aerial tubers of Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia) 

are all carried by water. 

• Garden rubbish dumped in bushland introduces 

various weed propagules. Cuttings of Australian 

natives, especially eastern Australian Bottlebrush 

(Callistemon) and Wattle (Acacia) species, are 

commonly dumped in bushland under the 

misguided belief that they came from there! 

• Planting of non-local tree species within bushland 

can also be the source of woody weed invasions 

(eastern Australian species and Western Australian 

species planted outside their natural range). 

• Individual plants may spread locally by vegetative 

reproduction - stem layering or root suckering. 

Resprouting, suckering and apical control 

Resprouting and suckering are mechanisms by which 

many woody plants resist or recover from fire, storm 

or grazing damage. 

Suckering is the formation of sprouts from 

adventitious buds in the lateral roots. Suckers arise 

most often at root branch intersections, areas of root 

irregularity or points of injury. Individual plants form 

as the sucker develops its own root system and old 

root connections are broken. Some species sucker in 

response to crown removal or root damage. 

75

76 


Resprouting, or coppicing, refers to the growth of 

shoots from dormant buds (epicormic buds) in the 

stem or root crown after the canopy has been removed 

or damaged. The ability to sprout can be agedependent. 

Epicormic buds may not be laid down until 

a plant reaches a certain maturity. In some species the 

woody rootstock contains epicormic buds and is 

termed a lignotuber (common in Eucalypts). 

suckering from root node 

In woody plants, the term apical dominance describes 

the control the shoot tip has over the current year’s 

growth (Cline 1997). When apical dominance is 

removed, as in tip pruning, the side buds are able to 

develop and the plant becomes bushier. On a whole 

tree scale, apical control describes the inhibition of 

lateral branch growth by the top portion of the tree 

crown, the canopy (Cline 1997, Wilson 2000). When the 

crown is cut off, apical control is removed and 

epicormic buds in the lower trunk and root crown are 

free to sprout. The sprouting response is due, in part, 

to removal of plant growth hormones, in particular 

auxins (Cline 2000). However, release of carbohydrates, 

nutrients and water previously used by the canopy, 

combined with increased light and space also play a 

role (Cline 2000). Suckering from lateral roots may also 

occur with the release of apical control. This has been 

shown for a number of species including Quaking 

Poplar (Populus tremulus), Black Locust (Robinia 

pseudoacacia), Tree-of-heaven and Lantana (Lantana 

camara) (Anon. 1999, Binggeli et al. 1998, Converse 

1984b, Converse 1987). 

The implication of apical control for management is 

simple – removal of the crown above epicormic buds 

enhances resprouting and, in many species, suckering. 

Herbicide treatment is required to kill these species. 

Species known to sucker should be treated using basal 

bark or stem injection methods (see following). These 

methods allow systemic herbicides to be translocated 

around the plant without the release of apical control 

which would initiate the suckering response. 


resprouting or 

coppicing from trunk 

When managing woody weeds the approach taken and 

the techniques used will depend on: The size and 

distribution of the infestation, the species in question, 

the plant age and size, the presence of other invasive 

weeds, the impact on other plants and animals, the 

sensitivity of the area and the size and skills of the 

labour force. 

The general approach 

• As with other weed groups, baseline maps 

illustrating the distribution of target species allow 

for strategic planning of control and follow-up work. 

• Isolated trees/shrubs/climbers and small 

infestations in good bushland should be removed 

first, preferably before the year’s seed crop has 

ripened. Modeling has shown that eradicating 

small founding populations slows the overall 

invasion process (Moody and Mack 1988). 

• Managing heavily invaded areas poses a greater 

problem (Goodland et al. 1998). It is important to 

understand the structure and ecology of the 

vegetation community invaded. Large infestations 

may need to be removed slowly over time to allow 

the native plant community to regenerate and 

resume its role in the ecosystem. 

Where a dense native overstorey has been 

gradually replaced by woody weeds, the 

subsequent removal of the weed infestation can 

create large gaps in the canopy that may be 

detrimental to surviving native plants. Opening up 

the canopy favours the establishment of exotic 

grasses and other weeds and allows intense light 

to reach the shade-adapted native understorey. In 

contrast, removing weed trees from open 

woodlands, shrublands, herblands or grasslands, 

returns the status quo in terms of vegetation 

structure and sunlight intensity. 

Established woody weeds may be stabilising 

susceptible areas, especially along watercourses 

and on steep embankments. Removal of more than 

a few individuals at a time may result in severe 

erosion. 

• Until the infestation is removed, there will be 

continued spread of propagules within the area 

and seedlings need to be removed as they appear. 

Always plan to follow up treatments for several years 

to provide the greatest chance of eradicating the weed 

from an area. The few survivors or missed plants will 

quickly re-establish the infestation if left for a number 

of years. 

Physical control – without herbicide 

Manual and mechanical techniques such as pulling, 

cutting, stripping and ring-barking, may be useful to 

control some woody weeds, particularly if the 

population is relatively small. 

Note: Chainsaws should not be used unless operators are certified 

and supervised. 

Hand-weeding 

Labour intensive but effective, hand-weeding is 

suitable for removing some light infestations of some 

weed seedlings and small saplings. However, the use 

of machinery or a large, inexperienced labour force can 

cause extensive soil disturbance and vegetation 

trampling.

• Seedlings and small shrubs can be carefully pulled 

by hand, ensuring removal of the taproot. Seedlings 

can be distinguished by the presence of a long 

taproot while suckers have a hockey stick shaped 

end, where they have broken off the parent root. 

• Saplings and mature trees should not be removed 

using this method. The disturbance of soil 

structure and damage to native vegetation is 

counter-productive and may lead to invasion by 

other weeds. In addition, such disturbance of 

suckering species may stimulate growth from root 

fragments left in the soil. 

• Integration of hand-weeding with other 

techniques is often appropriate. Removal of large 

trees by felling or herbicide treatment may be 

followed up by hand-removal of the flush of 

seedlings that are likely to appear. 

Felling and ring-barking 

These two techniques are suitable for trees and shrubs 

that do not resprout. The methods are labour intensive 

and may not be suitable for large infestations. Ringbarking 

is fiddley and the felling approach requires 

removal of branches from the site. However, on small 

infestations both techniques provide a simple, targetspecific, 

control option. 

Ring-barking involves cutting away a strip of bark, 

usually at least 10 cm wide, all the way around the 

trunk. The strip must be cut deep enough to stop the 

flow of photosynthates (plant food) between the 

growing points of the tree. To be successful, the phloem 

and vascular cambium (Box 6.2) must be completely 

severed around the circumference of the tree. Felling 

the tree at the base has effectively the same result, 

cutting the flow of food between roots and crown. 

• Seedlings can be quickly slashed at ground level if 

not growing closely among native vegetation. 

• Non-sprouting shrubs, saplings and mature trees 

can be cut off at, or very near, ground level below 

any branches or dormant buds. Many basically 

non-sprouting plants have epicormic buds higher 

up the trunk so it is important to cut off the trunk 

as close to the ground as possible. 

• Keep in mind that surrounding vegetation can be 

damaged when trees and large shrubs are felled, 

and as branches are carried out. 


Although the introduction of chemicals into bushland 

should be minimised, herbicide treatment remains the 

most successful means of control for many woody 

species. There are some general rules of thumb when 

using chemicals to control woody weeds, but treatment 

effectiveness will vary across species and sites. 

• Apply herbicides as selectively as possible to 

target weeds, minimising damage to the 

surrounding native vegetation. 

• Regardless of the application method chosen, all 

herbicides should be applied when the target 

species is actively growing. 


• Herbicides should not be applied when plants are 

stressed; either through drought, flooding, disease, 

insect damage or previous herbicide application. 

• Effective control of many woody plants requires a 

systemic herbicide to be used (Box 6.2, Chapter 8). 

• Herbicides are rarely 100 % effective and an 

integrated control program will nearly always give 

the best result. Use a combination of different 

herbicide application techniques, physical methods 

and regeneration/direct seeding programs. 

Note: Anyone applying herbicides should have appropriate training 

in the safe use and handling of relevant chemicals (Chapter 8). 

Foliar treatment 

Treating the leaves or foliage of large trees with 

herbicide (foliar treatment) can be cumbersome and 

expensive. In addition, many tree species have thick, 

waxy leaf cuticles that make them highly resistant to 

spray. However, this approach can be useful for treating 

large, dense infestations of resprouting seedlings and 

small shrubs in degraded areas. Foliar treatment is not 

recommended for saplings and mature trees. It is 

impossible to spray the canopy of even a small tree 

within bushland without off-target damage. 

Cut and paint 

Cut and paint is a target-specific method, suitable for 

many small trees and shrubs that resprout. Successful 

control requires careful application – it is essential to 

apply the herbicide immediately to cut stumps. If 

delayed, the tree seals the wounded stump, preventing 

absorption of the herbicide. Large trees and shrubs 

may need to be cut down sequentially to avoid injury 

to workers and damage to the surrounding bush. Cut 

down the plant until one metre of trunk remains above 

the ground. With herbicide ready, cut the remaining 

trunk off close to ground level, apply herbicide 

immediately to the stump. The cut and paint method is 

labour intensive and can leave large gaps in the 

canopy. It is not viable for large infestations unless an 

experienced work crew is available and a consistent, 

systematic effort can be made over time. 

• Shrubs and small trees can be treated by felling 

the plant close to ground level (5-15 cm) and 

immediately painting the exposed stump with a 

systemic herbicide. The entire surface of small 

stems can be painted using a paintbrush or 

sponge applicator. On larger stems, focus on the 

outer ring of wood containing the phloem, xylem 

and vascular cambium. 

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Box 6.2 Herbicide translocation in woody plants 

Whether applied to the leaves, roots or stem of a tree, herbicide is transported around the plant within the 

xylem and phloem tissue. Understanding the function of these tissues and that of the vascular cambium is 

important in woody weed management. 

Phloem is the tissue that is exposed when the 

outer bark is peeled away. These living cells are 

linked by protoplasm, forming an avenue for bi- 

inner bark and phloem 

directional movement of hormones and 

outer bark 

photosynthates between shoots and roots. 

Vascular cambium describes the thin layer of 

cells with the ability to divide that lie beneath 

the phloem. Each year these cells produce a new 

layer of phloem toward the outside of the tree 

and a new layer of xylem, or wood, toward the 

inside. 

Xylem consists of four kinds of cells. Tracheids 

and vessels, which at maturity are dead, are 

hollow cells responsible for the upward transport 

of water and dissolved solutes. Fibres provide 

structural strength and parenchyma cells, when 

living, provide a pathway for lateral movement 

across the xylem. While the parenchyma cells are 

alive, the xylem is physiologically active and 

considered part of the sapwood. When the 

parenchyma cells die, the xylem becomes 

heartwood; it provides structural support but no 

longer transports water and solutes. The 

sapwood can often, but not always, be 

distinguished by its lighter colour. 

Uptake of herbicides in phloem 

Herbicides with a molecular structure that allows them to cross living plant cell membranes may be carried in 

the phloem. They are called systemic herbicides and are readily taken into the phloem through leaves and 

roots. Phloem-mobile, systemic herbicides are not restricted to movement in the phloem however (Chaney 

1985, Sindel 2000). Uptake directly into the phloem cells via trunk injection is unlikely; the cell contents are 

under positive pressure and when damaged, are forced out. Damaged cells are also quickly sealed with plugs of 

gelatinous material (Chaney 1985, Chaney no date). 

Movement in the sapwood 

heartwood 

vascular cambium 

sapwood 

Cross-section of a tree trunk illustrating the location of outer bark, inner 

bark and phloem, vascular cambium and xylem (both sapwood and 

heartwood). 

All herbicides with some water solubility can be transported in the xylem (Sindel 2000). Within the xylem, 

continuous columns of water extend from the roots to the leaf cells. Unlike phloem cell content which is under 

positive pressure, liquid in the xylem is under negative pressure; as water evaporates from stomatal pores in 

the leaves, more is drawn upwards (Chaney 1985, Kozlowski and Pallardy 1997). Injected herbicide is initially 

pulled up into the tree due to this strong negative pressure. Once in the xylem, phloem-mobile herbicides can 

move across cell membranes making their way into the phloem to be transported around the plant (Chaney 

1985, Sindel 2000). However, rapid application is vital. Trunk injection severs xylem cells, breaking the 

continuity of the water, introducing air and initiating wound healing - all processes that impede the uptake of 

injected substances (Chaney 1985). 

Soil moisture, air temperature, and relative humidity affect the rate of water movement. For most temperate 

species, warm days with low relative humidity are associated with high transpiration. Injected substances are 

rapidly taken up. In contrast, when the temperature is cool or the relative humidity high, conditions that slow 

down transpiration, the rate of water uptake from the soil will be slow and trunk injection less effective. There 

are of course exceptions. Many Australian species, adapted to the hot dry climate, conserve water by not 

transpiring in the heat of the day during the summer months, and thus should not be injected at this time.

Felling large trees can result in damage to the native 

vegetation. Furthermore, the cut and paint approach 

may not deliver the quantity of herbicide required to 

kill the rootstock. 

Removing branches from the site: Minimise damage 

to surrounding vegetation by planning your removal 

route in advance and cutting back large or bushy 

plants sequentially. Where possible avoid cutting down 

plants when they are covered in ripe fruit or seed, as 

carrying out the branches will help spread the weed! 

Never leave cut branches bearing seed or fruit in 

bushland – even unripe seed can ripen on cut 

branches. If possible put seed-bearing material into 

bags before carrying out of the bushland. Some plants, 

like Willow, Edible Fig and Poplar (Populus species) will 

also grow from branch cuttings. To avoid spreading 

such plants unwittingly, these species can be left 


Box 6.3 Brazilian Pepper – a successful sucker 

Brazilian, or Japanese Pepper (Schinus 

terebinthifolius), is a large shrub to small evergreen 

tree. Separate male and female plants produce small, 

cream flowers, but only the female tree produces the 

distinctive clusters of small red berries. The dark 

green leathery leaves emit a strong turpentine or 

peppery smell when crushed. Widely planted as an 

ornamental, Brazilian Pepper has successfully 

naturalised in more than 20 countries in two circumglobal 

belts of roughly 15-30° North and South. The 

weed can form dense thickets, which shade out and 

smother native plants. Most invasive in moist 

situations, it also tolerates dry conditions and has 

been found growing and spreading on cliffs, 

roadsides and in bushland. Birds are the primary 

seed dispersal agents, although many mammals, 

gravity and water also play a part. Root suckers 

contribute greatly to local spread, especially after 

crown or root damage. In moist conditions branch 

cuttings will also take root (Anon. 1998, Elfers 1988a, 

Ferriter 1997, Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001, Randall 

and Marinelli 1996, Panetta and McKee 1997). 

Successful strategies – some Brazilian 

Pepper biology 

• Brazilian Pepper can reach reproductive age 

within three years of germination. 

• Bears seed from April until October – an 

extensive period for seed dispersal. 

• Seeds are dispersed by birds. 

• Seedlings can grow in dense shade. 

• Established trees are not usually killed by fire. 

• Stems sprout prolifically after canopy damage. 

• Suckering is enhanced by root or canopy 

damage. 

standing and treated by stem injection or basal bark 

treatment. 

Stem injection 

As outlined in the section on apical control, plants may 

sucker primarily in response to canopy or root 

damage. Species which root sucker (including Silver 

Wattle, Lantana, Poplar and Brazilian Pepper) may be 

best treated by stem injection or basal bark methods 

(Box 6.3). 

Stem injection techniques reduce herbicide damage to 

the surrounding environment. By placing the herbicide 

directly into the tree, contamination of soil and water, 

and damage to off-target plants is minimised. Response 

to stem injection will vary, depending on species, 

xylem anatomy, sap components, and environmental 

conditions (Box 6.2 & 6.4). 

Controlling Brazilian Pepper 

Physical control 

Seedlings: Carefully hand-weed being sure to 

remove all the root. Seedlings have a distinct tap 

root, suckers snap off leaving a hockey stick 

shaped end. 

Saplings and mature trees: Do not fell as trees will 

coppice. Damage to the root system or canopy 

stimulates root suckering. 


Saplings and mature trees: 

Cut and paint: Does not allow sufficient herbicide to 

enter the system and cutting stimulates suckering. 

Only offers temporary control and the resultant 

resprouting, as much as 26 months later (Panetta 

and Anderson 2001), and root suckering forms 

denser thickets. 

Stem injection/ basal bark: Correctly applied these 

techniques are preferable to the cut and paint 

method, resulting in a relatively high proportion of 

tree death and minimal suckering in the survivors. 

Resprouts: Foliar spray only if original trunk was 

small; if very large root stock, foliar spray over the 

proportionately small area of regrowth will not 

deliver enough herbicide to kill the plant. Instead, 

inject herbicide into the root crown. 

Timing 

For maximum effect herbicide should be applied 

during summer when plants are actively growing 

and, in wet areas, where roots are not waterlogged. 

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Drill and fill: Holes 8-10 mm in diameter are drilled 

down at an angle into the sapwood around the base of 

the tree at 50-100 mm intervals, ensuring there is an 

injection point below each major branch. Inject 

approximately 5 mL of herbicide solution into the 

holes immediately after drilling each one. The hole 

depth will depend on the wood anatomy of the tree 

and thickness of the bark, but 30-50 mm is usually 

appropriate. A cordless drill or brace and bit can be 

used for drilling and the herbicide injected from a 

squirt bottle, large syringe or a drench gun. 

Alternatively, Sidewinder Tree Injectors ® have been 

specifically designed for this task. 

Note: Common practice is to inject undiluted herbicide. While this is 

sometimes necessary, in other situations a 50 % or even 20 % solution 

is adequate. 

Frilling: Herbicide can also be injected into the 

sapwood by means of frilling. An axe is used to make 

cuts into the sapwood around the base of the tree. The 

cuts should be 30-50 mm wide by 20-30 mm deep 

(ensure cuts penetrate into the sapwood). Herbicide 

should be injected immediately into the cuts. 

Basal bark 

Basal bark treatment is useful on small stems – less 

than 20 cm in diameter and some larger trees with thin 

bark. The lower 60 cm of bark is 

painted or sprayed until 

dripping, with a 

herbicide and bark 

penetrant solution. The 

bark penetrant (usually 

diesel) carries the 

herbicide through thin bark 

and into the sapwood. Bark 

thickness and characteristics 

can influence effectiveness of this 

technique. Bark should also be 

dry and relatively dirt free. This 

method is quicker than 

injection or cut and paint, distributes the herbicide 

evenly around the tree base and thus evenly into the 

sapwood and is useful in tangled thickets. 

Treating climbers and brambles 

Climbers present their own set of problems when it 

comes to control. They scramble over and through 

native vegetation making targeted spraying of foliage 

difficult. Climbers often have thin stems that cannot be 

injected, and when cut off at the base provide an 

inadequate surface area for herbicide uptake. They 

may also have the ability to sucker and/or stem layer, 

putting down roots from the stem into the ground and 

trunks or branches of other plants (Morning Glory 

(introduced Ipomoea spp), Japanese Honeysuckle 

(Lonicera japonica)). For these species, cutting off 

stems at the base only cuts one part of the nutrient 

supply and is ineffective. Many climbing species 

including Dolichos Pea (Dipogon lignosus), Morning 

Glory and Madeira Vine, have a large woody or 

tuberous root stock and techniques are required that 

introduce enough herbicide into the plant to kill it. 

Scrape and paint 

An effective way of killing 

climbers that sucker or stem 

layer, is to scrape the stems 

with a knife and 

immediately paint the 

exposed wood with a 

systemic herbicide. 

This method 

increases the surface 

area available for 

herbicide uptake and 

allows the herbicide to 

be translocated throughout the 

plant – including into secondary 

root systems. One or two long 

scrapes (300 mm) should be made 

along the same side close to the 

base of each stem. The scrapes 

should be deep enough to expose 

the sapwood, but not sever the 

stem. Treatments should be 

carefully monitored and any 

resprouts foliar sprayed or 

re-scraped and painted 

before they become 

entangled with native 

vegetation. The scrape and paint approach is suitable 

for Madeira Vine, which is particularly difficult to 

manage. It produces a multitude of both aerial and 

underground tubers which break off easily when the 

plant is disturbed and readily form new plants. With 

the scrape and paint method there is minimal 

disturbance to the canopy and aerial tubers will 

gradually wither and die on the plant (Muyt 2001). 

Remove and bag aerial tubers from the treatment area 

prior to scraping.

Foliar spray 

Foliage provides a large surface area for uptake of 

herbicides. If the climber is growing over low shrubs, 

the bulk of the material can be pulled back off and 

away from native plants and sprayed. A good penetrant 

should always be used. This method is suitable for: 

• Dense infestations where no native species are 

present and off-target damage will not occur. 

• Small infestations in relatively good bushland 

where labour is available to carefully pull vines 

away from native plants. 

Slash and spray 

Infestations of plants such as Blackberry, which form 

thickets of stems up to two metres high can be difficult 

to treat. Larger, dense infestations in highly disturbed 

areas are better treated by leaving the plants intact 

and spraying with a systemic herbicide. Intact plants 

provide more leaf area, increasing the amount of 

herbicide that can be taken into the plant (Bruzzese 

and Lane 1996). 


Box 6.4 Xylem anatomy and sapwood porosity 

In plants, water and its dissolved solutes (including herbicide) are transported along the pathway of least 

resistance and this varies depending on the xylem anatomy. In cross section there are three main (and an array 

of intermediate) arrangements of vessels and tracheids within woody species: Non-porous, diffuse porous and 

ring porous (Chaney 1985, Kozlowski and Pallardy 1997). 

Non-porous anatomy is found in gymnosperms, the conifers, which only have small, narrow tracheids for water 

uptake. Tracheids produced early in the growing season, the earlywood, have the largest diameters and are the 

main pathway for water transport. Three or four annual growth rings of xylem may be active (Kozlowski and 

Pallardy 1997). 

Diffuse porous anatomy occurs in angiosperm trees, or hardwood species. Vessels, rather than tracheids are 

the primary water conductors. In diffuse porous woods, vessels of similar diameter are uniformly scattered in 

the early and latewood. The proportion of the sapwood conducting water varies between species, but 

commonly vessels found in the outer three or four growth rings are responsible. 

Ring porous anatomy also occurs in angiosperms. However, here the vessels of the earlywood are larger in 

diameter than those of the latewood. It is these larger vessels of the current growth increment that conduct 

99 % of the water and solutes (Zimmerman and Brown 1971, Chaney 1985, Kozlowski and Pallardy 1997). 

The movement of sap upwards through the tree also varies between species. Sap may move in a continuous 

vertical path, from root to tip, although this is an exception not the rule (Zimmerman and Brown 1971). 

Depending on the arrangement of tracheids and vessels, sap may travel in spiral ascent turning right or left, 

interlocked ascent and sectorial straight ascent (Chaney 1985, Kozlowski and Pallardy 1997). Spiral ascent 

allows the most complete distribution of water from an individual root to many branches (Kubler 1991) and 

thus would distribute injected herbicide most widely. 

Workers often report variable success rates using herbicide injection tecniques. Knowledge of anatomy and 

conduction pattern in the xylem helps tailor our injection technique, maximise its effectiveness and achieve 

consistent results. In non-porous and diffuse porous species, herbicide can be injected into the three or four 

annual growth rings below the bark. For ring porous species the injected material should be placed just 

beneath the bark in the current growth ring. The spacing of injection points can also influence treatment 

effectiveness. While there is usually some tangential spread of injected herbicides in the crown (Northcott 

1957), trees with straight ascent pathways will often require more injection points than those with a spiral 

ascent pathway. If not, the result may be death of the tree in strips, resulting in some dead branches while 

others still live. This has been observed in the Flame Tree, Erythrina x skysii (Rod Randall pers. comm. 2001). 

Foliar spraying small infestations of Blackberry among 

good bushland can result in off-target damage and 

accessing the root crown for injection is awkward. A 

number of community groups in the Perth region have 

found that slashing the plants, carting the bulk away 

and spraying regrowth once it is 50-100 cm high is 

effective. Blackberries will root readily from cuttings, 

so cut material must be removed from the site and 

disposed of carefully. Make sure plants are not cut 

down while in fruit as their removal from the bushland 

will spread the weed. Several follow-up treatments may 

be necessary. 

Treating resprouts 

No matter how good your technique, resprouting of 

trees, shrubs and climbers will occur in some species 

and/or under some conditions. Follow-up application of 

a systemic herbicide to foliage of resprouting plants and 

suckers is common practice. However, if the plant was 

very large and healthy prior to removal, the amount of 

chemical that can be applied to the foliage is likely to be 

insufficient to permanently damage the rootstock. 

Instead, try clearing away some soil and drilling holes 

around the base into the root crown. Fill the holes with 

herbicide as for the drill and fill technique. 

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If herbicide use is not desirable and the offending weed 

resprouts, try cutting the stump and then repeatedly 

cutting any regrowth. This should eventually exhaust 

the plant’s reserves; but be prepared, it may take 

years! Alternatively, try stripping away all the bark 

from the stump to remove epicormic buds. This will 

not work for suckering species like Blackwood (Acacia 

melanoxylon), Flame Tree (Erythrina X sykesii), Tree-ofheaven 

or Eucalypts with lignotubers. 

Seedling recruitment 

The control of mature woody weeds usually frees light, 

space and nutrients, ideal conditions for seedling 

recruitment. Resources need to be made available to 

control any seedling flush. In some species seed is 

short-lived in the soil (Brazilian Pepper seed survives 

only six months) and follow-up control of seedlings is 

only required for a short period. For species with 

longer-lived seed, including many Acacia species, 

Broom (Genista spp) and Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus 

palmensis), follow-up may take a number of years. After 

the initial seedling flush is controlled, reduce further 

germination by encouraging the regeneration of native 

species. Keep out fire and other forms of disturbance 

until the soil weed seedbank disappears. In other 

situations it may be desirable to encourage weed seeds 

to germinate so they can be controlled and the soil 

seedbank exhausted. 

Injection and basal bark herbicide treatments can 

induce seed drop in bradysporous species such as 

Cajeput (Melaleuca quinquenervia) (Coladonato 1992b). 

These are plants that retain most of their seed in the 

canopy. The herbicide places the tree under stress 

causing the canopy-stored seed to be released which 

may result in prolific seedling recruitment. Such 

species can be treated using the cut and paint method. 

Ensure no seed-bearing material is left in the bushland. 

That said, canopy-stored seed is often only short-lived 

in the soil. Timing injection or basal bark treatments 

carefully can greatly reduce the amount of seed 

available for germination. For example, Sugar Gum 

(Eucalyptus cladocalyx) seed only remains viable in the 

soil for six months and the bulk of seed germinates in 

winter (Ruthrof 2001). By treating the plant in 

November, thereby inducing an early seed drop, most 

of the seed will lose viability over summer before 

seedling recruitment starts with the winter rainfall. 

Even when follow-up control of seedlings is 

meticulously undertaken, seed can still be brought in 

from an external source and susceptible bushland 

should be monitored at least annually. 

Making the most of unplanned fires 

Fire is a source of disturbance and a major mechanism 

for spread and establishment of many woody weeds. 

Invasive Australian species (Acacias, Melaleucas, and 

Eucalypts), are often favoured by post-fire conditions. 

Many have large numbers of seeds whose germination 

is enhanced by fire. Others resprout or sucker, 

increasing the density of stands. 

Nevertheless, for non-resprouting, non-suckering trees, 

particularly those with short to medium-lived seed, 

unplanned fire provides an opportunity for effective 

control. When mature plants have been killed or 

damaged by fire, follow-up treatment of seedlings by 

hand-weeding or spraying can greatly reduce the 

infestation. 

• Fire can enhance germination of some seedbanks – 

resulting in mass germination and reducing the 

requirement for staggered spray programs. At 

Kings Park, Perth, mature plants of the resprouting 

Sugar Gum retain approximately 120,000 seeds in 

the canopy that are released to germinate en 

masse after fire (Ruthrof 2001). Post-fire control of 

resprouting adults and seedlings is very effective 

for this and other species with a similar fire 

response. Indeed, if seedlings aren’t controlled 

then such species could rapidly dominate the 

bushland. 

• Seedling recruitment can be extensive. Post-fire 

recruitment of Acacia sophorae has been recorded 

as high as 32,000 seedlings per hectare (McMahon 

et al. 1994). A consistent effort over a few years 

can drastically reduce, and sometimes eliminate 

the population. 

• The fire itself may destroy a large portion of the 

weed seedbank. Intense fire has been shown to 

destroy a large proportion of the soil stored seed 

of Sydney Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia) 

(McMahon et al. 1994), although less intense fires 

can result in mass recruitment. 

• For some species such as Victorian Tea Tree 

(Leptospermum laevigatum) the season in which 

mature trees are burnt may be critical in 

determining the amount of post-fire recruitment of 

seedlings (Molnar et al. 1989). 

• Whatever the scenario, funds must be available for 

post-fire control work or weed problems can be 

amplified. Other weeds, not just woody species, 

often have a more competitive advantage in fire 

disturbed communities, germinating first and 

smothering native species. 

The question is then posed ‘can fires be used as a tool 

to manage woody weeds?’ There is little information 

regarding the use of fire as an actual management tool 

(McMahon et al. 1994). A review of the studies that 

have been done highlights a lack of common pre- and 

post-fire measurements (Downey 1999). Obviously a lot 

more research on weed and ecosystem response is 

required before fire can be recommended as a 

management tool. It is also important to appreciate the 

potential problems associated with using fire: 

• Resources and commitment must be put into 

follow-up weed control or the problems will be 

exacerbated. Other weeds (especially grasses), not 

just woody species, often have a more competitive 

advantage in fire-disturbed communities, 

germinating early and smothering native species 

before they can establish. 

• Even in fire-adapted plant communities frequent 

burns can result in loss of species diversity and 

changes in vegetation structure.

• Detailed research into the biology of the target 

weed, other weeds in the area and native species 

is often not available. 

• Fires can easily get out of control damaging large 

tracts of bushland. In small remnants this may be 

disastrous for the native flora and fauna. 

Woody weeds and waterways 

Many south western Australian waterways are now 

inhabited by a range of woody weeds. Creeks provide 

favourable conditions for weed tree growth and act as 

a dispersal route along which propagules can float 

downstream. It follows that, when removing a large 

weed infestation from along a watercourse, you should 

always start your removal program at the top of the 

stream and move downwards. Weed control techniques 

themselves can contribute to the dispersal of 

propagules. Willows, for example, grow easily from cut 

pieces of branch left in the mud and can be carried to 

new sites by water. Therefore, it is important that all 

potential propagules are removed from the site. 

When removing woody weeds from creeks and 

wetlands, the risk of erosion must be a primary 

consideration. Erosion can be started or compounded 

by the removal of woody weeds from embankments. 

Grubbing out the roots of mature trees causes major 

soil disturbance and stimulates erosion in most 

situations. Just leaving areas of bare soil allows water 

to move quickly across the surface and causes 

significant erosion problems. Entire removal of large 

areas of woody weeds should be very carefully 

considered. Even when removing small infestations, or 

part of a larger infestation, bare soil should be 

revegetated with local species as soon as possible. 

Rapid replacement of vegetation cover will minimise 

water run-off and thus loss of topsoil. 

In Western Australia, if woody weeds are within 20 

metres of flowing waterways or swamps, restrictions on 

herbicide use (Chapter 8) limit control choices. Felling, 

which does not use herbicide and does not cause major 

soil disturbance, is one option. But, for many suckering 

species this approach may lead to an increase in the 

weed infestation. Roundup Biactive ® is registered in all 

states for use near waterways on some weeds and a 

minor use off-label permit (No. PER4984) approves its 

use in accordance with the label in aquatic situations in 

Western Australia. The highly targeted stem injection 

method, which contains herbicide within the tree, is a 

good option for use near waterways, especially if a nonresidual 

herbicide is used. 

Key points 

Clearly the woody weeds as a group have much in 

common when it comes to management. The following 

summarises the key management issues and control 

techniques. 

• Non-sprouting, non-suckering woody weeds can be 

felled. No herbicide is necessary. 

• Species that resprout but do not sucker, can be 

treated by the cut and paint, stem injection, or 

basal bark methods. 


• Species that sucker should be treated by stem 

injection or basal bark methods whenever possible. 

• When using the stem injection method ensure 

there is an injection point below each major 

branch. On plants with multiple trunks each stem 

should be injected or sprayed. Trees should be 

injected when water uptake is at a maximum. 

Avoid stem injection during cold weather, 

flowering or drought. 

• When applying the cut and paint or stem injection 

method, herbicide must be applied within seconds 

of tissue damage. Always use a systemic, or 

phloem-mobile, herbicide. 

• Do not inadvertently spread the weed while 

removing branches. 

• When removing infestations along waterways 

assess the possibilities of erosion, spread and 

chemical contamination first. 

• Allocate resources for follow-up control of 

resprouts and germinating seedlings (after 

treatment and following unplanned fires). 

• Knowledge of tree anatomy, physiology and 

biology allows you to tailor your herbicide 

application technique and management program. 

• Fire can provide a major mechanism for the 

establishment of new populations of many species. 

• Fire also offers a window of opportunity to greatly 

reduce and possibly eradicate populations. 

Managing woody weed infestations is not straight 

forward. Depending on your reasoning, large 

populations could be removed slowly to minimise 

disturbance and allow time for bush regeneration, or 

removed en masse to prevent further spread of 

propagules. Indeed, ‘large’ depends on your 

perspective and the size of the area to be protected. 

Ideally, fruiting branches would never be taken out and 

the most suitable control method would be applied 

from the beginning. The following case studies 

describe how two community groups tackled their 

particular woody weed problem. They illustrate the 

need to gather as much information on the weedy 

plant as possible and highlight the ‘reality’ of woody 

weed control - the influence that residents, season and 

availability of labour have on the decisions made. 

These case studies are followed by the woody weed 

management table ending the discussion of weed 

groups. The table presents information on the biology 

of individual woody weed species and known control 

methods. The final two chapters are dedicated to 

describing the simple, cheap and effective approach 

taken to weed mapping by EWAN staff throughout this 

project and discuss the frequently and less frequently 

asked questions about herbicide use in bushland. 

83

84 

Chapter 6 Trees, Shrubs and Climbers Case Studies 

Case study 6.1 Eastern Australian natives at Blue Gum Lake 

The woody weed problem at Blue 

Gum Lake, Perth, is largely the 

result of misguided planting of 

eastern Australian natives. Sydney 

Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia) 

and Melaleuca linariifolia (among 

others) were planted throughout 

the Swamp Banksia (Banksia 

littoralis) and Flooded Gum 

(Eucalyptus rudis) – Paperbark 

(Melaleuca preissiana and Melaleuca 

rhaphiophylla) woodlands during 

the 1980s and 90s. They have since 

seeded, quickly naturalising and 

spreading, particularly following 

fire. Their increasing presence 

alters plant community dynamics 

within this small urban remnant. 

Importantly, M. linariifolia was 

mistakenly planted as Melaleuca 

preissiana, a local species, 

highlighting the need to use locally 

collected seed from correctly 

identified species when planting in 

or near bushland. 

The distribution of both weed 

species was mapped by overlaying 

a transparent map of the tracks on 

an aerial photograph and walking 

the bushland area. As there were 

local species superficially similar to 

the weed trees flagging tape was 

tied to each tree allowing quick, 

accurate recognition of weed 

species. The process took four 

hours to complete. It was low cost 

and provided a record of 

distribution so follow-up could be 

effectively carried out once all large 

trees were removed. 

Management strategies differed for 

the two species reflecting basic 

differences in their biology: 

Acacia longifolia 

Shrub to small tree 

Does not resprout 

Soil stored seed 

Melaleuca linariifolia 

Small to medium tree 

Resprouts 

Stores seed in canopy 

Populations of both species were 

small and scattered, and removing 

them in a single effort was 

appropriate to prevent further 

spread and aid bush regeneration. 

The distribution of Sydney Golden Wattle • and Melaleuca linariifolia • at Blue Gum Lake, City 

of Melville, Western Australia. 

Acacia longifolia 

A Bushcare work day was organised 

through the Department of 

Environmental Protection’s Ecoplan 

program in July 1999. Volunteers 

assisted the Friends with the 

removal of 40 Sydney Golden 

Wattles. The trees were cut low to 

the ground with pruning saws and 

where necessary chainsaws. The 

branches were carried out of the 

bushland to be carted away by the 

local shire. To follow up the control 

effort, a Green Corps team and City 

of Melville Bushcare Officers took 

just a few hours to hand pull 

emergent seedlings. 

The following August, flowering 

revealed a number of other mature 

plants hidden amid a dense stand of 

leggy Golden Wreath Wattle (Acacia 

saligna). These were removed with 

the help of two delightful Japanese 

volunteers who were not quite sure 

why we were taking out this 

beautiful ‘native’. A thorough search 

of the area revealed lots of 

seedlings and a few more have been 

found and hand-pulled in the 

subsequent months. 

The job is not over. Continued local 

government assistance and the 

input of time and effort from the 

Friends are important for continuity 

of the management program. 

Follow-up will need to be conducted 

annually for at least ten years; the 

soil seedbank of Sydney Golden 

Wattle is long-lived and trees reach 

seed bearing age in as little as two 

years. Resources should be made 

available for seedling removal if an 

unplanned fire occurs. Fire will 

enhance seed germination and the 

resulting seedling flush will largely 

exhaust the seedbank, providing an 

excellent control opportunity. The 

subsequent regeneration of the local 

Flooded Gum‚ and the Golden Wreath 

Wattle makes the effort worth while. 

Melaleuca linariifolia 

The removal of M. linariifolia posed 

additional problems. Several large 

trees grew within the bushland, a 

few close to the lake shore. The 

removal of these would be visible to 

residents across the lake. Therefore, 

the initial step was to convince the 

local council that residents would 

find the Swamp Banksia and 

Flooded Gum – Paperbark 

woodlands behind the weed trees 

equally as attractive. This took 

some doing. By removing the weed 

trees, and opening up the canopy 

there was also a concern that bare 

areas would be invaded by weeds. 

Australian Trust for Conservation 

Volunteers (ATCV) assisted the 

Friends in the removal of the trees. 

The majority of the trees were large 

and bulky and a chainsaw was used

Chapter 6 Trees, Shrubs and Climbers Case Studies 

Sydney Golden Wattle growing in bushland at Blue Gum Lake . Using a hand saw to fell a Sydney Golden Wattle at Blue Gum Lake. 

to prune back each tree before 

cutting the stump low to the 

ground. Neat (100 %) glyphosate 

was immediately applied to the cut 

stump. To minimise damage to 

native vegetation, branch removal 

routes were carefully planned in 

advance for each tree. Care was 

taken to collect all seed-bearing 

branches, no matter how small, and 

remove them from the site. Large 

sections of trunk were left in the 

bush to rot. 

In all, 20 trees were removed. It took 

eight people six hours to do the job. 

The following year saw a localised 

flush of M. linariifolia seedlings that 

Case study 6.2 Removing Edible Fig (Ficus carica) from Gingin Brook 

In 1999 the Friends of Gingin Brook 

aquired funding to manage the 

bushland along a section of the 

brook. A major component was 

tackling various weed issues 

including a dense infestation of 

Edible Fig (Ficus carica), which was 

displacing the Flooded Gum 

(Eucalyptus rudis) and Swamp 

Paperbark (Melaleuca 

rhaphiophylla) woodland fringing 

the brook. Edible Fig is a 

resprouting, suckering species with 

fruit that ripen over summer. The 

Fig population was mapped and 

found to cover approximately two 

hectares. Isolated trees occurred 

elsewhere in the bushland area. The 

decision was made to remove the 

entire infestation over summer 

using the cut and paint technique. 

Although incongruent with many 

things said in this chapter, 

constraints of funding and access 

lay behind the decision: 

Short-term funding and a Green 

Corps crew were available for work 

to be done at that time. 

The Figs presented an impenetrable 

mass of branches that had to be cut 

out and removed in order to access 

the area for control of other 

invasive weeds such as Blackberry 

and Arum Lily. 

The infested area was dry and 

access was better over summer. 

During winter and spring the area 

was mostly submerged. 

By removing the entire population 

it was hoped to protect 

uninfested areas. 

In the summer of 1998 the Green 

Corp team and the Friends cut 

down, painted stumps (with 100 % 

Roundup Biactive ® ) and carried out 

over 500 Edible Fig trees from the 

Flooded Gum and Swamp Paperbark 

woodland. In the two years since, 

there has been some germination, 

resprouting and suckering of Figs, 

the extent of which can only be 

estimated. Vigilant members of the 

Friends pull seedlings, spray foliage 

with 10 % Roundup Biactive ® or drill 

and inject large root boles (100 % 

Roundup Biactive ® ) at any sign of 

growth. Lone trees which have 

since been found are treated using 

the drill and fill method (100 % 

were hand-pulled as they appeared 

and will continue to be removed 

until the soil seedbank is exhausted. 

Besides this flush of seedlings, the 

bare spaces were largely colonised 

by local species, specifically: 

Centella (Centella asiatica) and Pale 

Rush (Juncus pallidus). 

Roundup Biactive ® ). This is the 

simplest method and appears to 

achieve a high proportion of 

deaths. In hindsight, to minimise 

spread, the group would have tried 

to avoid removing the Fig while in 

fruit. But again, access to the area 

limited the choices. 

Removal of the Figs opened up the 

canopy and increased light became 

a factor. This resulted in an influx of 

annual and some perennial weeds 

including Bushy Starwort 

(Symphyotrichum subulatum), Rough 

Sowthistle (Sonchus asper), Glossy 

Nightshade (Solanum americanum) 

and Nutgrass (Cyperus species). 

With the hand-removal of these 

weeds by the Friends, the native 

plants Tassel Sedge (Carex 

fascicularis), Tall Sedge 

(C. appressa), Native Knotweed 

(Persicaria decipiens) and 

Waterbuttons (Cotula coronopifolia) 

are rapidly returning. Regeneration 

of the canopy species Swamp 

Paperbark and Flooded Gum has 

also been prolific. 

85

Chapter 6 Trees, Shrubs and Climbers Weed Management Table 

Trees and Shrubs 

86 

Common name Dispersal agent 

Seed storage and seedbank 

persistence 

Years to first 

flowering 

Vegetative 

regeneration 

strategy 

Acacia baileyana* Cootamundra Wattle bird, mammal, ant soil, long 2+ n (r) 

Wood structure 

Acacia dealbata* Silver Wattle bird, water soil, long 5+ s,r,l diffuse porous 

Acacia decurrens* Early Black Wattle water, bird soil, long r 

Acacia elata* Mountain Cedar Wattle n 

Acacia floribunda* White Sallow Wattle bird, ant soil, long s 

Acacia iteaphylla* Flinders Range Wattle water, bird soil, long 2 n 

Acacia longifolia* Sydney Golden Wattle water, bird, ant soil, long 2 n (r) 

Acacia melanoxylon* Blackwood bird, water soil, long 5 s,r diffuse porous 

Acacia microbotrya* Manna Wattle 

Acacia podalyriifolia* Qeensland Silver Wattle water, bird soil, long n 

Acacia pycnantha* Golden Wattle water, bird soil, long 3 r 

Ailanthus altissima Tree-of-heaven wind, water, bird 2+ s,r,l ring porous 

Brachychiton populneus* Kurrajong bird, mammal soil, short 8+? r diffuse porous 

Buddleja dysophylla 

Buddleja madagascariensis Butterfly Bush bird (vegetative material) no seed set recorded in Australia r,l ring porous/ diffuse porous 

Callistemon spp* (not local spp) Bottlebrush r 

Callitris columellaris Coastal Pine short s non porous 

Casuarina cunninghamiana* Sheoak wind canopy? soil, short 4+ n (r) 

Casuarina glauca* Sheoak wind canopy? soil, short 4+ s,r 

Chamaecytisus palmensis Tagasaste explosive soil, long 3 r 

Chrysanthemoides monilifera Bitou Bush bird, water, mammal, ant soil, medium/long 1.5 r,l 

Cotoneaster spp Cotoneaster bird soil, short? 2 r 

Erica baccans Berry Flower Heath wind, water soil, medium 3+ r 

Erythrina x sykesii Flame Tree no viable seed produced? s,r,l diffuse porous 

Eucalyptus botryoides* Bangalay wind canopy? soil, short r diffuse porous 

Eucalyptus camaldulensis** River Red Gum wind canopy? soil, short r diffuse porous 

Eucalyptus citriodora* Lemon Scented Gum wind canopy? soil, short r diffuse porous 

Eucalyptus cladocalyx* Sugar Gum explosive, wind, water canopy, soil, short r diffuse porous 

Eucalyptus conferruminata** Bald Island Marlock wind canopy? soil, short r 

Eucalyptus globulus* Tasmanian Bluegum wind canopy? soil, short r diffuse porous 

Eucalyptus maculata* Spotted Gum wind canopy? soil, short r diffuse porous 

Eucalyptus muelleriana* Yellow Stringybark wind canopy? soil, short r diffuse porous 

Eucalyptus polyanthemos* Red Box wind canopy? soil, short r diffuse porous 

Eucalyptus saligna* Sydney Bluegum wind canopy? soil, short r diffuse porous 

Ficus carica Edible Fig bird, mammal short? 4+ s,r,l diffuse porous 

Genista spp Broom explosive, bird, water soil, long 2 r 

Gomphocarpus fruticosus Narrowleaf Cottonbush wind, water soil,long 2 s,r 

Hibiscus diversifolius* Swamp Hibiscus short 1 s,r 

Lagunaria patersoniana* Norfolk Island Hibiscus short n 

*Eastern Australian natives naturalised in Western Australia. **Western Australian natives that have become weedy when planted outside their natural range. 

Dispersal: mode of seed dispersal Seedbank: main storage of seed (canopy or soil), and length of seed viability, short = days to 1 year, medium = 1-5 years, 

long = 5 years plus. Years to maturity: years to first seed crop. Regeneration strategy: r = coppices/resprouts, l = stem layering, n = not sprouting or suckering, 

s = suckers (parentheses indicate occasional occurrence has been observed). Management and control: Injection = drill and fill or frilling


Suggested method of management and control References 

Hand pull seedlings; fell mature plants, young plants may occasionally resprout. Basal bark - picloram/triclopyr. 58, 167, 231, 319, 51, 228, 242, 222 

Hand pull seedlings; basal bark - picloram/triclopyr (autumn). 53, 58, 167, 319, 228, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; basal bark - picloram/triclopyr (autumn); cut and paint - neat glyphosate. 53, 167, 231, 319, 228, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; fell mature plants. Resprouting has been recorded in some areas - if in doubt basal bark spray with triclopyr/picloram. 58, 167, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; try injection - 50 % glyphosate or basal bark - picloram +triclopyr. 167, 60, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; fell mature plants. 58, 167, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; fell mature plants, young plants may occasionally resprout. Basal bark - picloram/triclopyr. 53, 58, 167, 319, 228, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; try injection - 50 % glyphosate or basal bark - picloram/triclopyr (autumn). 53, 58, 167, 319, 228, 242, 222 

Hand pull seedlings; fell mature plants. 58, 167, 319, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; basal bark - picloram/triclopyr (autumn); cut and paint - 100 % glyphosate or picloram/triclopyr. 53, 134, 319, 228, 242 

injection 100 % glyphosate; basal bark - picloram/triclopyr (summer). 10, 30, 167, 248, 303, 320, 51, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; try injection with 50-100 % glyphosate or basal bark - picloram/triclopyr; cut and paint - glyphosate. 48, 167, 242 

Hand pull small plants - remove all stem material. 167, 242 

Hand pull small plants - remove all stem material. 167, 241, 297, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; try cut and paint with 50-100 % glyphosate. 167, 242 

Try cut and paint with 100 % glyphosate; injection in this species with non porous wood may be ineffective. 124, 242 

Hand pull seedlings;fell mature plants; cut and paint young plants - 50 % glyphosate. 167, 241, 291, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; basal bark - Garlon ® +oil; try drill and fill - 50 % glyphosate. 21, 114, 167, 241, 291, 242 

Hand pull seedlings where possible; basal bark - picloram/triclopyr; foliar spray with 0.5 g/10 L metsulfuron methyl + Pulse ® . 167, 231, 313, 228, 242 

Hand pull small plants to 1m; cut and paint or inject 100 % glyphosate or foliar spray with 1 % glyphosate (spr-sum). 9, 21, 95, 167, 231, 248, 285, 327, 313, 2, 242 

Seedlings difficult to hand pull; cut and paint with 40-100 % glyphosate or foliar spray - glyphosate + metsulfuron methyl (Trounce ® ) (spr-sum). 21, 167, 231, 51, 242 

Digout small plants; cut and paint - 20 % glyphosate (aut-win); slash prior to seed set, spray regrowth within year - 1 % glyphosate. 21, 231, 242 

Injection - closely spaced holes/frills or try basal bark- picloram/triclopyr. 9, 167, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; try cut and paint or inject root crown - 50 % glyphosate; foliar spray regrowth - 1.5 % glyphosate. 134, 167, 231, 319, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; try cut and paint or inject root crown - 50 % glyphosate; foliar spray regrowth - 1.5 % glyphosate. 167, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; try cut and paint or inject root crown - 50 % glyphosate; foliar spray regrowth - 1.5 % glyphosate. 167, 231, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; try cut and paint or inject root crown - 50 % glyphosate; foliar spray regrowth - 1.5 % glyphosate. 167, 231, 282, 242 


Hand pull seedlings; try cut and paint or inject root crown - 50 % glyphosate; foliar spray regrowth - 1.5 % glyphosate. 167, 231, 242 





Hand pull seedlings; inject with 50-100 % glyphosate (summer); foliar spray regrowth with 10 % glyphosate or inject root boles. 167, 242 

Hand pull small seedlings; cut and paint - 100 % glyphosate or foliar spray - 1 % glyphosate, repeat treatment (win-spr). 53, 134, 163, 231, 248, 344, 242 

Hand pull small plants; foliar spray with 1.5 % glyphosate or try cut and paint - 50 % glyphosate (Sep-Dec). 248, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; fell mature plants. 167, 242 

167, 242 

124, 242 

87


Common name Dispersal agent 

Seed storage and seedbank 

persistence 

Years to first 

flowering 

Vegetative 

regeneration 

strategy 

Lantana camara Lantana bird, mammal, water 2+ s,r,l 

Lavandula stoechas Lavender r 

Leonotis leonurus Lion's Tail s 

Leptospermum laevigatum* Victorian Tea Tree wind soil short, canopy 4 n (r) l 

Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn bird, mammal, water (skinks) soil, short? 2 s,r,l 

Melaleuca lanceolata** wind, water canopy, long/soil, short r 

Melaleuca linariifolia* wind, water canopy, long/soil,short r 

Melaleuca quinquenervia* Cajeput wind, water canopy, long/soil, short 3 r (l) 

88 

Wood structure 

Melia azedarach** Cape Lilac bird, water soil, short/medium 3? s,r,l semi ring porous 

Nicotiana glauca Tobacco Tree wind, water soil, ? 1 s,r,l 

Olea europea Olive bird, mammal soil, long 5+ s,r diffuse porous 

Pinus pinaster Maritime Pine wind canopy, medium 7 n (r) non porous 

Pinus radiata Radiata Pine wind canopy, medium 5+ n (r) non porous 

Pittosporum undulatum* Sweet Pittosporum bird, mammal soil, short/medium 5 r diffuse porous 

Polygala myrtifolia Butterfly Bush bird, ant, water soil, short/medium 3 n 

Populus alba White Poplar wind, water none? short? s,r,l diffuse porous 

Populus nigra Lombardy Poplar no viable seed produced? s,r,l diffuse porous 

Psoralea pinnata Taylorina bird, mammal, water soil, long (8) -1 (r) 

Rhamnus alaternus Buckthorn bird, mammal soil, long 2? r 

Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant water, mammal, explosive soil, medium 1+ r 

Robinia pseudoacacia Black Locust ? seedlings rare 6+ s,r ring porous 

Rosa laevigata Cherokee Rose bird, mammal soil, medium 3 s,r,l 

Rubus spp Blackberry bird, mammal, water soil, short 2 s,r,l 

Salix babylonica Willow wind, water short (no female trees in W.A?) 4+ s,r,l diffuse porous 

Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian Pepper bird, water short 3 s,r 

Solanum aviculare* Kangaroo Apple bird, mammal soil, long 2+ s,r 

Solanum laciniatum Kangaroo Apple s,r 

Tamarix spp Athel Pine, Tamarisk wind, bird, mammal short 3 s,r ring porous 

Ulmus procera English Elm fruit usually sterile 

Washingtonia filifera Cotton Palm mammal, bird soil, short/medium 9+ n 

Vines 

Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine water aerial & underground tubers na r 

Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper See chapter 4 - Corms, Bulbs and Tubers 

Cardiospermum grandiflorum Large Balloon Creeper water, wind soil, short r 

Dipogon lignosus Dolichos Pea explosive, bird, water soil, medium 2+ r 

Ipomoea carica Morning Glory wind, water r,l 

Ipomoea indica Purple Morning Glory water (stolons) r,l 

Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle bird, mammal, water s,r,l 

Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper ant, bird soil, short-medium r,l 

Senecio tamoides Canary Creeper wind, water s 

*Eastern Australian natives naturalised in Western Australia. **Western Australian natives that have become weedy when planted outside their natural range. 

Dispersal: mode of seed dispersal Seedbank: main storage of seed (canopy or soil), and length of seed viability, short = days to 1 year, medium = 1-5 years, 

long = 5 years plus. Years to maturity: years to first seed crop. Regeneration strategy: r = coppices/resprouts, l = stem layering, n = not sprouting or suckering, 

s = suckers (parentheses indicate occasional occurrence has been observed). Management and control: Injection = drill and fill or frilling 

s

Suggested method of management and control References 

Basal bark- triclopyr/picloram (sum-aut) or cut stump; foliar spray regrowth with 1.5 % glyphosate; biological control. 29, 95, 231, 248, 295, 301, 242 

Hand pull small plants; try cut and paint with 50 % glyphosate. 


Handpull seedlings or small plants. 328, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; fell mature plants. Resprouting has been recorded in some areas - if in doubt basal bark spray with triclopyr+picloram. 50, 123, 218, 319, 228, 191, 242 

Injection - neat glyphosate; or basal bark with triclopyr/picloram (Feb-May); foliar spray regrowth with 10 % glyphosate or 1 % Grazon ® + Pulse ® . 95, 231, 248, 313, 342, 228, 242, 222 

Hand pull seedlings; cut and paint - 50 % glyphosate. 242 

Hand pull seedlings; cut and paint - 50 % glyphosate. 242 

Hand pull seedlings; cut and paint - 100 % glyphosate (basal bark ineffective). 29, 75, 241, 302, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; injection - neat glyphosate; basal bark - 10 % triclopyr (summer). 20, 241, 319, 242 

242 

167, 319, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; basal bark - triclopyr or try injecting into root crown - glyphosate (sum-aut); foliar spray regrowth - 1.5 % glyphosate. 7, 4, 231, 248, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; fell mature plants; cut and paint young plants - try 50 % glyphosate. 21, 167, 231, 319, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; fell mature plants; cut and paint young plants - try 50 % glyphosate. 21, 82, 167, 231, 319, 313, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; cut and paint, injection - 50 % glyphosate (young plants killed by fire/slashing). 29, 134, 135, 167, 231, 279, 278, 142, 242, 230b 

Hand pull seedlings - dense stands can be sprayed with 1.5 % glyphosate; fell mature plants. 21, 167, 231, 228, 242 

Basal bark - 25 % triclopyr; injection - 70 % glyphosate; foliar spray regrowth. 81, 167, 272, 51, 242 

Basal bark - 25 % triclopyr; injection - 70 % glyphosate; foliar spray regrowth. 81, 167, 51, 242 

Hand pull seedlings (slash dense clumps); hand pull young plants 1- 2 years old, cut and paint - 20 % glyphosate or foliar spray 1 g/10 L metsulfuron methyl + Pulse ® ; 

fell mature plants. 

21, 134, 167, 231, 228, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; cut and paint - neat glyphosate; injection - Grazon®; foliar spray regrowth - 1.5 % glyphosate (autumn). 21, 79, 167, 231, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; cut or scrape and paint - 50 % glyphosate; basal bark - triclopyr or Garlon ® (spr-sum). 9, 95, 134, 167, 231, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; basal bark - picloram/triclopyr (spr-sum): Intolerant of shade. 80, 167, 299, 304, 14, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; basal bark - triclopyr (Dec). 167, 231, 248, 242 

Hand pull small plants; cut and paint or slash canes and spray regrowth at 0.5 metres with metsulfuron methyl 1 g/10 L (sum-aut). Will require follow up for a number 

of years. 

3, 21, 95, 167, 231, 241, 248, 47, 51, 343, 228, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; injection - 50 % glyphosate (check restrictions on chemical use near waterways) (sum-aut). 4, 21, 167, 231, 319, 181, 242, 269 

Hand pull seedlings; injection - 50 % glyphosate; basal bark - triclopyr/picloram. (summer). 76, 113, 167, 125, 167, 231, 245, 246, 248, 242, 39 

Hand pull small plants; injection - 50 % glyphosate (sum-aut); basal bark with 1.5 % triclopyr/picloram. 167, 228, 242 

Hand pull small plants; injection - 50 % glyphosate (sum-aut); basal bark with 1.5 % triclopyr/picloram. 167, 228, 242 

Injection into root crown - neat glyphosate; cut and paint - 30 % triclopyr; basal bark or spray regrowth (autumn). 167, 215, 232, 248, 306, 242 

Try injection with 50 % glyphosate or basal bark spray - picloram/triclopyr. 324, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; chop off at base when not in fruit. 164, 167, 242 

Stem scrape or drill and fill thick vines - 100 % glyphosate (Do not cut the stem); intensive follow up of resprouts at 2-4 leaf stage. 9, 21, 167, 231, 242 

Hand pull small plants; sever stems, scrape and paint - 100 % glyphosate or foliar spray - glyphosate 1.5 %. 9, 167, 231, 242 

Hand pull small plants ensuring removal of all root material; scrape and paint - 100 % glyphosate or foliar spray in highly degraded sites with 1.5 % glyphosate. 21, 167, 231, 228, 242, 233 

Hand pull seedlings; scrape and paint stem - 20 -100 % glyphosate. 9, 21, 167, 231, 241, 242 

Scrape and paint stem- 20-50 % glyphosate. 9, 21, 167, 231, 241, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; scrape and paint stems - 100 % glyphosate; spray regrowth 1.5 % glyphosate. 9, 21, 74, 238, 241, 320, 51, 340, 242 

Hand pull seedlings; scrape and paint stems - 100 % glyphosate; spray regrowth 1.5 % glyphosate. 73, 319, 242 

Try 1 % glyphosate or Lontrel ® 20 mL/ 10 L + wetting agent. 328, 242, 222 

242 

242 

89

90 

Chapter 7 Weed Mapping in 

Remnant Bushland 

Mapping of individual weed species is an important 

step in setting priorities for weed control work in small 

reserves. Throughout the course of the project, EWAN 

has often been asked to participate in workshops, 

informing people on how to map weeds in bushland. To 

facilitate this process some mapping guidelines were 

drafted. This chapter is a revision of those guidelines 

and is designed to provide a step by step guide to weed 

mapping in urban bushland. 

Equipment required 

Aerial photograph of bushland 

Aerial photographs are easily obtained from the 

Department of Land Administration (DOLA). It is 

important to know the date the photograph was taken 

and the scale of the photograph. 

When weed mapping, it is practical to enlarge the image 

of the bushland reserve to A4 so it can be used with a 

standard clipboard. An aerial photograph of the 21 

hectare Shenton Bushland fits onto an A4 sheet at a 

scale of 1:16000, while Talbot Road Bushland 

(60 hectares) fits at a scale of 1:60000. However, fitting a 

reserve larger than Talbot Road Bushland to an A4 

sheet would result in loss of detail making it difficult to 

accurately map weed distribution. 

Figure 1. A map of Shenton Bushland was photocopied onto a clear 

overlay and adjusted to fit the aerial photograph. The distribution of 

Freesia • across the bushland was then mapped. 

Map of bushland tracks 

Sometimes the major tracks and features of a reserve 

have been mapped as part of a management plan. This 

map can be photocopied onto a clear overlay and the 

size adjusted to fit the aerial photo (Figure 1). Tracks 

and other features marked on the overlay provide 

reference points in the bushland. 

Other Items 

Clip board 

Waterproof, permanent marking pens (medium tip) 

Compass (can be useful) 

What weeds to map? 

It is not necessary to map all the weeds in a bushland 

patch. Some weeds may have very little impact on the 

native plant communities (Box 7.1). In Banksia 

woodland, many annual herbs and grasses fall into this 

category e.g. Ursinia anthemoides, Aira caryophyllaceus. 

Start by mapping five or six of the most serious 

perennial weeds. To determine these: 

Consider site-specific issues. Which weeds are 

moving into, or have the potential to move into, 

undisturbed bushland? What impact does a 

particular weed have on the native plant 

communities? 

Consult existing management plans (if available) 

and look at the weeds listed in the Environmental 

Weeds Strategy for Western Australia (Department 

of Conservation and Land Management 1999). 

Visit the site throughout the year to determine what 

and where the serious weeds are. At Blue Gum Lake 

bushland, Paspalum (Paspalum urvillei) and Sydney 

Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia) are the most 

obvious weeds over summer. In late autumn 

Soursob (Oxalis pes-caprae) and Annual and 

Perennial Veldgrass (Ehrharta longiflora, E. calycina) 

start to dominate. By winter, Freesia (Freesia alba x 

leichtlinii) and Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa) 

are obvious, often in undisturbed areas. 

Box 7.1 Criteria used in the 

Environmental Weeds Strategy for Western 

Australia to assess weeds in terms of their 

impact on biodiversity 

Invasiveness: Ability to invade bushland in good 

to excellent condition or ability of weeds to invade 

waterways. 

Distribution: Current or potential distribution 

including consideration of known history of widespread 

distribution elsewhere in the world. 

Environmental impact: Ability to change the 

structure, composition and function of an ecosystem. 

In particular an ability to form a monoculture 

in a vegetation community. 

Source: Department of Conservation and Land 

Management (1999)

Chapter 7 Weed Mapping in Remnant Bushland 

Mapping in practice 

It is simplest to map one weed at a time. If a small 

group of people are present, colour photocopies of the 

aerial photograph can be provided so that each person 

can map a different weed. Before mapping begins, 

place a label on the bottom corner of the overlay and 

write the date, the name of the weed being mapped 

and those people participating in the mapping 

exercise. The date is essential if the map is to be used 

as a monitoring tool. 

Traversing the bushland 

Start at one edge of the bushland and walk across the 

site at regular, parallel, intervals. The intervals can be 

around 10 to 50 metres apart depending on the 

vegetation type and the visibility of the weed. A 

compass may be helpful. If the site is disected by 

paths, mapping within the sections of bushland 

created, can be more accurate. 

Marking weed populations on the map 

Many weeds occur in discrete clumps. Mark the 

location and spread (using the map scale as a guide to 

size) of the weed population on the map. Features on 

the overlay and aerial photograph (tracks, water 

bodies, vegetation boundaries, isolated trees and the 

roofs of houses adjacent to bushland) can be used to 

pinpoint the location of weed populations. Most 

serious weeds can be mapped in this way including 

bulbous, cormous and tuberous species like Watsonia 

(Watsonia meriana), Arum Lily (Zantedeschia 

aethiopica), Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) 

and Freesia, woody weeds including weedy Acacias 

and Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and some grass 

weeds like African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula). 

Mapping cover 

Weed cover can also be mapped. Changes in cover 

over time can provide information on the success of a 

control program, increase or decrease in weed 

numbers or vigour and can give an indication of where 

to start control works. To map cover, different symbols 

or different colors can be used to represent cover 

classes. For example: 

Light infestation 1-10 % of ground cover (green) 

Light-medium 11-30 % (blue) 

Medium-heavy 31-70 % (orange) 

Heavy >70 % (red) 

Mapping weed cover can be subjective but is often the 

only practical method of recording weed species that 

are spread throughout bushland in varying densities 

such as Perennial Veldgrass (Ehrharta calycina). Kings 

Park developed a system for mapping Veldgrass by 

estimating cover within a series of 50 m grids across 

the bushland (Bob Dixon unpublished data). This 

method was used at Blue Gum Lake (case study 3.4) 

and at Shenton Bushland (Box 7.3). The usefulness and 

practicalities of mapping weeds in this way will depend 

on the size of your reserve and the patchiness of the 

weed’s distribution. 

Weed mapping along creeks and waterways 

It can be difficult to use aerial photographs to map 

along waterways as a dense overstorey of fringing 

vegetation often obscures recognisable features below. 

At Gingin Brook an aerial photograph was used to 

produce a scale mud map (Figure 2). The area along the 

brook was then walked and all the major weeds were 

mapped. The result is not as detailed as the maps 

mentioned previously but still helps in setting priorities 

and monitoring the success of control programs. 

Virginia Creeper 

Castor Oil Bush 

Honeysuckle 

Canna Lily 

Morning Glory 

Taro 

Blackberry 

Edible Fig 

Brazilian Pepper 

Arum Lily 

Para Grass 

Kurrajong 

Olive 

Reed Sweet Grass 

Figure 2. Mud map showing generalised distribution of weeds along 

Gingin Brook. 

Using weed maps 

Protecting the good bushland: Maps of individual 

weed species enable targeted control work and 

protection of priority areas from weed invasion. By 

overlaying maps of individual weed species onto a 

bushland condition map (Chapter 2, Box 2.1, Box 7.2) 

weed control strategies can be developed that aim to 

protect the least disturbed bushland. For example, 

small isolated patches of serious weeds in relatively 

undisturbed bushland can be identified and listed as a 

high priority for control. 

Understanding the distribution of weeds in bushland: 

Overlaying weed maps onto vegetation maps can 

highlight relationships between weed species and 

particular plant communities. For example, Tribolium 

(Tribolium uniolae) distribution in the Brixton Street 

Wetlands is clearly associated with Marri woodlands and 

drier shrublands or the soil types these communities 

91

92 


occupy. At Quairading Nature Reserve the distribution of 

the Wild Oat (Avena barbata) is clearly associated with 

the soils of the York Gum (Eucalyptus loxophleba) – Jam 

(Acacia acuminata) woodlands (Chapter 5, Box 5.2). 

Monitoring the spread of established weeds and the 

effectiveness of control programs: Weed maps 

provide a useful tool for monitoring the establishment 

and spread of weeds. Mapping weed distribution and 

Box 7.2 Vegetation condition maps 

cover prior to beginning any control program and then 

in subsequent years will provide an indication of the 

program’s effectiveness (Box 7.3). If no control is being 

undertaken then maps can provide general information 

on the rate of spread over time and whether or not a 

particular weed is moving away from disturbed areas 

into good bushland. Weed maps can also highlight the 

main direction of spread - along tracks, with prevailing 

winds or in sheet water flow. 

Vegetation condition maps illustrate how different degrees of disturbance are distributed throughout a 

particular bushland site and are a useful tool for developing management strategies. There are a two condition 

scales used in Western Australia (Kaesehagen 1994, Keighery 1994). Mapping of vegetation condition requires 

an understanding of the effects different types of disturbance may have on bushland, a knowledge of native 

flora and familiarity and understanding of what a particular undisturbed plant community would be like. 

Table 1 Vegetation Condition Scale Table 2. Bushland Condition Scale 

(Keighery 1994) (Kaesehagen 1994) 

Vegetation Condition Scale 

1 = ‘Pristine’ 

Pristine or nearly so, no obvious signs of disturbance. 

2 = Excellent 

Vegetation structure intact, disturbance affecting individual 

species and weeds are non-aggressive species. 

For example, damage to trees caused by fire, the presence of 

non-aggressive weeds and occasional vehicle tracks. 

3 = Very Good 

Vegetation structure altered, obvious signs of disturbance. 

For example, disturbance to vegetation structure caused by 

repeated fires, the presence of some more aggressive weeds, 

dieback, logging and grazing. 

4 = Good 

Vegetation structure significantly altered by very obvious signs 

of multiple disturbance. Retains basic vegetation structure or 

the ability to regenerate it. 


very frequent fires, the presence of some very aggressive 

weeds, partial clearing, dieback and grazing. 

5 = Degraded 

Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by disturbance. 

Scope for regeneration but not to a state approaching good 

condition without intensive management. 


very frequent fires, the presence of some very aggressive 

weeds, partial clearing, dieback and grazing. 

6 = Completely Degraded 

The structure of the vegetation is no longer intact and the area 

is completely or almost completely without native species. 

These areas are often described as ‘parkland cleared’ with the 

flora comprising weed or crop species with isolated native 

trees or shrubs. 

Very Good - Excellent 

• 80-100 % Native Flora 

Composition 

• Vegetation structure intact or 

nearly so 

• Cover /abundance of weeds 

less than 5% 

• No or minimal signs of 

disturbance 

Fair to Good 


Composition 

• Vegetation structure modified or 

nearly so 

• Cover/abundance of weeds 

5-20 % any number of individuals 

• Minor signs of disturbance 

Poor 


Composition 

• Vegetation structure completely 

modified 

• Cover/abundance of weeds 20- 

60 % any number of individuals 

• Disturbance incidence high 

Very Poor 

• 0-20 % Native Flora Composition 

• Vegetation structure 

disappeared 

• Cover/abundance of weeds 60- 

100 % any number of individuals 

• Disturbance incidence very high


Box 7.3 Using maps to monitor change and set priorities at Shenton Bushland 

Over the past four years a contractor has been employed to spray the Perennial Veldgrass (Ehrharta calycina) 

at Shenton Bushland. Perennial Veldgrass cover was mapped over the period using the method devised by Bob 

Dixon at Kings Park. Annual mapping provided a measure of effectiveness for the Perennial Veldgrass control 

program over time. 

Perennial Veldgrass populations were mapped each May prior to spraying in winter. The maps reflected the 

success of the previous year’s control program and were used for allocating the limited resources to priority 

areas in the current year. The project began with an $8000 grant to the Friends from the Lotteries commision in 

1998. A fire had burnt through the central section of the bushland in October 1997. The Friends used the grant 

money to spray a 12 hectare section of unburnt bushland. By 1999 it became clear (with the help of maps) that 

the money should have been directed into the burnt areas. From 1999 onwards the Veldgrass populations were 

mapped each year and resources allocated accordingly. 

1999 Resources available: $2000 grant to the Friends of Shenton Bushland from the Lotteries Commission, 

$6000 from Nedlands City Council. Directed to the central bushland area where dense infestations (in red) had 

established in good to excellent condition bushland following fire in October 1997. 

2000 Resources available: $3500 Community Conservation Grant to the Friends and $6500 from the Nedlands 

City Council. The previous year’s work in the good condition bushland was followed up, leaving the dense 

infestations around the edges of the bushland until more resources became available. 

2001 Resources available: $6000 from Nedlands City Council. With Perennial Veldgrass now at less than 5 % 

cover over much of the bushland in good to excellent condition, resources were redirected to the degraded 

edges. The dense infestations in these areas were a fire hazard and a seed source capable of re-infesting the 

rest of the bushland. 

2002 Resources available: $6000 from City of Nedlands and $7000 from Swan Catchment Urban Landcare 

Program. Perennial Veldgrass cover across much of the bushland down to around 5 %. Enough resources to do 

follow-up work across the bushland excluding the central area. 

1999 2000 2001 2002 

• 60 - 100% • 5 - 59% •

94 

Chapter 8 Herbicide Use 

in Bushland 

The issue of herbicide use in bushland is sometimes a 

sensitive one. This chapter aims to give the reader a 

greater understanding of herbicides, their fate in the 

environment and the legislation regarding their use. 

It sometimes does this by directing the reader to 

alternate sources of information. The role of spray 

contractors in bushland regeneration is also discussed 

and some basic information given on the herbicides 

mentioned throughout this manual. 

Using herbicides in bushland 

Many professional bush regenerators and members of 

community groups are uncomfortable with the use of 

herbicides in bushland, others actively oppose it. 

Nevertheless, herbicide use in bushland management 

appears to have increased in recent times. Bush 

regenerators try to use herbicides only in very targetspecific 

situations: The injection of herbicide into the 

trunk of trees, spot spraying individual grass clumps 

with selective herbicide or the wiping of leaf blades for 

cormous species like Watsonia. It is often a choice 

between the minimal damage done by carefully targeted 

herbicides and the loss of animal and plant biodiversity 

caused by dense invasions of weeds. When applied 

carefully by trained personnel with a detailed 

knowledge of herbicides and of the flora and bushland 

they are working in, herbicides can be an invaluable 

weed management tool: 

• Herbicides can control more weeds more quickly and 

with less labour than appropriate physical methods. 

• They cause fewer physical disturbances to the soil 

and surrounding vegetation - limiting erosion and 

reducing the creation of microsites for germination 

of other weed species. 

• They avoid the carrying of weed material through 

good condition bushland, decreasing the dispersal 

of seeds and reproductive propagules. 

• Grass-selective herbicides are available that cause 

little or no damage to species not of the grass 

(Poaceae) family. 

• Broad-spectrum herbicides can be applied 

selectively to the target plant. 

Duty of care 

Before using herbicides in bushland, or employing 

someone else to use them for you, personal safety of 

the applicator and others in the area need to be 

considered. 

People who use herbicides in bushland, including 

volunteers, have a ‘duty of care’ to the environment, 

members of the public and themselves. A clear, 

informative explanation of the section in the 

Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 involving 

chemicals in the workplace and working with 

pesticides, is available online at http://www.safetyline.wa. 

gov.au/pagebin/hazshazd0018.htm. Briefly: 

• Applicators (including volunteers) should have 

appropriate training in the safe storage, handling, 

preparation and use of any herbicide they use. 

• Current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must 

be on hand and available for perusal by any 

persons coming in contact with the herbicide. 

• The public should be made aware of any chance 

they may come into contact with a chemical. 

• All hazardous substances kept on the premises 

should be named in a poisons register and the 

associated MSDS stored with them. 

• Herbicides should be transported and stored safely. 

• Herbicides must be labelled correctly. It is an 

offence to permanently store registered herbicides 

in anything other than their original containers 

with their original labels. Temporary containers 

must be labelled with the product name and the 

appropriate risk and safety phrases. 

• Information and training should be provided to 

group members on potential health risks and toxic 

effects, control measures, correct use of control 

methods and correct care and use of personal 

protective equipment and clothing. 

Personal care 

The application of herbicides involves a high degree of 

personal care. Long-term effects of most herbicides are 

unknown and it is safest to avoid contamination. 

Herbicide labels carry a protective equipment list that 

identifies the minimum safety requirements. Protective 

equipment should be worn during: 

• Mixing of herbicides. 

• Application. 

• Entering a treated area before the herbicide has 

dried or dissipated. 

• Further steps that aid in personal hygiene are 

listed in Box 8.1. 

In Australia a poisons schedule system is in place. The 

schedule number indicates the level of toxicity of the 

chemical to humans and the precautions that should 

be taken. The poisons schedule does not give an 

indication of danger to the environment. All 

pesticides, including herbicides, are classed as either 

S5, S6, S7 or exempt from scheduling, depending on 

their degree of hazard: 

• Exempt from scheduling – pesticides that present 

little hazard in their use. Non-toxic. 

• Schedule 5 (domestic poisons) – poisons that 

require caution in their handling, use and storage. 

Low toxicity. 

• Schedule 6 (industrial poisons) – dangerous 

poisons available for agricultural and industrial 

application. Moderately toxic. 

• Schedule 7 (special poisons) – substances of 

exceptional danger that require special precautions 

in their manufacture and use. Extremely toxic. 

A comprehensive chart, detailing schedules for a wide 

range of herbicides and protective precautions that 

should be taken is available from the Kondinin Group 

(Ph: 9478 3343; web site www.kondinin.com.au).

Box 8.1 Personal safety and herbicide use 

Regardless of the poisons schedule of the herbicide or 

the protective equipment being used, two items should 

be immediately on hand for emergencies when using 

herbicides: Eye wash and several litres of clean water. 

Training 

It is not the purpose of this manual to provide 

guidelines on the storage, transport, mixing and use of 

herbicides. Any person using herbicides in bushland 

should have undertaken appropriate training. Training 

should cover the safe handling and use of herbicides 

and the use and calibration of equipment. 

• ChemCert WA runs a basic one day course on the 

safe use and handling of farm chemicals, including 

herbicides. Ph: 08 9341 5325 

• The ‘Certificate of Pest Control (commercial) 

Studying Pesticide Safety’ is a more detailed 

course offered by correspondence through 

Challenger TAFE’s WA Horticulture and 

Environmental Skills Centre. 

Ph: 08 9229 9513 

• ‘Pest Control Stage 1 Pesticide Safety’ is a one 

week pesticide safety course available through the 

Australian Centre for Work Safety, Carlisle TAFE. 

Phone: 08 9267 7353 

The last two courses fulfil the requirements to obtain a 

provisional pesticides applicators licence from the 

Pesticide Safety Section, Health Department of WA. 

Chapter 8 Herbicide Use in Bushland 

The long-term effects of a number of herbicides are unknown. Herbicides can be absorbed through the skin, by 

inhalation or swallowing. Personal protective equipment (PPE) can limit exposure through these routes. The 

minimum PPE that should be worn depends on the toxicity and concentration of the herbicide and the 

conditions in which it is used. Maintaining a hygiene level that avoids as much contamination as possible is 

sensible. 

Clothing When handling concentrated chemicals during mixing, a PVC apron that reaches from shoulders to 

boots should be worn so that any spills can be quickly cleaned off. Always wear a long-sleeved shirt and long 

pants. Cotton, leather, canvas and other absorbent materials are not resistant to herbicides (even granular 

formulations) so the more layers of fabric the better. Wash work clothes separately from other laundry and airdry 

outside. Wash hands after handling contaminated clothes. 

Gloves Hands and forearms get the most exposure during spraying. Wear chemical-resistant gloves reaching 

up to the elbow and have sleeves tucked in. Butyl, nitrile or PVC gloves can be used. Make sure your gloves are 

clean and in good condition and replace them regularly. Always wash gloves before removing them. 

Boots Wear chemical-resistant rubber boots that reach at least halfway to the knee. Try to avoid walking 

through sprayed areas. If possible wash footwear before removing. 

Respiratory protection Dust/mist masks must fit and be used properly to be effective. Their use is most 

important in enclosed spaces or where the applicator is exposed to the chemical for long periods of time. 

Pesticides that can volatilise require the use of respirators. Check the label. 

Eye protection Safety glasses and goggles should be worn, especially during mixing when concentrated 

herbicide is being handled. A full face shield will give the best protection. 

Hygiene Be extremely careful during mixing. Exposure of the skin to concentrated herbicide during this short 

time can be the same as exposure from a full day working in the field. Wash hands before eating, drinking or 

smoking. Change clothing after spraying and wash hands, forearms and face with warm water and mild 

detergent. Shower at the end of the workday and wash your hair. 

Applicators should also obtain a good working 

knowledge of the herbicides they use, who else uses 

them in their work area, and how the herbicides 

behave and move in the environment. Material Safety 

Data Sheets are available from the herbicide 

manufacturers and distributors and provide 

information on mode of action, toxicology of the 

chemical and its fate in the environment. Other 

sources of useful information include: 

• Australian Weed Management Systems (Sindel 

2000) which has two chapters that provide a good, 

if sometimes technical, overview of these topics. 

Chapter 11. Herbicide mode of action and 

herbicide resistance (Preston 2000). 

Chapter 12. Application and fate of herbicides 

in the environment (Kent and Preston 2000). 

• Weed Control Methods Handbook (Tu et al. 2001). 

Chapters 5 to 7 provide information on safe use, 

mode of action and detailed information on the 

properties of several herbicides used in bushland. 

• The Extension Toxicology Network provides 

unbiased, easy to understand information on a 

range of herbicide-related subjects from entry and 

fate of chemicals in humans to movement of 

pesticides in the environment. Their ‘Toxicology 

Information Briefs’ are available online at 

http://ace.orst.edu/info/extoxnet/tibs/ghindex.html 

95

96 


Legislation 

In Western Australia, state and local government 

workers, consultants, contractors and volunteers who 

use herbicides are all bound by legislation governing 

pesticide use (The Health (Pesticides) Regulations 1956). 

These regulations are in place to protect the applicator, 

public and environment from the misuse of herbicide. 

Herbicide labels: The first point of reference and 

most easily obtained legal document is the herbicide 

label. The user has a legal obligation to read and follow 

the instructions on the label. Directions of use, 

protection of environment, storage and disposal and 

personal protective equipment must be adhered to. 

This includes using herbicides only for the weeds, 

situations and states or territories permitted on the 

label. Herbicide treatments of many bushland weeds 

are not listed for use on the labels. In Western 

Australia the only herbicide registered specifically for 

use in bushland situations is Fusilade 212 ® on Perennial 

Veldgrass (Ehrharta calycina). For this reason it may be 

necessary to apply for an off-label permit. 

Off-label permits: An off-label permit allows 

‘registered products to be used for a purpose or in a 

manner that is not included on the approved label’. 

Permits for off-label use of a registered herbicide can 

be obtained from the National Registration Authority 

(NRA). The Western Australian Department of 

Agriculture obtained a minor use off-label permit for a 

number of herbicides to be used specifically on 

environmental weeds in bushland. The permit (No. 

PER4984) is valid from 13 September 2001 to 30 

September 2006 unless cancelled and is available 

online at http://permits.nra.gov.au/PER4984.PDF. Any 

person wishing to use a herbicide product and 

application method in a manner outlined on the permit 

must read the permit. 

Licencing: Anyone applying herbicide for financial 

gain is required, by law, to be licenced with the 

Pesticide Safety Section, Health Department of Western 

Australia, and work for a registered company. This 

includes herbicide contractors and any bush 

regenerator who hires themselves out to community 

groups or government departments. Registration 

ensures that these people have undertaken 

appropriate training in the storage, preparation and 

use of herbicides. Contractors must also clearly 

display signs warning the public that herbicide is being 

used in the area. 

Water catchments: According to the Health 

Department, six herbicides may be used in Water 

Catchment Areas (WCA) as defined by the Water 

Corporation of Western Australia. These are 2,4-D, 

amitrole, glyphosate, hexazinone, picloram and 

triclopyr. They may only be used when no other means 

is suitable for eradication of a weed and several 

restrictions apply. These include: 

• Application is limited to injection or spot spraying 

with a large droplet spray. 

• Herbicides cannot be mixed within 50 metres of 

reservoirs, rivers or streams. 

• No application is to be made within 20 metres of 

reservoirs, rivers or streams except during 

summer months where these are dry. 

The full details and definition of WCA are available in 

‘Circular PSC88 Use of Herbicides in Water Catchments’ 

This document is available online at http://www.public. 

health.wa.gov.au/environ/applied/PSC88.DOC). The 

circular is dated 1993, and is currently undergoing 

revision by the relevant government departments. 

In 1995, the Western Australian Department of 

Environmental Protection released a report on the 

acute toxicity of Roundup 360 ® to selected frog 

species (Bidwell and Gorrie 1995). Following the 

subsequent review of glyphosate use by the NRA, 

Monsanto introduced Roundup Biactive. This 

herbicide is registered for use in aquatic situations 

under certain conditions in all states of Australia. The 

minor use off-label permit PER4984 also allows the 

use of glyphosate in aquatic situations in accordance 

with label instructions. 

Bushland care 

Before applying herbicides it is essential to familiarise 

yourself with the site conditions. Compile a list 

including soil type, soil pH, proximity to open water, 

depth to groundwater, potential for run-off, occurrence 

of rare species (flora and fauna) etc. Base the decision 

to use herbicides on conservation targets for the site, 

potential behaviour of herbicides at the site in 

question, and the health and safety of applicators and 

others in the vicinity. Herbicides are poisons and 

should be used with caution. 

Minimising damage 

Following the label instructions does not mean offtarget 

damage will not occur. The degree of off-target 

damage depends on the herbicide used, soil type and 

landform, weather, application method and skill of the 

operator. Several steps can be taken to minimise the 

risks of herbicide damage to the environment: 

• Ask yourself if spraying is necessary (record 

reasons for choosing herbicide). 

• A protocol for storing, mixing, transporting, 

handling spills and disposing of unused herbicides 

and containers should be in place before 

purchasing herbicides. 

• Ensure that the person applying herbicide is 

trained in the safe storage, handling, preparation 

and use of the herbicide in question. 

• The person applying herbicide should have a good 

understanding of the issues surrounding weed 

control in native bushland (the possibility of rare 

and endangered species, the effects of trampling, 

damage caused by over-spraying, importance of 

correct identification of target weed). 

• Select a method that minimises off-target damage. 

Targeted techniques such as injection or wiping 

are most appropriate. If spraying is unavoidable 

use a large droplet spray to minimise drift. Use of 

in-line pressure regulators before the spray nozzle 

will help minimise droplet drift. Large-leafed plants 

like Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) can have 

herbicide applied to individual leaves using a 

small, hand held, one litre garden sprayer. Hoods 

that direct herbicide onto the target plant are also 

available.


• Select herbicide and rate most effective at 

controlling the weed and with least damage to 

environment (selective, non-residual, low toxicity to 

humans and other organisms, lowest effective rate). 

Residual herbicides (metsulfuron methyl, picloram) 

can remain active in the soil for up two years, 

which can affect the growth of susceptible native 

plants over the period. Soil-mobile residuals could 

also contaminate waterways. However, for some 

weeds it may be more sensible to use a higher rate 

and/or a more toxic or more residual herbicide than 

an ineffective treatment that requires repeated 

application and does not remove the weed threat. 

• Understand the hydrology of the system that is 

being treated. The likelihood of run-off into 

waterbodies and/or leaching into the water table 

must be assessed. If necessary, establish ‘no 

spray’ zones. Only use herbicides that have been 

specially formulated to have minimal impact on 

aquatic organisms. Don’t add surfactants or 

wetting agents to such formulations as these are 

often more toxic to many aquatic organisms than 

the active ingredient in the herbicide. Use 

herbicides with low soil mobility where possible. 

• Establish a mixing area (easy access, no desirable 

species, not subject to erosion or run-off, rarely 

visited by public or workers). 

• Use a dye to minimise missed areas and avoid 

over-spraying. 

• Always apply at the most appropriate time 

(ineffective application results in failure and 

unnecessary use of herbicide in bushland). 

• Monitor effects of treatment on the whole plant 

community using a transect or quadrat-based 

approach which quantifies the number and cover 

of native plants. Native plant species include more 

than just trees and shrubs. Monitoring must 

include annual and perennial herbs, geophytes and 

grasses whose loss from the plant community 

should not be overlooked. 

• Identify mistakes and if necessary improve your 

method. Monitor the effects of treatment on the 

weed quantitatively. Use the same transects or 

quadrats set up for monitoring the plant 

community. At the very least, keep a record of 

plants/area treated, the herbicides and rate used, 

date and conditions. 

• Always follow up weed control work. If treatments 

are not followed up with further spraying or handweeding 

of overlooked or surviving plants, the 

initial treatment becomes a waste of resources and 

a pointless introduction of herbicide into the 

environment. 

Using contractors 

There is some concern about contractors entering the 

field with insufficient training in the application of 

herbicides within bushland situations. Contractors 

unsympathetic to bushland conservation are more likely 

to damage native plants through trampling, 

misidentification, or over-spraying. The contractor you 

select should have knowledge of the flora and an interest 

in bushland flora and fauna as well as an understanding 

of the chemicals used, the way they work and the weeds 

they control. They should be willing to use backpacks, 

hand held sprayers, or wiping devices when required. 

Such contractors are rare and in high demand 

throughout the peak weed season. At present, there are 

few suitable contractors available. The Australian 

Association of Bush Regenerators (Western Australia) 

(AABR (WA) Inc) has a list of those contractors in the 

Perth area that have sufficient experience to undertake 

bushland work. This list is available from AABR (WA) 

Inc., PO Box 1498, Subiaco, 6904. Ask around, get second 

opinions and if you are not happy with someone’s work 

be sure to let them know why! 

Make sure the spray contractor you hire and their 

employees have the appropriate training. Spray 

contractors must work for a business registered with 

the Pesticide Safety Section (PSS) of the Health 

Department of Western Australia (Ph: 08 9383 4244). 

A person with a provisional licence can carry out 

spraying as long as a person holding a full licence 

supervises them. Any person operating a pesticide 

spraying company must hold a full licence. 

To get the most for your money and the best job 

done, it is important to have weed maps and a 

contract. The contract (Appendix 1) outlines the work 

to be done and ensures that if the job is not done 

satisfactorily you are in possession of a written 

agreement. The Weed maps are multi-purpose, they 

allow you to show the contractor the location of the 

weed populations; walk around the bushland with the 

contractor and relate populations to those on the 

map. By supplying the contractor with the weed map 

before the job, they are more easily able to relocate 

each population. The map also provides a monitoring 

tool that allows you to assess the reduction in 

population area and ensure no populations are 

overlooked by the contractor. In combination these 

two documents are invaluable (Box 8.2). 

Some herbicides used in bushland 

All applications and concentrations quoted in this 

manual are intended as an illustrative guide. They are 

covered by minor use off-label permit number 

PER4984, which is only valid for Western Australia. 

Some useful herbicide terminology: 

• Contact – kills only plant tissue to which it has 

been applied. Old or well-established annual plants 

may grow back after such treatments. 

• Systemic herbicide – penetrates plant cells and 

moves through the plant from shoots to roots in 

the phloem. 

• Broad spectrum – kills a wide range of plants. 

• Selective – kills only a particular type of plant, e.g. 

grasses. 

• Non-residual (knockdown) – kills existing plants 

but has no effect on subsequent germinants. 

• Residual – remains active in soil for some time 

(may kill germinating seeds (pre-emergent) and 

susceptible plants). 

• Post-emergent – applied directly to established 

plants and/or soil. 

• Pre-emergent – applied to the soil before the weed 

germinates, killing germinating seedlings (preemergent 

herbicides will also kill susceptible 

native seedlings). 

97

98 


Box 8.2 Using contractors to spray African Lovegrass at Talbot Road Bushland 

Between 1999 and 2001 infestations of African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) at Talbot Road were mapped 

annually as part of the overall weed management strategy. The weed was found to be widespread on the 

tracks and bushland edges. In August 1999 contractors were employed to spot spray the infestations with a 

1 % solution of glyphosate. The work was carried out when the African Lovegrass was actively growing and 

cost $1645. 

A thorough examination of the site after spraying revealed that several populations of African Lovegrass had 

missed treatment altogether. In a number of other areas Perennial Veldgrass (Ehrharta calycina) had been 

mistaken for African Lovegrass. While glyphosate was appropriate to use on dense infestations of African 

Lovegrass growing along path edges, Perennial Veldgrass extended into the bushland and grew closely among 

native plants. Where Perennial Veldgrass clumps had been sprayed, off-target damage from the glyphosate was 

evident. If Perennial Veldgrass had been the target weed at this site a grass-selective herbicide would have 

been specified. 

Although the contractors had originally been met on site and the job discussed in detail, no maps were 

supplied to them and no contract outlining the work had been signed. If a contract had been signed, both 

parties would have had a clear understanding of exactly what was required and a means of redress when those 

requirements were not met. 

After discussions, the contractors returned to respray missed infestations. When the contractors were reemployed 

to follow up the work in 2000, maps of African Lovegrass distribution were supplied and a written 

contract signed before the work began. This time we had comeback if necessary. It was not; the contractor did 

a thorough, professional job. 

The treatment was repeated in 2001 following a summer fire that burnt through most of Talbot Road Bushland 

in 2001. The maps were particularly useful for locating populations of resprouting African Lovegrass plants for 

treatment following the fire. The follow-up work in 2000 and 2001 cost $960 and $880 respectively. Maps show 

that the populations have decreased substantially over this time. 

1999 2001 

Distribution of African Lovegrass • at Talbot Road Bushland prior to treatment in 1999 and after treatment in 2001.

Notes References 

Bio 

accumulation 

Average half-life 

in water 

Absorbed by Mode of action Average soil half-life Mobility in 

soil 

Basic properties Target weed 

species 

Poison 

schedule 

312, 305, 

119, 35, 

349, 226, 

247 

Toxic to most grasses except Vulpia 

spp and Poa annua . Toxic to fish. 

15 days low stable high potential 

in aquatic 

organisms 

foliage Inhibits acetyl-CoA 

carboxylase preventing the 

synthesis of lipids required 

for growth and maintenance 

of cell membranes. 

annual 

and perennial 

grasses 

S6 systemic, 

selective, 

non-residual, 

post- emergent 

Fluazifop-p-butyl 

(Fusilade 212 ® ) 

Moderately toxic to aquatic species. 119, 61, 

247 

1 hour to 40 days 

(dependent on 

product) 

5-25 days lowmoderate 

Inhibits acetyl-CoA 

carboxylase preventing the 

synthesis of lipids required 

for growth and maintenance 

of cell membranes. 

foliage and 

roots 

some annual 

and perennial 

grasses 

Sethoxydim (Sertin Plus ® ) S5 systemic, 

selective, 

post- emergent, 

non-residual. 


Table 1. Properties of some herbicides used on bushland weeds. 

312, 204, 

119, 219, 

220 

47 days low 12 days to 10 weeks none known Little to no soil activity. In wetlands 

use special aquatic formulations. 

foliage Inhibits the shikimic acid 

pathway depleting aromatic 

amino acids required for 

protein construction. 

annual 

and perennial 

weeds 

S5 systemic, 

broad spectrum, 

non-residual, 

post- emergent 

Glyphosate (RoundUp ® , 

RoundUp BiActive ® , 

Glyphosate 360 ® & others) 

312, 106, 

119, 247 

Environmental persistence (up to 2 

years). Poses risk of groundwater 

contamination. Most grasses are 

resistant. Slight to moderate toxicity 

to fish and aquatic organisms. 

slight in fish, 

none recorded in 

milk or tissue of 

mammals 

1-40 days 

(depending on 

sunlight 

intensity) 

moderatehigh 

20 - 300 days 

(average 90 days) 

Auxin mimic - causes 

uncontrolled, disorganised 

growth. 

foliage and 

root uptake 

annual and 

perennial 

broadleaf 

weeds, vines, 

and woody 

plants 

S6 systemic, 

selective, 

residual 

Picloram + Triclopyr 

(Grazon DS ® or Access ® ) 

119, 247, 

104 

little to none Commonly used herbicide. Low to 

non-toxic to birds, fish and bees. 

NOTE: The ester formulation is 

highly toxic to aquatic organisms. 

3 hours 

to 4 days 

moderatehigh 

30 - 90 days 

(average 46 days 

longer in cold or arid 

conditions) 



growth. 

roots and 

foliage 

annual and 

perennial 

broadleaf 

weeds, vines, 

and woody 

plants 

Triclopyr (Garlon 600 ® ) S6 systemic, 

selective, 

non-residual, 

post-emergent 

110, 119, 

226 

21-30 days none known Biologically active at low rates. 

Persistence in soil varies according 

to soil pH, rainfall and soil type. 

Moderate to low toxicity to fish 

moderate - 

high (more 

mobile in 

alkaline 

conditions) 

14 - 180 days 

(average 60 days - 

more persistent in 

alkaline soils) 

Inhibits acetolactate 

synthase preventing cell 

division and thus growth. 

foliage and 

roots 

bulbs and 

broadleaf 

weeds 

unscheduled systemic, 

residual, 

post-emergent 

Metsulfuron methyl 

(Brush-off ® , Ally ® ) 

111, 222, 

35 

Persistence varies according to 

soil pH, rainfall and soil type. Low 

toxicity to birds, mammals, fish and 

aquatic invertebrates. 

7-14 days does not 

accumulate in 

the milk or 

tissue of 

animals 

moderatehigh 

14 - 60 days 

(9 months in 

alkaline soils) 

Inhibits acetolactate 

synthase preventing cell 

division and thus growth. 

foliage and 

roots 

bulbs and 

broadleaf 

weeds 

Chlorsulfuron (Glean ® ) S5 systemic, 

residual, 

post-emergent 

105,169, 

312, 61 

8-40 days none known Low toxicity to mammals, birds, 

fish, aquatic invertebrates and bees. 

Soluble in water - potential for 

contamination. 

high 

potential 

12 days to 1 year 

(highest under 

anaerobic conditions and 

low microbial activity) 



growth. 

foliage and 

some root 

absorption 

broadleaf 

weeds 

Clopyralid (Lontrel ® ) S5 systemic, 

selective, 

residual, 

post-emergent 

61, 119 

Low toxicity to birds, mammals, 

fish and molluscs. Moderate to high 

toxicity to shrimp and aquatic 

insects. 

does not 

accumulate in 

tissues (

100 

Final Note 

In the end, environmental weed management is about 

protection of our unique bushlands through carefully 

targeted and effective on-ground actions – on-ground 

actions that prevent introduction or spread of 

environmental weeds, and work towards their control and 

sometimes their eradication while protecting complex 

natural systems. The case studies outlined in the various 

chapters highlight the importance of having clear goals 

based on an understanding of the conservation values of a 

particular site, a thorough knowledge of the weed/s being 

targeted and a well-defined strategy. Sometimes it takes a 

series of trials and a number of years to formulate such 

strategies. To gain an understanding of the effectiveness of 

those strategies monitoring needs to be in place and 

results should guide management actions. This kind of 

framework, together with the resources to support it, is 

central to effective environmental weed management. 

Access to technical resources stands out as particularly 

important. This seems especially true for weed 

management in the bushlands of south west Western 

Australia as they support such an incredibly diverse flora. 

Effective management is often about knowing and 

understanding very complex systems. In addition though, 

technical support is also important for setting up trials 

and putting in place monitoring. One of the most valuable 

undertakings of this project has been the work carried out 

in conjunction with the various land managers setting up 

replicated trials to test various control options for serious 

weeds, and the impacts of those control options on native 

plant communities. This approach provided solid data to 

guide management actions, and also provided 

demonstrable outcomes to potential funding sources. At 

the same time, community volunteers involved gained an 

understanding of the options available, including the 

practicalities, costs and impacts of various physical and 

chemical control methods. They were then able to make 

informed decisions about implementation of those control 

options across particular bushland sites. 

Typical examples include the trials on management of 

Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa) in Shenton Bushland, 

on control of Harlequin Flower, (Sparaxis bulbifera) and 

Tribolium (Tribolium uniolae) invading the Brixton Street 

Wetlands and the work on Taro (Colocasia esculenta) along 

the Gingin Brook. The work on Holly-leafed Senecio 

(Senecio glastifolius) by the Western Australian 

Department of Agriculture in Albany provided similar 

outcomes. In all of these examples the results of the trial 

work provided solid information on which to base 

management strategies. Importantly the information 

gathered was also often instrumental in acquiring funding 

to begin implementation of those strategies across 

particular bushland sites. Continued funding over time 

was then often facilitated by the collection of monitoring 

data. Those data often demonstrated effectiveness of the 

strategies, regeneration of native plant communities 

and/or provided justification for funding priorities. There 

are a number examples throughout the text. Typical is the 

series of maps illustrating the reduction of Perennial 

Veldgrass (Ehrharta calycina) cover in Shenton Bushland 

over four years, and the subsequent allocation of 

resources over that time. 

Characteristically, most funding for on-ground works over 

the life of this project has been in the form of short-term 

grants, generally applied for by community volunteers, 

although sometimes in conjunction with local or state 

government bodies. Often the funding is only available for 

12 months and must be re-applied for each year until the 

work is complete. Such a system has fairly obvious 

shortcomings. Changes in management personnel, or in the 

structure of volunteer groups, usually sees a year of 

funding missed. A season of follow-up control/management 

work is then missed and the efforts of previous years are 

wasted. In addition there is little flexibility in the resources 

that are available. For example, under such funding 

arangements it can be impossible to find money for weed 

management following unplanned fire and so an excellent 

window of opportunity is often missed. 

Clearly successful weed management in natural areas is 

dependent on a consistent effort over many years and 

access to long-term, secure funding. Certainly, one of the 

most encouraging trends, over the life of this project, has 

been witnessing both state and local government commit 

funding to weed management work originally initiated by 

the community, through short-term grants. Government 

bodies seem to be able to do this once it becomes 

apparent that work is taking place within a clearly 

defined strategy, that accurate costing is possible and 

there are demonstrable outcomes. Funding for the work 

on Harlequin Flower and Tribolium at Brixton St, 

Perennial Veldgrass, Yellow Soldier and Freesia control at 

Shenton Bushland and management of the serious weed 

at Talbot Rd, all initially came about through community 

efforts but have subsequently been picked up by state or 

local government, often becoming a part of their 

recurrent budget. Fundamental to securing this funding 

has been the availability of on-ground technical support 

to map the weeds, set up trials and conduct monitoring. 

The EWAN project officers have provided much of that 

technical support. 

Part of the intention of writing this manual was to highlight 

the need for state and local government authorities to 

allocate more resources for technically skilled people, 

working on the ground, so that environmental weed 

management can start to be undertaken within this sort of 

framework. The intention was also to highlight the need to 

provide technical support for Friends groups and 

community volunteers who carry out much of the bush 

regeneration and environmental weed management in 

south west Western Australia at present. The examples 

provided through the text illustrate what can be achieved 

when such support is available. 

These examples have mostly focused on protection of 

particular bushland patches. Although all are drawn from 

south west Western Australia they have relevance for land 

managers in other parts of the country. They demonstrate 

the importance of knowing and understanding particular 

sites and mostly they illustrate that if we really try, often 

we can control and manage environmental weeds where 

they are threatening what remains of our bushlands. 

Significantly, for most of the case studies described, 

successful outcomes have been reliant on a combination of 

community and local, state and federal government efforts. 

Walking through Shenton Bushland in spring 2002, much of 

the Perennial Veldgrass and large populations of Freesia 

have disappeared. In their place carpets of a native daisy, 

Slender Podolepis. At Brixton St the Harlequin Flower 

program is down to hand-weeding remaining isolated 

populations leaving room for the native herbs to 

recolonise, and along the Gingin Brook, where the Friends 

have been working, Taro has been replaced by dense 

stands of the native Tassel Sedge and seedlings of 

Paperbarks and Flooded Gum.

Appendix 1 Herbicide Spraying Contract 

1 General 

The Contractor shall allow for the supply of all labour, plant and equipment, materials, chemicals and wetting agents required to gain 

effective control of ________________________________ (weed) in ________________________________ (site). 

2 Distribution 

2.1 All spraying shall be carried out within the bushland of ______________________ (site) in the area on the attached map. 

Amendments may be made on the agreement of both parties (Friends group/Council and Contractor). 

2.2 Herbicide shall be spot sprayed on __________________(weed) only. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of 

purchase of materials and respraying areas of unsatisfactory control, at the appropriate time when suitable conditions prevail. 

2.3 The Contractor shall achieve greater than 90 % mortality for ________________ (weed) in sprayed areas. The herbicide 

manufacturer’s guarantee of weed kill shall in no way remove the Contractor of his obligation to respray, should the required 

mortality rate not be achieved. 

2.4 The Contractor shall include in all prices an allowance to achieve the mortality rates mentioned. 

2.5 An inspection will be made by __________________________________(Friends group/Council) after the initial spraying to 

determine effectiveness and so determine the area to be resprayed, if necessary. 

3 Mixing 

All herbicides are to be thoroughly mixed prior to application and agitated during spraying. 

4 Wetting Agent 

4.1 The Contractor shall apply a wetting agent in accordance with the herbicide manufacturer’s recommendation, 

e.g. Agral 600 3 mL/L. 

4.2 With the herbicide, the volume of water used should be sufficient to ensure an even application of herbicide. 

5 Marking Dye 

Marking dye shall be used at a rate that is sufficient to see areas sprayed 7 days after application. 

6 Spray Drift 

The pressure of application shall be kept to a level that prevents excessive spray drift. 

7 Plant and Equipment 

7.1 All equipment and vehicles must be washed down prior to entering _______________________________________(site). 

7.2 All tanks, spray lines to be washed out and thoroughly cleansed, and treated with a product such as Chem Clean before 

entering ______________________________________(site). 

8 Leaks 

All leaks (chemical and/or fuel or oils) shall be immediately reported to ___________________________________________ 

(Friends group/Council), cleaned up in the appropriate manner and removed from the bushland immediately. 

9 Spray Equipment 

All plant and equipment used for the application of herbicides shall be suitable for this purpose and be in excellent working order. 

10 Control 

10.1 Control shall be at a time that _______________________________(weed) is actively growing as agreed to by both parties. 

10.2 A log of works shall be completed on a daily basis, showing the following details: 

Name of Company _________________________________________ Name of Operator____________________________________ 

Location/area sprayed___________________________________________ Date ________________ Time________________ 

Weather Conditions e.g.: Fine, showers etc _________________________________________________________________________ 

Wind Direction_____________________________________________________ Wind Speed________________________ 

Chemical Applied______________________________________ Full trade name______________________ Rate_________________ 

11 Warning Signs 

It is the operator’s responsibility to warn any members of the public who venture into the bushland during the spraying to withdraw. 

12 Harmful Chemicals 

The Contractor shall not use a herbicide in any manner or circumstance that is dangerous, harmful or injurious to health (refer regulation 

20 (1) of the Health (Pesticides) Amendment Regulations 1986). 

13 Licence 

A copy of the Company’s ‘current’ Pesticides Operator’s Licences, stating chemicals that individual Operators are registered to 

apply, together with the names of Operators who will be applying herbicides under this Contract, must be submitted with signed 

specification. The contractor shall guarantee the competency of Operators applying herbicides under this Contract. 

14 Commencement and Completion 

The contractor shall notify ______________________________________________ (Friends group/Council) at least 24 hours prior to 

starting and on completion of work. 

I hereby agree to the above specification 

Signature Name of Company Date 

Please Print Name 

(Courtesy Bob Dixon, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority) 

101

102 

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Bushland Weeds Manual - Environmental Weeds Action Network

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