The potential toxicity of Australian weeds to goats

1 

The palatability, and 

potential toxicity of 

Australian weeds to 

goats 

Helen Simmonds, Peter Holst, 

Chris Bourke

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation 

Level 1, AMA House 

42 Macquarie Street 

BARTON ACT 2600 

PO Box 4776 

KINGSTON ACT 2604 

AUSTRALIA 

© 2000 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation 

All rights reserved. 

2 

The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the 

authors and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible 

in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of 

this report. 

National Library of Australia 

Cataloguing in Publication entry: 

Simmonds, Helen. 

The palatability, and potential toxicity of Australian weeds to goats. 

New ed. 

Includes index. 

ISBN 0 7347 1216 2 

1. Weeds-goats-toxicity-palatability-Australia. 

i. Holst, Peter. ii. Bourke, Chris. iii. Title.

CONTENTS 

Page 

Preface i 

A comment on weed control ii 

The potential toxicity of weeds to goats.....................................1 

Weeds 

- thought to be highly or moderately toxic to goats ........5 

- thought to have low toxicity to goats..........................90 

The palatability of weeds to goats..........................................138 

The botanical name for weeds listed by their common name 142 

The common name for some Australian weeds .....................147 

Table of herbicide groups ......................................................151 

Further reading .......................................................................152 

Index .....................................................................................154 

3

Preface 

i 

This book is directed at Australian goat producers, veterinarians and educators so 

as to increase their awareness of the many potential poisonous weeds that they may 

encounter. The weeds are listed by both common and botanical names, their relative 

palatability is graded and the poisonous compounds that they contain are named, 

suggestions on control strategies are given and finally the health and production 

problems that may result from the ingestion of each weed are outlined. For further 

details about individual weeds, readers are referred to more detailed text book accounts. 

Many of the weeds dealt with have been declared noxious* by state authorities 

and as a consequence are required to be controlled by landholders. Grazing with goats 

can be a useful part of an integrated weed control strategy but owners should familiarise 

themselves with the potential toxicity risk associated with grazing some weeds. Toxic 

weeds are those that can cause any upset to the health and productivity of an animal. 

Toxic does not automatically imply lethal but some toxic plants can be lethal. 

The book has been divided into two sections, the first covers the weeds known to 

be highly or moderately toxic to goats and the second covers weeds associated with low 

toxicity. A brief description of signs or symptoms produced by each toxic weed is 

provided but no details of treatments. In cases of plant poisoning the treatments used are 

generally symptomatic and veterinary assistance should be sought in this regard. 

* Noxious weed - a weed which poses a threat to agriculture, the environment or the 

community.

A Comment on Weed Control 

ii 

This publication contains comments on possible weed control methods but does 

not attempt to provide detailed advice. However, it does include mention of palatability 

of each weed to goats for this can assume importance in avoiding poisoning and 

alternatively, using goats to control the weed. The remainder of this section describes 

methods of weed control and specifically introduces discussion on plant palatability to 

ruminants so that the reader can appreciate the complexity of the subject and a possible 

role for livestock manipulation. 

Methods of Weed Control 

The main approaches to the control of weeds are: (a) direct destruction; and (b) 

altering the environment by either cultural or ecological methods. These include both 

livestock and agronomic procedures (Holst 1993) such as: 

• Changes in livestock management - through manipulation of stocking rates, timing of 

livestock moves or their combinations. 

• Changing livestock species or using their combinations. 

• Cultural practices such as physical removal, cultivation, cropping, pasture renovation 

and pasture species. 

• Use of herbicides - alone or in combination with some of the above. 

• Biological means (insects; pathogens) - alone or in combination with some of the 

above. 

Most weeds can be controlled using one or more of these methods. Where 

possible the coordinated use of several methods is encouraged as it can be cost effective, 

practical and reduces the reliance on herbicides. In Australian agriculture goats can be a 

useful livestock species for weed control and occasionally eradication because their diet 

includes many plants not readily eaten by sheep or cattle but excludes significant 

amounts of the annual legumes. 

Dietary Preferences 

All animals have dietary preferences so that one species, say goats, may eat a 

variety of plants and shrubs that other species (cattle, sheep) may avoid or include in 

their diet in a greater or lesser amount. In some cases, such as drought or droving, 

livestock are forced to eat toxic plants that they would otherwise avoid. 

Preferential selection (palatability) of plants or parts of plants by animals is 

affected by plant - and animal-based factors. Animal-based factors may be categorised

iii 

into five classes: (1) the senses, (2) species and breeds, (3) individual variation, (4) 

previous experience and (5) physiological condition. The actual ability of goats to utilise 

a variety of vegetation types is attributed to their dexterity, narrower mouth, mobile 

upper lip, prehensile tongue and propensity to stretch upward on the hind legs to reach 

forage. Plant-based factors include (1) species, (2) intra specific variation, (3) chemical 

composition, (4) morphology or physical traits and (5) succulence or maturation. 

Examples of the interaction of these factors are provided in Allan and Holst (1996). 

The palatability to goats of some of the more common non-toxic Australian 

weeds allowed Allan, Holst and Campbell (1999) to formulate weed management plans 

based on goats: 

• preventing the weed from flowering and dispersing seed, 

• preferentially grazing the weed and so placing it at a disadvantage, 

• ringbarking or structurally weakening some shrub species. 

Including goats in a weed control program can be effective, economic and 

ecologically sound but their inclusion should not be assumed for each situation. To 

include goats, the weed has to be non-toxic; palatable or attractive to goats; and the goats 

and associated livestock species have to be contained and managed.

Acknowledgements 

iv 

The response to Helen's appeals for information wherever she and Jock travelled 

in Australia, has been overwhelming. To all who assisted, we extend our thanks but 

especially to Keith and Denise Aranjo, Judy Brown, Will Carrington, Dennis Coelli, 

Margot Hodge, Glenn Jones, Shirley Knight, Margaret Mailer, Noel Waters and Ross 

Worsley who provided anecdotal information on specific weeds. 

Cover design: Jenni Tarleton from a painting by Mrs Diana Boyer. 

Photographs have been generously made available by Dr BA Auld, Mr JJ 

Dellow, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, NSW Agriculture, Dr RW 

Medd, Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, Mr DF Stanley, Mr RB 

Trounce, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and University of 

Illinois Veterinary Medicine Library. 

Photographs supplied by NSW Agriculture through Drs BA Auld and RW Medd 

are the copyright of NSW Agriculture and cannot be used for any other use without the 

expressed written permission of NSW Agriculture. Any use without permission will be a 

breach of copyright. These photographs were from this book: "Weeds. An Illustrated 

Botanical guide to the Weeds of Australia" Inkata Press 1999.

The potential toxicity of weeds to goats. 

+++ high risk; ++ moderate risk; + low risk; ∼ no known risk. 

Botanical name Botanical name 

Acacia aneura 

Acacia escelsa 

Acacia farnesiana 

Acacia georginae 

Acacia glaucescens 

Acacia karoo 

Acacia mearnsii 

Acacia nilotica 

Acacia homalophylla 

Acacia paradoxa 

Acaena ovina 

Acetosa sagittata 

Aconitum napellus 

Acroptilon repens 

Adonis microcarpa 

Aesculus spp 

Agapanthus spp 

Agave spp 

Ageratina adenophora 

Ageratum houstonianum 

Ageratum riparia 

Agrostis avenacea 

Ailanthus altissima 

Alhagi pseudalhagi 

Allium spp 

Alocasia macrorrhiza 

Alternanthera pungens 

Amaranthus spp 

Amaryllis belladonna 

Ambrosia artemisiifolia 

Ambrosia confertiflora 

Ambrosia psilostachya 

Ambrosia tenuifolia 

Ammi majus 

Amsinckia spp 

Andropogon virginicus 

Angophora spp 

Anredera cordifolia 

Anthemis cotula 

Apophyllum anomalum 

Araujia hortorum 

Arctotheca calendula 

Argemone mexicana 

Aristida spp 

Asclepias spp 

Asclepias curassavica 

Asphodelus fistulosus 

Atalaya hemiglauca 

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Atriplex spp 

Atropa belladonna 

Avena spp 

Baccharis halimifolia 

Bambusa spp 

Bidens spp 

Brachychiton populneus 

Brassica spp 

Brugmansia candida 

Bryophyllum spp 

Bursaria spinosa 

Buxus spp 

Caesalpinia spp 

Calandrina spp 

Calicotome spinosa 

Callitris columellaris 

Callitris endlicheri 

Calotropis procera 

Cannabis sativa 

Capparis mitchellii 

Capsella bursa-pastoris 

Cardaria draba 

Cardiospermum spp 

Carduus nutans 

Carduus pycnocephalus 

Carex spp 

Carthamus lanatus 

Carthamus leucocaulos 

Cassia artemisioides 

Cassia barclayana 

Cassia eremophila 

Cassia floribunda 

Cassia occidentalis 

Cassinia arcuata 

Cassinia quinquefaria 

Castanospermum australe 

Casuarina cristata 

Cenchrus spp 

Cestrum spp 

Chamaecytisus proliferus 

Cheilanthes spp 

Chenopodium spp 

Chloris spp 

Chondrilla juncea 

Chrysanthemoides 

monilifera 

Cichorium intybus 

Cineraria lyrata 

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Cinnamomum camphora 

Cirsium arvense 

Cirsium vulgare 

Citrullus colocynthis 

Citrullus lanatus 

Codonocarpus spp 

Conium maculatum 

Consolida ambigua 

Convallaria majalis 

Convolvulus arvensis 

Conyza albida 

Coreopsis lanceolata 

Cortaderia spp 

Cotoneaster spp 

Cotula australis 

Craspedia spp 

Crataegus spp 

Crotolaria spp 

Cryptostegia grandiflora 

Cucumis myriocarpus 

Cuscuta spp 

Cycas spp 

Cynara cardunculus 

Cynodon spp 

Cyperus aromaticus 

Cyperus rotundus 

Cytisus scoparius 

Danthonia spp 

Daphne spp 

Datura stramonium 

Delphinium spp 

Dieffenbachia spp 

Digitalis purpurea 

Diplotaxis tenuifolia 

Dipsacus fullonum 

Dittrichia graveolens 

Dodonaea attenuata 

Dodonaea viscosa 

Duboisia spp 

Duranta repens 

Ecballium elaterium 

Echium plantagineum 

Echium vulgare 

Emex australis 

Eragrostis australasica 

Eragrostis curvula 

Eremocarpus setiger 

Eremophila longifolia 

Eremophila mitchellii 

Eremophila sturtii 

Erodium spp 

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2 

Erythrina spp 

Erythrophleum spp 

Erythroxylum coca 

Eucalyptus albens 

Eucalyptus cladocalyx 

Eucalyptus melliodora 

Eucalyptus polyanthemos 

Eucalyptus populnea 

Euphorbia spp 

Fallopia convolvulus 

Ficus rubignosa 

Foeniculum vulgare 

Froelichia floridana 

Galenia pubescens 

Gastrolobium spp 

Gaura parviflora 

Geijera parviflora 

Gelsemium sempervirens 

Genista linifolia 

Genista monspessulana 

Gleditisia triacanthos 

Gloriosa superba 

Gnaphalium spp 

Gomphocarpus spp 

Gomphrena globosa 

Gorteria personata 

Haloragis aspera 

Heliotropium amplexicaule 

Heliotropium europaeum 

Helleborus niger 

Heterodendrum oleifolium 

Hibiscus trionum 

Hirschfeldia incana 

Homeria spp 

Hordeum leporinum 

Hydrangea spp 

Hyparrhenia hirta 

Hypericum androsaemum 

Hypericum perforatum 

Hypericum tetrapterum 

Hypericum triquetrifolium 

Hypochaeris radicata 

Ibicella lutea 

Ilex spp 

Imperata cylindrica 

Ipomoea lonchophylla 

Ipomoea plebeia 

Ipomoea purpurea 

Ipomoea spp 

Iva axillaris 

Ixiolaena brevicompta 

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Jatropha curcas 

Juncus acutus 

Juncus spp 

Laburnum spp 

Lactuca serriola 

Lantana camara spp 

Lathyrus odoratus 

Laurel spp 

Lavandula stoechas 

Lepidium spp 

Leucaena spp 

Leucanthemum vulgare 

Ligustrum lucidum 

Ligustrum sinense 

Linaria dalmatica 

Lolium perenne 

Lolium rigidum 

Lomandra longifolia 

Lonicera japonica 

Ludwigia peruviana 

Lycium ferocissimum 

Macfadyena unguis-cati 

Macrozamia spp 

Maireana spp 

Malva parviflora 

Malvella leprosa 

Marrubium vulgare 

Marsilia drummordii 

Melia azedarach 

Melianthus comosus 

Melilotus albus 

Mentha pulegium 

Muehlenbeckia spp 

Myagrum perfoliatum 

Myoporum spp 

Myrsiphyllum 

asparagoides 

Nassella neesiana 

Nassella trichotoma 

Nerium oleander 

Nicandra physalodes 

Nicotiana glauca 

Olea europaea 

Olearia elliptica 

Onopordum acanthium 

Onopordum acaulon 

Onopordum illyricum 

Opuntia inermis 

Opuntia stricta 

Orobanche spp 

Owenia acidula 

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3 

Oxalis latifolia 

Oxalis pes-caprae 

Papaver somniferum 

Parietaria judaica 

Parkinsonia aculeata 

Parthenium hysterophorus 

Peganum harmala 

Pennisetum spp 

Pentzia suffruticosa 

Persea americana 

Persicaria spp 

Phalaris spp 

Phragmites australis 

Phyla canescens 

Physalis virginiana 

Physalis viscosa 

Phytolacca octandra 

Picnomon acarna 

Pimelea curviflora 

Pinus halepensis 

Pinus radiata 

Poa labillardieri 

Polygonum aviculare 

Polypogon monspeliensis 

Portulaca oleracea 

Proboscidea louisianica 

Prosopis spp 

Prunus persica 

Pteridium esculentum 

Pyracantha spp 

Ranunculus spp 

Raphanus raphanistrum 

Rapistrum rugosum 

Reseda luteola 

Rhododendron spp 

Ricinus communis 

Robinia pseudoacacia 

Romulea rosea 

Rosa canina 

Rosa rubiginosa 

Rubus fruiticosus 

Rumex acetosella 

Rumex brownii 

Rumex conglomeratus 

Rumex crispus 

Rumex obtusifolius 

Rumex pulcher 

Salpichroa origanifolia 

Salsola kali 

Salvia reflexa 

Schinus spp 

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Sclerolaena birchii 

Sclerolaena muricata 

Scolymus hispanicus 

Senecio jacobaea 

Senecio madagascariensis 

Senecio pterophorus 

Senecio quadridentatus 

Senecio vulgaris 

Sida acuta 

Sida cordifolia 

Sida rhombifolia 

Silene vulgaris 

Silybum marianum 

Sisymbrium officinale 

Solanum carolinense 

Solanum cinereum 

Solanum elaeagnifolium 

Solanum hermannii 

Solanum laciniatum 

Solanum marginatum 

Solanum mauritianum 

Solanum nigrum 

Solanum rostratum 

Solanum sturtianum 

Solanum torvum 

Soliva pterosperma 

Sonchus spp 

Sorghum halepense 

Sorghum spp 

Sorghum x almum 

Sporobolus caroli 

Sporobolus indicus 

Sporobolus pyramidalis 

Stachys arvensis 

Stypandra glauca 

Stevia eupatoria 

Stipa caudata 

Stipa spp 

Swainsona spp 

Tagetes minuta 

Taxus baccata 

Terminalia oblongata 

Thevetia peruviana 

Thunbergia grandiflora 

Toxicodendron radicans 

Toxicodendron 

succedaneum 

Trachyandra divaricata 

Trema aspera 

Tribulus terrestris 

Trifolium spp 

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4 

Typha spp 

Ulex europaeus 

Urochloa panicoides 

Urtica incisa 

Urtica spp 

Ventilago viminalis 

Verbascum thapsus 

Verbena spp 

Verbena tenuisecta 

Verbesina encelioides 

Watsonia bulbillifera 

Xanthium occidentale 

Xanthium orientale 

Xanthium spinosum 

Zantedeschia aethiopica 

Ziziphus mauritania 

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ACACIA GEORGINAE 

Alternative Name: 

Gidgee 

Toxicity to Goats: 

Toxic, high risk 

Toxicity to Other Species: 

Toxic to sheep, cattle, horses and donkeys 

Palatability: Seldom eaten 

Poisonous Principle: 

Fluroacetates, (1080 poison) 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Rapid, weak, arrhythmic 

heart beat and difficulty in breathing. 

Excitement or depression, stagger then fall, 

with muscle tremors progressing terminal 

convulsions. 

Health and production problems; Death within 

minutes, or up to an hour after ingestion. 

Occasionally animals will recover, with no 

long-term production problems. 

Integrated Control Strategy: 

Be aware of potential stock problems. 

Comments: 

Some animals appear normal until mustered, 

and then they suddenly drop dead, or become 

recumbent and refuse to travel. 

Similar in appearance to A. cambagei (gidyea) 

in southern Queensland, with broad curled 

pods and disc shaped seeds. A large, straggly 

shrub or small tree, growing to about 5 metres 

tall, generally with several trunks and crooked 

branches. 

The flowers are small and yellow, forming 

globular clusters in the forks of the leaves. 

Both species smell of rotten onions when the 

air is damp. 

Found in Queensland and the Northern 

Territory. 

Native animals have developed some tolerance 

to this plant. The animals most affected are 

5 

usually the strongest and most aggressive in 

the mob. 

Intermittently toxic in many areas, although 

not predictable which areas, and which 

seasons. Trees are normally browsed as a 

source of green feed, but the high tannin 

content prevent them from being first choice 

for livestock. 

Trials of genetically modified rumen bacteria 

to be used for the protection of cattle and sheep 

against fluroacatate poisoning are being carried 

out, and are nearing completion. Safety issues 

concerning livestock and native wildlife are a 

major concern.

ACACIA GLAUCESCENS 


Coastal myall, sally wattle 


Toxic, moderate risk 


Toxic to cattle, sheep and pigs 

Palatability: Moderate 


Cyanogenetic glycocides, (cyanide/prussic 

acid) 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Collapse, struggle to get 

up, shiver and shake. Then develop a rapid 

pulse and experience difficulty in 

breathing. 

Health and production problems; Die within 

hours. 


Controlled burns at 3-4 year intervals. 

Basal bark or cut stump treatment with 

herbicide. 


Comments: 

Wilted leaves are the most toxic. Rain 

immediately after a dry spell will temporarily 

increase the plants’ toxicity. Drinking water 

immediately after eating the leaves will also 

increase their toxicity. Young shoots are also 

toxic. 

A native tree with multiple stems, growing to 

17 metres or more with a thick furrowed bark 

and drooping ashy/coloured foliage. The tree 

will live for 20 to 30 years. 

The leaves are 10 – 16 cms long, slightly 

sickle shaped and with 3 – 5 prominent parallel 

veins. The flowers are yellow and in dense 

spikes. Reproduces by seeds and suckers. 

6 

The tree is found on the east coast, southern 

and central tablelands and southern and central 

west slopes of NSW. 

Goats may nibble at Coastal myall with 

impunity, but it should never be lopped, 

otherwise poisoning may occur. 

Acacias at 4 years or older are very susceptible 

to fire. Unfortunately, fire stimulates wattle 

seed germination, so secondary burns when the 

seedlings are about a metre high are necessary 

to control new regrowth. 

No 59 Acacia glaucescens 

RB TROUNCE

ACONITUM NAPELLUS 


Monkshood, wolfsbane. aconite 




Toxic to all livestock species 

Palatability: Not known to be eaten 


Polycyclic diterpenoid alkaloides, eg. aconitine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Restlessness, salivation, 

bloating, belching, repetitive swallowing. 

Profound weakness leading to recumbency, 

cardiac arrhythymia, very weak pulse and 

shallow respiration. 


hours. 


GARDEN PLANT. 

Do not feed these garden clippings to any 

livestock. Use herbicide, or weed out into 

disposable bags. 

Comments: 

Roots, leaves, flowers and seeds are all 

poisonous. Stock losses are usually only 

encountered when animals are given access to 

garden plants and clippings. 

A genus of perennials, with a thick black 

poisonous rootstock and upright stems, 

growing to about one metre high, and bearing 

hooded flowers varying from pink through to 

purple. 

Toxins can also be absorbed through cuts. The 

plant has sedative and pain killing properties, 

but there is extreme danger from overdosing. 

A. vulparia (wolfsbane) was a bait poison, and 

was also an effective arrow poison in eastern 

Asia. These flowers are a pale yellow. 

7 

No 201 Aconitum spp 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

ADONIS MICROCARPA 


Red camomile, small fruited pheasant's eye 




Potentially toxic to all grazing animals 



Adonidin, a glycocide of phenanthrene 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Gastro-enteritis. 

Health and production problems; Occasionally 

death within 12 hours of clinical signs due 

to cardio-respiratory failure. 


Cultivation, fertilisers. Broad leaf herbicides 

Group C. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in South 

Australia. 

Comments: 

Can be toxic as either the fresh plant, or when 

it is dried, in hay. 

An annual, branched, erect herb growing up to 

60 cms high. The bright red flowers appearing 

from August to November, make it very 

conspicuous. Reproduces by animals 

dispersing seed, germinating in autumn. 

It is now naturalised on the north-west and 

central slopes of NSW, where it competes with 

medic pastures. Also a weed of cereal crops in 

South Australia. 

The plant is probably unpalatable to most 

stock, so ensure alternative feed is available. 

8

AMARYLLIS BELLADONNA 


Belladonna lily 




Toxic to many animal species 

Palatability: Low 


Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Severe gastro-enteritis. 

Health and production problems; Rapid death 

in many cases. 


GARDEN PLANT OR ESCAPEE 

Losses may be encountered if stock are given 

access to garden plants and clippings. 

Use herbicide, or weed out into disposable 

bags. 

Comments: 

The bulbous parts of these plants appear to 

contain the poisonous principle. 

Bulbous, perennial, ornamental pink lily, 

spread by division and seed. Flowers in 

autumn, dies back, and the leaves sprout in 

spring. 

As with all such bulbs, leaves may be eaten 

occasionally, but the bulbs are highly toxic. 

Other varieties are Crinum, Narcissus. 

9

AMSINCKIA SPP 


Iron weed, tar weed, fiddleneck 

yellow burrweed, amsinckia 




Toxic to horses, pigs, cattle and to 

a lesser extent, sheep 



Pyrrolizidine alkaloids 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Chronic weight loss, or 

sometimes acute jaundice with or without 

photosensitization, or sometimes sudden 

death with no other signs. 

Health and production problems; Chronic 

ingestion of this plant may lead to 

significant liver damage and subsequent 

reduced long term productivity. 

Chronically damaged livers in some 

ruminants are inclined to accumulate 

excessive amounts of copper, which can 

ultimately be released and kill the animal in 

the process. 


Pre-emergent application of herbicide is the 

best control method. Wick wipe or spot spray 

with herbicide after germination (Group B or 

C). 

Hand pull into disposable bags where possible. 

This species must be controlled in the early 

stages of growth as several generations will 

grow in a season. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in Victoria 

and parts of South Australia, West Australia 

and NSW. 

Comments: 

Goats and sheep may tolerate many months of 

ingestion, but eventually risk being poisoned if 

10 

the plant has been eaten in significant amounts 

for more than one season. By this stage some 

animals may start to loose weight and become 

ill-thrifty, others which appear to be in very 

good condition, may suddenly become 

jaundiced or die. 

Found mainly in crops, or along roadsides. The 

spread seems to be mainly from agricultural 

machinery and from animal coats. 

An erect winter growing annual forb covered 

with stiff hairs, up to one metre high, and 

spread by seed. Small trumpet shaped yellow 

flowers are densely packed along one side of 

the stem, which is curved like a young fern 

frond, giving a “fiddle neck” appearance. The 

plant dies off in summer and germinates after 

autumn rain. Several generations can grow 

during winter to spring. There are three species 

and several hybrids known in Australia. 

It is a weed of cereal crops competing for 

nutrient, and may also cause a taint and 

discolouration to flour. 

The seeds cause “vegetable fault” in wool. 

This weed occurs over a wide area of NSW 

especially on the western slopes, and in 

southern Queensland. 

No 52 Amsinckia spp 

AULD & MEDD © The State of New South Wales 

NSW Agriculture 1999

ASCLEPIAS CURASSAVICA 


Red-head cotton bush 




Cattle, sheep, horse, donkey, pigs 

Palatability: Not eaten 


Cardiac glycocides, notably the cardenolide 

gofruside 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Depression, diarrhoea, 

slow irregular heart beat and eventually 

heart block. 


in some cases, but little effect in others. 


GARDEN ESCAPEE 

Weed out into disposable bags, especially the 

pods. Spot spray the area with herbicide. 

Glyphosate, or “Group I” type. 

Do not feed these clippings to any livestock. 

Comments: 

Ruminants, such as the goat, are more tolerant 

of this type of plant than horses and donkeys. 

Plants of this genus are generally only eaten 

during droughts. 

A perennial woody herb growing to about a 

metre high. It produces latex when damaged. 

Reproduces by wind blown seed. The stems 

are rigid, green at the base and usually reddish 

towards the top. The leaves are long, narrow 

and dark green, tapering to a point at both 

ends. 

Bunches of red/yellow flowers grow at the 

ends of the branches. The fruiting pods release 

many flat seeds, which have long silky hairs at 

one end, from late summer to autumn. 

11 

A weed of the central and north coast of NSW, 

and coastal Queensland, but also occurs in 

other states. A weed of pastures and roadsides. 

It is relatively unpalatable to all livestock. 

This plant is a host to the “Wanderer”, or 

Monarch butterfly. 

No 221 Asclepias spp 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

ATROPA BELLADONNA 


Deadly nightshade 







Tropane alkaloides, notably atropine, 

scopolamine and hyoscyamine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Constipation and 

infrequent urination. Some initial excitation 

and later depression, muscle trembling and 

weakness leading to an unsteady gait and 

finally recumbency. Dilated pupils, dry 

mouth and nose, and increased heart rate 

but a weak pulse. Loss of rumen sounds 

and laboured respiration. Some cases may 

progress further to either coma or terminal 

convulsions. 

Health and production problems; Death in 

some cases within twelve hours of first 

signs, but many cases recover. 



Use herbicide as a spot spray, or hand pull. 

into disposable bags. 

Do not feed to any livestock. 

Comments: 

A fairly commonly encountered plant in cooler 

climates, but appears to be rarely eaten hence 

cases of poisoning are few. Animal flesh may 

pass on the poison. 

A perennial, erect, branched herb up to one 

and a half metres high. Stems are slightly 

downy, branched at intervals. Leaves are large, 

stalked and egg-shaped, growing in pairs, one 

much larger than the other. Flowers are reddish 

purple inside, and bell shaped, with a broad 

tubular corolla. Single flowers on single stalks. 

12 

The berries are purple to black and shiny and 

as large as a cherry. 

Usually only found in the cooler southern 

states, being a native of Europe, and common 

on the chalk downs in England. 

No 202 Atropa belladonna 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

BRYOPHYLLUM SPP 


Mother of millions, kalanchoe tubiflora, 

mission bells, christmas bells 




Toxic to cattle, sheep, horses and donkeys 



Bufadienolide cardiac glycocides 

Effects: 



heart block. 





Spot spray with 2,4-D amine, and a wetting 

agent. 

Dig out very carefully into disposable bags, 

and remove. 

Do not feed these plants to any livestock. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in parts of 

eastern NSW and Queensland. 

Comments: 

It is generally only a problem between late 

autumn and early spring when the plant is 

flowering. Ruminants, such as the goat, display 

more tolerance for this type of poisonous plant 

than do horses and donkeys. 

An erect perennial plant up to sixty cms high, 

with thick, fleshy succulent leaves of various 

shapes, and spikes of bell-shaped orange 

flowers. Usually very conspicuous when 

flowering in winter. 

There are two main varieties with tubular, or 

V-shaped cross-section of the leaves. 

13 

Propogation is by plantlets attached to the 

edges of the leaves, and shed by the parent 

plant. Thus a whole mat of the weed grows 

over large areas.

CAESALPINIA SPP 


Bird of paradise, wait-a-while, 

whoa back, mysoe thorn 




Toxic to most livestock species 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Diarrhoea. 

Health and production problems; Recovery is 

usually rapid. 


Spot spray with herbicide and a wetting agent. 

Comments: 

The green pods of these plants are very 

irritating to the gastro-intestinal tract. 

A woody scrambling shrub up to three metres 

high with long thorny branches and hooked 

spines. Usually found in rain or open forest. It 

has attractive yellow spidery flowers and 

reproduces by seed, which may have a long 

dormancy. 

C.gilliesii, a related spp known as “Bird of 

Paradise Plant”, is a garden plant with yellow 

flowers, red stamens and delicate feathery 

foliage, but no thorns. 

14 

No 46 Caesalpinia spp 



CALOTROPIS PROCERA 


Rubber bush, kings crown, rubber tree, 

calotrope 




Toxic to cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys 



Cardiac glycocides, notably convallotoxin 

Effects: 



heart block. 


in some cases, but little effect in others 

until mustered, when they may drop dead 

unexpectedly. 


Hand pull seedlings, spray with herbicide and 

wetter, or grub out. 


herbicide. 

Try goats – with caution. 

This plant is a declared “Noxious Weed” in 

Queensland. 

Comments: 

Ruminants, such as the goat, are much more 

tolerant of this type of plant poison than are 

horses and donkeys. Problems may arise if the 

plant is fed in a mixture of garden clippings or 

if it is present as a contaminant in hay. 

A spreading medium sized shrub 2-4 metres 

high, with a waxy appearance, milky sap and 

reproducing by seed or suckers. It is native to 

tropical Asia and Africa. 

Cattle and goats graze this plant during the dry 

season with no observed ill effect. It is 

probable that the bio-types found in Australia 

15 

are not toxic. It is not palatable to livestock as 

a rule. 

This plant is a larval food of the “Wanderer” 

butterfly.

CASSIA ARTEMISIOIDES 


Silver cassia, senna artemisioides, dense cassia 







Anthraquinone glycocides and an unidentified 

toxin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Diarrhoea initially, then 

difficulty in walking, a stiff gait and a 

reluctance to walk. Dark brown or red 

urine, recumbency, increased heart rate and 

difficulty in breathing. 

Health and production problems; Causes 

damage to the muscles of the skeleton and 

the heart. Can give rise to inappetance and 

weight loss, and can cause rapid death in 

some cases. 


Basal bark or cut stump treatment with a 

selective herbicide. 


Comments: 

Plants bearing seed pods are the most 

poisonous. 

An upright spreading silvery shrub up to 3 

metres high. The leaves are very variable, 

whitish to grey-green. Some leaflets are very 

short lived, leaving bare petioles. 

Bright yellow flowers grow in short racemes in 

the leaf axils, as long as new growth is being 

produced. 

This is an important weed of rangelands in 

northern NSW, and forms dense stands. It 

prefers a sunny site with well drained soil, is 

16 

quick growing but short lived, and reproduces 

by seed. 

This plant probably contains high levels of 

protein and phosphorus, but little fibre. 

This plant has now become a problem weed in 

the region. It is browsed at times by sheep, but 

it is not palatable to cattle.

CASSIA BARCLAYANA 


Pepper leaved senna, senna barclayana 









Effects: 










some cases. 


Slash or use selective herbicides. 

Treat regrowth as necessary. 

Take care with grazing strategy. 

Use goats. 

Comments: 


poisonous. 

An annual or perennial, erect to semi-erect 

shrub, up to about 1 metre high. The leaves are 

about 10 cms long, with 4 – 7 pairs of leaflets. 

The flowers are bright yellow. 

This is a weedy type of plant found on the 

inland plains districts, often in colonies or in 

spreading patches. 

A useful plant for apiarists. 

17

CASSIA EREMOPHILA 


Desert cassia, punty bush, scented cassia 









Effects: 










some cases. 



herbicide. 


Comments: 


poisonous. 

A bushy to erect shrub with variable leaves. 

The flowers are yellow and buttercup shaped, 

appearing late winter and spring. 

It occurs throughout the region and is now a 

problem weed, which may be due to 

overstocking or lack of fires. 

This is a short lived species, up to 10 years life 

span. A prolific seeder, and the seeds can 

germinate after adequate rain. Most 

cassia/senna species are susceptible to fire. 

18 

This plant is rarely browsed by any form of 

livestock, but pods are utilised by sheep and 

goats. All varieties contain useful amounts of 

protein and phosphorus, but are low in fibre. 

Goats will effectively remove this weed, but to 

maintain shrub free paddocks would be 

counter productive in a sheep and cattle 

enterprise. 

No 60 Cassia eremophila 

RB TROUNCE

CASSIA FLORIBUNDA 


Smoth cassia, arsenic bush 









Effects: 










some cases. 



herbicide. 

Be aware of potential livestock problems. 

Comments: 


poisonous. 

An erect, branching, rounded shrub up to 2 

metres high, occurring in coastal NSW, up to 

Queensland. It sometimes forms dense stands 

along stream banks. May be found in gardens 

as a specimen plant, or in bushland. 

The leaves are compound, with 3 or 4 pairs of 

leaflets. Clusters of bright yellow, buttercup 

flowers grow at the ends of the branches on 

and off throughout the year, producing long 

nobby pods which turn black when ripe. 

19

CASSIA OCCIDENTALIS 


Coffee senna, ant bush, arsenic bush, sickle 

pod, C. obtusifolia 





Palatability: High 




Effects: 







damage to the muscles of the heart and 

skeleton. Can give rise to inappetance and 


some cases. 


Basal bark or spot spray treatment with 

selective herbicide. 

Be aware of potential stock problem. 

Comments: 


poisonous. 

A vigorous annual or short lived perennial, 

reproducing only by seed, found in the tropics, 

and around Brisbane. 

A weed of tropical crops, and also tends to 

grow in thickets, reducing grazing areas. The 

pod is sickle shaped and very indented. 

There is a marked circadian rhythm in the leaf 

orientation, which may be useful when using 

spray on herbicides. 

20

CASTANOSPERMUM AUSTRALE 


Black bean, moreton bay chestnut 




Sheep, cattle, horses 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Gastro-enteritis causing 

severe diarrhoea, with associated weight 

loss and depression. 

Health and production problems; Affected 

animals either die or become ill thrifty. 


Usually a Parks and Gardens specimen tree. 

Weed clippings and seeds into disposable bags. 

Do not feed this plant to any livestock. 

Comments: 

Poisoning appears to be associated with the 

ingestion of fallen seeds in spring and early 

summer. 

A medium to large rain forest tree, the leaves 

are glossy green on the upper surface. The 

flowers are pea-shaped and reddish/yellow, 

and the fruits are large woody inflated pods. 

The timber is hard and dark brown, ideal for 

cabinet making. 

Poisoning occurs in dry seasons when fodder is 

scarce. Some cattle develop a preference for 

the seeds. 

21

CESTRUM SPP 


Green cestrum, orange cestrum, 

night cestrum, lady of the night, 

green poisonberry, chilean cestrum. 




Toxic to all livestock 



Possibly a carboxyatractyloside 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Depression, abdominal 

pain, sometimes diarrhoea. Irritability, 

weakness then recumbency, eventually 

coma or convulsions. 


acute liver necrosis and death, sometimes 

within hours, and within three days at the 

latest. 



Cut stump and treat with herbicide. Glyphosate 

and or metsulfuron methyl. The root system 

must be destroyed. Leave for six months for 

the herbicide to translocate. Fence off the area, 

since the dead leaves and branches are still 

toxic. Completely incinerate to remove toxins. 

This plant is declared “Noxious” in Victoria 

and Queensland, and parts of NSW. 

Comments: 

All parts of the plant, especially the berry 

fruits, are poisonous - even to children. 

A perennial shrub up to three metres high. The 

leaves are shiny and green, pointed at both 

ends, about ten cms long. They have a foul 

smell when crushed. The flowers are yellow 

and trumpet-shaped, growing in clusters, 

appearing from spring to autumn. Berries are 

slightly oval, glossy and turn black when ripe. 

22 

The plant reproduces by rhizomes and bird 

dispursed seed. 

Commonly involved in plant poisonings, 

especially in coastal NSW, most of which 

occur when feed is scarce. 

No 44 C. parqui 



CHEILANTHES SPP 


Rock fern, mulga fern 




Toxic to cattle, sheep, horses and pigs 



Thiaminases, together with norsesquiterpene 

glucocides, notably ptaquiloside 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Two different outcomes 

are possible. 

Either depression, confusion, disinterest in 

surroundings, apparent blindness, head 

pressing and eventually recumbency with 

episodic convulsions. 

Alternately, animals may develop an 

anaemic condition that shows up best when 

they are forced to exercise, and results in 

their sudden collapse with laboured 

respiration. 

They may also display evidence of blood in 

nasal discharges, faeces or urine, together 

with small haemorrhages of the sensitive 

skin around the nose, mouth, rectum and 

vagina. 

Health and production problems; The first 

condition results in death within days. The 

second condition results in chronic anaemia 

and ill thrift with apparent sudden death if 

forced to exercise. 


Metsulfuron methyl and a wetting agent. 

Improve soil and fertilise. 


Comments: 

These plants are generally avoided, but there is 

a tendency for them to be eaten in drought 

periods when it may be the only green herbage 

available. Casual ingestion is safe, but the 

23 

more protracted ingestion of significant 

amounts is dangerous. 

Small dainty, tufted, perennial ferns with erect 

dark green leaves. Under dry conditions the 

fronds curl up and may look dead, but they 

usually expand after rain. 

Found from Tasmania to north Queensland, 

and coastal areas to central Australia. 

They may occur in exposed positions in 

woodlands, pastures and rocky areas and can 

form dense carpets. 

Experimental evidence suggests that fern 

infested paddocks can be grazed safely if 

animals are removed after about 10 days and 

rested in fern-free paddocks for about three 

weeks.

CONIUM MACULATUM 


Hemlock, carrot fern 




Toxic to sheep, cattle, horses and pigs 



Piperidine alkaloids, notably coniine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Initially diarrhoea, then 

constipation and urinary incontinence. 

Trembling of the limb muscles, stiff 

uncoordinated gait, and dilated pupils. 

Initial excitement is followed by depression 

and eventually a profound weakness 

leading to recumbency. 

Health and production problems; Most 

affected animals will recover, but affected 

pregnant animals may later give birth to 

offspring with deformities of the skeleton, 

notably, twisted limbs, enlarged joints, 

flexed knees and elbows and curvatures of 

the spine. 



Hand pull wearing rubber gloves. 

Slashing, just before flowering may be 

effective, but new growth may occur from the 

root base. 

Chemical control from seedling to flowering 

stage. Herbicide Group I. 

This plant is declared “Noxious" in Tasmania, 

Victoria, parts of NSW and in Queensland. 

Comments: 

This plant tends to be avoided, but sometimes 

may be eaten as a contaminant in garden 

clippings, or in hay, or may be eaten when 

alternative fodder is scarce. 

24 

It is relatively unpalatable, but avoid grazing 

stock on the young plant before flowering, and 

at seeding time. 

An annual or biennial plant growing up to 3 

metres high, preferring moist positions. The 

stems are strong, hairless and hollow except at 

the nodes. They have purple blotches, and emit 

an offensive odour of mice when crushed. The 

leaves are fern, or carrot-like and are often 

mistaken for parsley. The flowers are tiny and 

white and form a dense cluster. The roots are 

long, white and fleshy. 

No 42 Conium maculatum 



CONSOLIDA AMBIGUA 


Larkspur 







Polycyclic diterpenoid alkaloids 

Effects: 


bloating, belching, repetitive swallowing, 

profound weakness leading to recumbency, 

cardiac arrhythymia. Very weak pulse and 

shallow respiration. 


hours. 


GARDEN ESCAPEE. 

Use herbicide, or weed into disposable bags. 

Do not feed these plants to any livestock. 

Comments: 

Roots, leaves, flowers and seeds are all 

poisonous. Stock losses are usually only 

encountered when animals are given access to 

garden plants and clippings. 

An annual, fast growing, upright, branching 

garden plant with feathery mid-green leaves. In 

spring to summer they produce tall spikes of 

rounded, spurred, double pink, blue or white 

flowers. 

Propagation is by seed. 

25

CONVALLARIA MAJALIS 


Lily of the valley 




Cattle, sheep, horses and donkeys 



Cardiac glycocides, notably convallatoxin 

Effects: 



heart block. 



until mustered when they may drop dead 

unexpectedly. 


GARDEN PLANT 

Dig out carefully into disposable bags and 

remove. Dispose of cuttings carefully. 


Comments: 

A low-growing rhizomatous perennial, with 

strap-like leaves. Sprays of small, white, 

fragrant, pendant, bell-shaped flowers open in 

Spring. This plant prefers cooler climates. 


tolerant of this type of plant poison than are 

horses and donkeys. 

26 

No 203 Convallaria majalis 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

CROTOLARIA SPP 


Rattlepods 




Toxic to horses, pigs, cattle, and to a lesser 

extent sheep 




Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Sometimes chronic 

weight loss, or sometimes acute jaundice 

with or without photosensitization, or 

sometimes sudden death with no other 

signs. 









the process. 


Variable. Some species are ornamental, some 

are fodder, yet others are toxic. 

Do not feed garden clippings to any livestock. 


Comments: 






ill thrifty and others, which appear to be in 

very good condition, may suddenly become 

jaundiced or die. Chronic liver damage in 

horses, and to a lesser extent in cattle, can 

result in secondary brain damage. 

27 

Of the 37 species, native or naturalised in 

Australia, about 16 are toxic to livestock. The 

leaf shapes are variable, but the flowers are all 

pea-shaped, and mostly yellow. The ripe seeds 

become loose in the pods and rattle when 

shaken. 

Found in NSW, Queensland and the Northern 

Territory.

CRYPTOSTEGIA 

GRANDIFLORA 


Rubber vine 




Cattle, sheep, horse and donkey 




cryptograndoside 

Effects: 



heart block. 




unexpectedly. 


Bulldoze and burn, but take care as it is very 

flamable when green! 

Herbicides are very slow acting, but try basal 

bark treatment and spot spraying. Sow to a 

competitive pasture. 


Queensland, the Northern Territory and 

Western Australia. 

Comments: 



A rampant woody climber, found in semi-arid 

tropical areas, which exudes a milky sap when 

damaged. 

The flowers are large, trumpet shaped, lilac to 

purple pink, turning white with age, at the ends 

of branches. 

28 

The seeds germinate with the first rains, and 

become a very invasive plant which smothers 

everything. 

Some claims have been made that goats have 

achieved success in controlling rubber vine.

DAPHNE SPP 


Daphne 




All livestock species 



Macrocyclic diterpenes, notably daphnetoxin 

and mezerein, together with dicoumarol 

glycocides, notably daphnin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Vomiting, diarrhoea 

sometimes haemorrhagic, extreme 

weakness and depression. 

Health and production problems; Rapid death. 


GARDEN PLANT 

Prune out carefully into disposable bags. 


Comments: 

All parts of the plant are toxic, but especially 

the berries and bark. 

Use gloves, as this plant can cause a rash on 

the skin of unwary humans. 

Historically used in the treatment of venereal 

and scrofulous diseases. 

No 214 Daphne spp 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY 

29

DATURA STRAMONIUM 


Thornapple, false castor oil, jimson weed 




Toxic to cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and poultry 



The tropane alkaloides, hyocine, scopalamine, 

and atropine 

Effects: 


infrequent urination. Some initial excitation 

with later depression, muscle trembling, 


eventual recumbency. Dilated pupils, dry 

mouth and nose, an increased heart rate but 

a weak pulse, loss of rumen sounds and 

laboured respiration. Some cases may 


convulsions. 


some cases within 12 hours of first signs, 

but many cases may recover with no long 

term effects on their productivity. 


Biological controls are being tested. 

Wick wipe with herbicide (Group I), before 

flowering. 

Cultivate before seeding, as most varieties are 

annuals. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in Victoria, 

Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland. 

Comments: 

These plants are generally avoided, but hungry 

stock, or stock new to an area may eat them. 

They may turn up as contaminants in hay, or 

their toxic seeds may contaminate feed grain. 

An erect, annual forb with pale green stems 

and spreading branches, growing over a metre 

30 

high. The leaves are ovate, green or purple, 

with serrated edges. The flowers are trumpetshaped, 

usually white or purple, on a short 

stalk and appear late in spring and early 

summer. In autumn the prickly seed capsule 

dries off and spreads seeds, which can remain 

dormant for up to 20 years. 

A serious weed in summer crops and pastures, 

depriving other plants of moisture, nutrients 

and light. 

The plant has a strong bitter taste and an 

offensive odour, which deters grazing animals. 

Humans can also be affected, and may develop 

dermatitis from the leaves, flowers and fruits. 

No 236 Datura spp 

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

DELPHINIUM SPP 


Delphinium, larkspur 




Toxic to cattle, sheep and horses 



Polycyclic diterpenoid alkaloids, notably 

delphinine 

Effects: 


bloating belching, repetitive swallowing, 

constipation, profound weakness – leading 

to an unsteady wide-based stance, and 

longer and longer periods of recumbency. 

Cardiac arrhythmia, vomiting and 

subsequent choking sometimes occur. 


hours usually, but some animals may 

recover over several days. 


GARDEN PLANT 


bags. 


Comments: 

All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially 

the seeds and young leaves. Stock losses may 

be encountered when animals are given access 

to garden plants and clippings. 

A genus of perennials and annuals with roots 

in tuberous clusters. Leaves are alternate and 

deeply lobed. Flowers are in long clusters of 

irregularly cup-shaped, sometimes hooded and 

spurred, white, blue or purple, flowering in 

spring. 

May be palatable, and is most toxic in the 

young stages, and when the plant goes to seed. 

It remains toxic even when it is dried. 

31

DIEFFENBACHIA SPP 


Dumbcane. philodendron 




Probably all animal species 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Causes intense irritation 

and burning to the mouth, tongue and lips. 

Swelling of these parts and excessive 

salivation follows, which interferes with 

swallowing and breathing. 

Health and production problems; Some signs 

and symptoms will persist for many days 

before recovery begins. 


GARDEN PLANT 

Prune or weed into disposable bags. 


Comments: 

Only the stems of these plants are toxic. 

A genus of over 2000 evergreen annuals or 

perennials commonly grown as indoor plants, 

in pots, for their foliage. The plants grow up to 

2 metres high, are erect with stout stems, 

marked by horizontal leaf stems. All have 

attractive leaves, and the flowers are usually a 

spathe, enclosing a fleshy spadex, either green 

or yellow-white. Berries are brightly coloured. 

Some plants have needle-like crystals of 

calcium oxalate, which can puncture the skin, 

causing pain. Similar plants are monstera and 

calandrina. 

Historically “Dumbcane” was used to prevent 

humans from talking, by causing the tongue to 

swell. 

32 

No 211 Dieffenbachia spp 

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

DIGITALIS PURPUREA 


Foxglove 




Cattle, sheep. horse and donkey 



Cardiac glycocides, notably digitoxin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Depression , diarrhoea, 


heart block. 




unexpectedly. 


GARDEN PLANT 

Spot spray with herbicide, or weed out into 

disposable bags. 

Do not feed to livestock. 

Comments: 

Ruminants, such as the goat, are generally 

more tolerant of this type of plant poison than 

are horses and donkeys, but digitoxin is a more 

powerful cardiac toxin in all animal species 

than other cardiac glycocides. Problems may 

arise if the plant is fed in a mixture of garden 

clippings or if it is present as a contaminant in 

hay. 

This is a genus of biennials or perennials, some 

of which are evergreen. Plants are similar to 

comfrey in their first year. The leaves are soft, 

hairy, toothed and ovate to lance-shaped in a 

basal rosette in the first year. Flowering occurs 

in the second year, purple to white, spotted, 

thimble-like and drooping. 

The upper leaves are more toxic than the lower 

leaves, and are most toxic before the seeds 

ripen. 

33 

They need little soil to survive, grow in 

crevices of walls, hilly pastures and roadsides, 

and are spread by seed. Fresh plants are 

unpalatable to livestock. 

No 39 Digitalis purpurea 



DUBOISIA HOPWOODII 


Pitjuri 




Toxic to cattle, sheep, horses, camels and pigs 



Pyridine alkaloids, notably nicotine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Initially diarrhoea, then 

constipation, urinary incontinence, 

trembling of the limb muscles, stiff 

uncoordinated gait, and dilated pupils. 

Initial excitement is followed by depression 

and eventually a profound weakness 

leading to recumbency. 

Health and production problems; Most 

affected animals will recover, but affected 

pregnant animals may give birth to 

offspring with deformities of the skeleton, 

notably, twisted limbs, enlarged joints, 

flexed knees and elbows and curvatures of 

the spine. 



Comments: 

This plant is generally avoided, but hungry 

stock, or stock new to the area may eat it, or it 

may turn up as a contaminant in hay. 

A widely distributed and common plant found 

in arid regions. Grows in South Australia, 

NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and 

Northern Territory. The toxicity seems to vary 

with locality and stage of growth. 

A medium to tall shrub with corky, brownish 

yellow to purple bark, drooping branch tips 

and dark green leaves. 

34 

The flowers are white with purple stripes, and 

the berries are black, globular and fleshy. 

The Aborigines chewed the powdered leaves 

to produce a narcotising effect, and to assuage 

hunger. 

These plants are grown commercially in 

Queensland for production of alkaloids for 

drug manufacture.

DUBOISIA SPP 


Corkwood 




Toxic to cattle, sheep, horses, camels and pigs 



The tropane alkaloids, hyoscyamine, 

scopolamine and atropine 

Effects: 


infrequent urination, some initial excitation 

with later depression, muscle trembling, 


eventual recumbency. Dilated pupils, dry 

mouth and nose, an increased heart rate but 

a weak pulse, loss of rumen sounds and 

laboured respiration. Some cases may 


convulsions. 


some cases within 12 hours of first signs, 

but many cases may recover with no long 

term effects on their productivity. 



Comments: 

These plants are generally avoided, but hungry 

stock, or stock new to an area, may eat them, 

or they may turn up as contaminants in hay, or 

their toxic seeds may contaminate feed grain. 

These are shrubs or small trees up to about 8 

metres high, with a corky bark. The flowers 

are whitish, appearing about late winter, and 

the fruits are black round berries. 

35

ECHIUM PLANTAGINEUM 


Paterson's curse, murrumbidgee bluebell, 

salvation jane 




Toxic to horses, pigs, cattle and to a lesser 

extent sheep 

Palatability: Moderate at flowering 



Effects: 





signs 









the process. 


Cultivation, and spot spray with herbicides at 

the rosette stage in autumn and spring. 

Use goats to reduce seeding. 

A combination of biological agents, spray 

grazing, and resowing to perennial pasture, but 

ensure biological agents are not lost. 


parts of NSW, South Australia and Western 

Australia. 

Comments: 




for more than one season. 

36 

By this stage some animals may start to loose 

weight and become ill thrifty and others, which 

appear to be in good condition, may suddenly 

become jaundiced or die. 

An annual, occasionally biennial forb, with a 

high seeding rate. These seeds can live for up 

to 7 years, and germinate at any time with 

good rain. Most plants over-winter as rosettes 

and produce purple flowers in late spring. 

Found on sandy loam soils, on development 

sites and on over grazed pasture. It is dispersed 

by stock movement and in fodder. 

Goats will graze the flowers first, preventing 

seed set, then eat the leaves as a small 

proportion of their diet. 

No 03491 Echium plantagineum 

NSW AGRICULTURE

ECHIUM VULGARE 


Viper’s bugloss 




Toxic to pigs, horses, cattle and to a lesser 

extent sheep 

Palatability: High at flowering 



Effects: 





signs. 









the process. 


Pasture improve, spray graze using goats. 

Biological controls are being tested, but take 

care not to destroy the organisms in the 

process of spray grazing. 


parts of NSW and Tasmania. 

Comments: 








jaundiced and die. 

37 

A biennial, sometimes perennial rosette forb 

with basal leaves, stalkless and spear shaped. 

The leaves have a warty appearance, and the 

leaf veins are longitudinal, not branched as in 

paterson’s curse. 

The flowers are on a pronounced spike, and are 

long lasting, small, and pale to dark blue. 

No 03522 Echium vulgare 

NSW AGRICULTURE

ERYTHROPHLEUM SPP 


Cooktown ironwood, camel poison 





Palatability: Not eaten 


Alkaloidal esters and amides of diterpenoid 

acids 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Increased heart sounds 

and an irregular heart rhythm, pale mucous 

membranes and laboured respiration. In 

some cases abdominal straining and 

diarrhoea, often staring eyes with possible 

blindness. 

Health and production problems; Frequently 

results in death within 48 hours, or 

alternately, sickness for several weeks 

accompanied by excessive weight loss. 



Comments: 

Goats should never be allowed access to this 

tree, or its suckers, or its dry fallen leaves. 

This tree grows to about 15 metres high. It has 

dark grey to black bark, and alternate 

compound leaves and leaflets, which are dark 

green and leathery. The young leaves or sucker 

shoots may be a pale pink in colour. The 

flowers are small and pale yellow, on long 

spikes. Seed pods are thin and flat. 

Travelling stock are most likely to be affected. 

Unfortunately clearing generates regrowth 

which can be very dangerous to livestock. 

38

EUCALYPTUS CLADOCALYX 


Sugar gum 




Toxic to all grazing livestock 



Cyanogenetic glycocides (cyanide/prussic 

acid) 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Fall down, struggle to get 

up, shiver and shake, develop a rapid pulse 

and experience difficulty in breathing. 


hours. 


Grub out, spot spray if possible. 


Comments: 

Young leaves from suckering shoots are the 

most toxic. Rain immediately after a dry spell 

will temporarily increase the plants’ toxicity. 

A tall erect tree growing up to 35 metres high. 

The bark is white or yellowish after the outer 

bark has peeled off. It is cultivated as a shade 

or ornamental tree. 

Sugar gum and red box are probably the only 

toxic eucalypts – both are cyanogenetic. 

The round leaves from the suckers are more 

toxic than the long leaves from the mature 

branches. 

39

GASTROLOBIUM SPP 


Desert poison bush, heart-leaf poison, 

wallflower poison 







Fluoroacetates (1080 poison) 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Rapid, weak, arrhythmic 

heart beat and difficulty in breathing. 

Excitement or depression, stagger then fall, 

with muscle tremors progressing to 

terminal convulsions. 


minutes or up to an hour, occasionally 

recovery with no long term production 

problems. 


Grub and burn all lignotubers. Fence off and 

apply herbicide. Most species can be 

controlled by cutting off at ground level. Some 

species can still sucker from the remaining 

roots. 

Comments: 

Some animals appear normal until mustered 

and then they suddenly drop dead, or become 

recumbent and refuse to travel. 

Leafy shrubs growing up to 2 metres high. 

They usually have several stems growing from 

lignotubers, although they are also spread by 

seed. Usually found in the more arid areas of 

Australia. 

The leaves, flowers and seeds are all toxic, and 

the plant is palatable. Animals are affected in 

the paddock, or while travelling. 

40 

These plants are intermittently toxic in many 

areas, although it is not predictable which 

areas, and which season. This species, and F. 

oxylobium, are the most toxic plants in 

Australia. 

The plants are browsed as a source of green 

feed, but not as first choice. 

Trials of genetically modified rumen bacteria 

to be released for the protection of cattle and 

sheep against fluroacetate poisoning are being 

carried out, and are nearing completion.

GELSEMIUM SEMPERVIRENS 


Yellow jasmine, carolina jessamine 







Strychnine-like indole alkaloids 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Depression, weakness, 

staggering gait, recumbency, tremors, 

dilated pupils, respiratory distress, 

darkening of the mucous membranes. 

Health and production problems; Death from 

respiratory failure within 48 hours of first 

signs. 


GARDEN PLANT 

Weed into disposable bags. 

Do not feed cuttings to any livestock. 

Comments: 

All parts of the plant are poisonous. This is 

another potentially poisonous plant found in 

garden clippings. 

An evergreen twining climber, grown for its 

bright yellow flowers. Reproduces by seed. 

No 205 Gelsemium sempervirens 


41

GLORIOSA SUPERBA 


Glory lily, climbing lily 







Colchicine–like alkaloids 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Violent diarrhoea, 

weakness leading to recumbency, and 

progressive respiratory failure 


hours of ingestion, or for very small intakes 

of the plant, death within several days. 


GARDEN PLANT 


bags. 


Comments: 

A deciduous, perennial, tendril climber with 

tuberous roots. 

The stems are prostrate or climbing, and the 

leaves are rather succulent and bright green. 

They are attached directly to the stem, and 

tapered to a tendril at the tip with which it 

climbs. Flowers are very showy, and a bright 

orange to red. 

Plants die back in autumn, or the tropical dry 

season, to a dormant tuber. In the tropics it 

may be viewed as a garden escapee. 

42 

No 37 Gloriosa superba 



GOMPHOCARPUS SPP 


Cotton bush, balloon cotton, bladder cotton 

bush narrow-leaf cotton bush, duck bush 




Cattle, sheep, horse, donkey and pigs 




gofruside 

Effects: 



heart block. 


in some cases, but little effect in others. 


Hand pull before flowering, and remove as 

much of the root as possible, to prevent 

suckering. 

Wick wipe with herbicide Group I. 

Comments: 


tolerant of this type of plant than horses and 

donkeys. Plants of this genus are only eaten 

during droughts. 

An erect, slender, perennial plant, up to 2 

metres high, exuding latex when damaged. The 

root is very aromatic when crushed. Leaves are 

narrow and dull green, flowers are creamy 

white, small and bell-shaped, and the fruits are 

inflated pods covered with soft bristles. The 

mature fruits taper to a pointed beak and hang 

on a curved stem. 

This plant occurs in all mainland states, in 

wasteland, roadsides, pastures and wooded 

areas. Originally it was a garden plant, and 

now an escapee. 

43 

It reduces grazing capacity, and maybe is the 

cause of deaths of sheep and cattle in NSW. 

The acrid latex makes it very unpalatable to 

grazing animals in a fresh state. It can be toxic 

in hay or chaff. 

No 35 or 36 Gomphocarpus spp 



HELIOTROPIUM 

AMPLEXICAULE 


Blue heliotrope, purple top, wild verbena 





extent sheep 




Effects: 





signs. 







excessive amounts of copper which can 


the process. 


Spring cultivation to kill the seedlings, and 

herbicides at other times. (Group C) 

Pasture improvement with perennials. 


NSW. 

Comments: 







44 

very good condition may suddenly become 


A hairy, prostrate, perennial forb with many 

branched stems. Summer growing, and 

reproducing from seed and root buds, it dies 

back in winter and regrows from the tap root or 

seeds in spring. 

The leaves give off an offensive odour when 

crushed. Blue heliotrope has purple or lilac 

flowers with yellow centres, in spring and 

autumn. 

Found mainly along roadsides, in fallows, 

degraded pastures and a variety of soil types. 

Does not compete well with pastures in 

summer. 

Grows in the central and northern districts of 

NSW. Livestock tend to avoid the plant and it 

is rarely grazed. Young animals appear to be 

more susceptible to the toxins. 

No 04631 Heliotropium amplexicaule 

NSW AGRICULTURE

HELIOTROPIUM EUROPAEUM 


Common heliotrope, caterpillar weed, 

potato weed 





extent sheep 




Effects: 





signs 









the process. 


Use herbicides in the fallows, and crop rotation 

of at least two or three years to allow for more 

use of herbicides (Group I). 

Biological control agents are being tested. 

Comments: 






ill thrifty, and others which appear to be in 



45 

A hairy, bushy, spring and summer growing 

annual forb. Reproduction is by seed. The 

leaves are oval and a greyish green, and the 

white flowers grow along a curved spike, or 

fiddle-neck in summer to autumn. The fresh 

leaves and stems produce an offensive odour 

when crushed. 

It is found mainly in south eastern Australia, in 

degraded winter pastures, fallows and areas 

dominated by winter growing annuals. This 

plant is very drought tolerant. 

Common heliotrope and paterson’s curse often 

occur together, and the toxic effects can be 

cumulative. 

No 34 Heliotropium europaeum 



HELLEBORUS NIGER 


Black hellebore, christmas rose, winter rose 







Cardiac glycocides, notably hellebrin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Depression, recumbency, 

diarrhoea, slow irregular heart beat and 

eventual heart failure. 

Health and production problems; Death after 

several days of signs. 


GARDEN PLANT 

Use herbicides, or weed out into disposable 

bags. 


livestock. 

Comments: 

Small amounts fed out in garden refuse are 

potentially lethal. 

A genus of rhizomatous perennials, only some 

of which are evergreen. The rootstock is short 

and black. They are grown for their flowers 

which are very low-growing. Reproduces by 

seeds and cuttings. 

Flowers are large nodding showy heads, on 

single red-spotted stalks. The fruit is a follicle 

with bright red berries. This species thrives in 

the shade, is durable and cold hardy. 

Most deciduous species retain their old leaves. 

Reproduces by seeds or cuttings. Some species 

can cause dermatitis in humans. 

46 

Many gardeners mow the patch to accentuate 

the flower heads and the trash may become 

mixed with lawn clippings. The toxins in the 

leaves and rhizomes are not destroyed by 

drying or storage. 

Traditionally used as an external treatment for 

lice, a vermifuge, as an abortant and as a local 

anaesthetic. Christmas decor seems to have 

been an afterthought. 

No 206 Helleborus niger 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

HETERODENDRUM OLEIFOLIUM 


Rosewood, boonery, bullock bush 





Palatability: High at all stages 



acid) 

Effects: 





hours of first signs. 



Comments: 

Young leaves from suckering shoots are the 

most toxic. Rain immediately after a dry spell 

will temporarily increase the plants’ toxicity. 

Highest levels of cyanide occur during the 

summer months. 

A small to medium sized tree up to 9 metres 

high. It has narrow grey-green leaves similar in 

shape to the olive tree, and small insignificant 

flowers. 

Grows on the western slopes and plains of 

NSW, but is now found all over Australia. 

There are two forms of leaf shape, and colour. 

The very narrow, green-grey colour – and the 

wider variety, which is blue-grey. 

Commonly regarded as good fodder. The 

leaves contain protein and phosphorus. 

Suckers readily if roots are exposed or 

damaged. 

47

HOMERIA SPP 


Cape tulip 




Toxic to cattle, sheep, horses and donkeys 



Cardiac glycocides (bufadienolide type) 

Effects: 



heart block. 


in some cases, slower deaths in others and 

little effect in many. 


Can be hand-pulled before flowering, into 

disposable bags, since cormils still remain 

attached to the plant at this stage. 

Group B or I, Herbicides, before flowering. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in 

Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, 

Victoria and parts of NSW. 

Comments: 



Plants of this genus are generally only 

poisonous to recently introduced animals or 

animals consuming excessive amounts during 

droughts. 

An erect perennial forb, with a solitary leaf, or 

two leaves, which are grass like and ribbed. 

The flowers are pale pink to reddish, on a 

single zig-zag stem, which is stiff erect and 

angular, occurring in spring. 

These species are important and widespread 

weeds of pastures and winter crops in all 

southern states. 

48 

The whole plant is poisonous even when dried. 

No 33 Homeria spp 



HYPERICUM ANDROSAEMUM 


Tutsan, sweet amber 




Toxic to horses, cattle and sheep 



Hypericin and pseudohypericin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Mild diarrhoea, 

restlessness, depression, skin irritation 

especially around the head, reddening of 

the skin and eventually swelling of the face 

and ears. Hind limb weakness hence an 

unsteady gait, recumbency. A rapid heart 

rate, a marked rise in body temperature, 

excessive panting and salivation. 


animals tent to avoid sunlight by standing 

in the shade. They rub their itchy and 

swollen faces and ears up against fixed 

objects and in the process rub themselves 

raw, which results in considerable scab 

formation. This plant poisoning does not 

normally kill an animal but it leads to 

chronic ill thrift and loss of productivity. 


Capable of control by cultivation. 

Grub out and plough before autumn, sow to 

competitive pasture. Use Group I Herbicides 

on the steep slopes. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in Victoria. 

Comments: 

Coloured goats are more tolerant of this plant 

than white goats, and the plant is much more 

toxic during its summer flowering stage than it 

is during its less obvious winter growing stage. 

Animals grazing this plant should only be 

allowed access to it between late autumn and 

49 

early spring, and should be provided with 

ready access to shade during this grazing 

period. 

An erect shrub growing to about 1.5 metres 

high and reproducing by seed. The stems are 

reddish, emerging from a woody crown, and 

the leaves are green, but tinged with a reddish 

pigment especially in autumn. It looses most 

but not all of its leaves in autumn, and new 

growth occurs in spring. The stems and leaves 

have an aromatic smell when crushed. 

The flowers are yellow and fluffy, and the 

fruits change from green, to red, to black when 

ripe. 

This plant was a garden escapee from the early 

settlement days. It occurs in semi-improved 

areas with very overgrazed pasture, and 

competes strongly with native species. 

No 32 Hypericum androsaemum 



HYPERICUM PERFORATUM 


St john’s wort, goat weed 





Palatability: Moderate before flowering 



Effects: 



especially around the head , reddening of 



unsteady gait, recumbency, a rapid heart 

rate, a rapid rise in body temperature, 

excessive panting and salivation. 


animals tend to avoid sunlight by standing 









Use herbicides and superphosphate at high 

rates. 

Coloured goats will control this weed in native 

pasture, allowing sheep and cattle to be run. 

Biological control agents are being used. Take 

care not to destroy them with grazing and 

herbicides. 

This weed is declared a “Noxious Weed” in 

parts of NSW, Tasmania, Victoria, and 


50 

Comments: 

A hairless, rhizomatous, perennial forb with 

yellow daisy-like flowers, growing to about I 

metre tall. The leaves are small and elongated, 

with copious oil glands. The feed value of the 

leaves is quite high, and goats will readily eat 

the tough stalks. 

The most practical time to graze this weed is in 

the winter, when there is minimum biomass of 

the weed. This is well before flowering when it 

is at its most toxic. 

This weed is found along roadsides and stock 

routes, as well as in pastures. 

No 04649 Hypericum perforatum 

NSW AGRICULTURE

HYPERICUM TETRAPTERUM 


St peter’s wort, square stemmed hypericum 








Effects: 







rate, a rapid respiratory rate, a marked rise 

in body temperature, excessive panting and 

salivation. 











Capable of control by cultivation. 

Goats will eat this weed. 

Do not spray herbicides into the waterways, 

only onto the weed. 


Comments: 




is during the less obvious winter growing 

stage. 

51 





period. 

A hairless rhizomatous perennial herb with 

yellow daisy-like flowers, but only grows near 

water. Reproduces by seed. 

This plant forms dense stands, and is very 

competitive on stream banks.

HYPERICUM TRIQUETRIFOLIUM 


Waxy leaf st john’s wort, tangled hypericum 








Effects: 







rate, a rapid respiratory rate, a marked rise 

in body temperature, excessive panting and 

salivation. 











Do not cultivate as this weed is spread by root 

pieces. Use herbicides, and goats to eat the 

weeds. 


Comments: 




is during its less obvious winter growing stage. 



52 



period. 

This is a perennial weed of open woodlands. It 

has twining stems, and both stems and leaves 

have many black oil glands. The yellow 

flowers grow on short stalks in clusters on the 

ends of branches. 

The main means of spread appears to be by 

dragging pieces of lateral rhizomes by farm 

machinery.

IPOMOEA SPP 


Cow vine, bell vine, wier vine, 

morning glory, convolvulus 




Potentially toxic to sheep and cattle 



Probably indole alkaloids 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Chronic limb weakness, 

knuckling of fetlocks, depression, frequent 

urination and muscle twitches. 


animals can experience chronic weight loss 

and profound depression. 


Fence off, or cultivate. 

Use a broad-leaf herbicide, (Group C) 

For less toxic species, use goats. 

Comments: 

Problems arise when plants of this genus are 

eaten in large amounts over many weeks. All 

parts of the plant, and all stages of growth, are 

poisonous. 

Annual or perennial creepers, with light green 

heart-shaped leaves, showy flowers and 

globular hairless seed capsules. 

Wier vine only grows in a limited area in 

Queensland. Vigorous growth from woody 

rootstock, has pink flowers and is very toxic. 

Morning glory, is a widespread nuisance weed, 

large purple flowers, and is much loved by 

goats. 

Other varieties may have white flowers, and 

are nuisance weeds in sub-tropical cropping 

areas. 

53 

No 30 Ipomoea purpurea 



IXIOLAENA BREVICOMPTA 


Flat billy buttons, plains plover daisy 




Potentially toxic to sheep 



Unsaturated fatty acids (crepenynic acid type) 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Muscle weakness, hence 

limb weakness, irregular heart action, 

increased temperature and respiration. 

Health and production problems; Full 

recovery is possible within 10 days, but 

animals that continue to ingest the plant 

become ill thrifty and may die over days or 

weeks. 


Herbicides, and cultivation. 


Comments: 

Only the mature seedling stage of this plant is 

poisonous. 

An erect many branched annual, or short lived 

perennial forb, growing to about 45 cms tall. 

The stems are usually covered with loose 

woolly hairs, the leaves are green and narrow, 

with no stalk. Yellow flowers occur singly on a 

long stalk, mainly in spring. 

Widely distributed in Queensland, NSW and 

South Australia. 

54

LABURNUM SPP 


Golden chain, laburnum 







Quinolizidine alkaloids, notable cytisine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Weakness, confusion, 

and staggering, eventually recumbency 

followed by either convulsions or coma. 


hours or recovery over several days are 

equally possible. 


GARDEN PLANT 

Use herbicides. 

Place cuttings or small plants into disposable 

bags. 


livestock 

Comments: 

The seeds of this garden shrub are particularly 

toxic. The poison is excreted in the milk of 

goats that ingest this plant and may cause signs 

and symptoms in animals that drink this milk. 

A genus of deciduous trees up to 3 metres 

high. Grown for its profuse, golden, pendant 

flowers, grown in late spring. 

55 

No 02220 Laburnum spp 

NSW AGRICULTURE

LANTANA CAMARA 


Lantana 




Toxic to cattle and sheep 



Triterpene compounds, notably lantadene 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Inappetance, frequent 

urination, constipation or transient foul 

smelling diarrhoea, dehydration, eventually 

jaundice with subsequent 

photosensitization on non-pigmented body 

areas. 


days of ingestion or only after several 

weeks, sometimes partial recovery with 

ongoing ill thrift due to permanent liver 

and kidney damage. 


Goats will control this weed, but if new to 

lantana, they may take a while to develop the 

taste and adapt to the environment. 


Hand pull small plants into disposable bags, 

when the soil is wet. 

Burn regularly, spot spray or cut stump. 

Herbicide Group I. 


NSW and Queensland. 

Comments: 

Many different biotypes of lantana occur and 

these vary greatly in their potential toxicity, 

some are harmless. 

A rambling shrub that often forms into dense 

thickets up to 2 metres high. The leaves are 

bright green, with curved toothed edges. Stems 

56 

are square, with backward curving prickles. 

Flowers can appear at any time of the year in 

compact heads. The colours range from cream 

to yellow, pink, orange, red, lilac and purple. 

The plant reproduces by bird and animal 

dispersed seed. 

Toxicity of lantana to livestock depends on the 

kind of lantana, rather than the situation or 

seasonal conditions. Therefore, flower colour 

is not a reliable guide to toxicity. 

No 04634 Lantana camara 

NSW AGRICULTURE

LATHYRUS ODORATUS 


Sweet pea, pea, vetch 







Toxic amino acids 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Either chronic 

irreversible nervous paralysis of the hind 

legs, or chronic irreversible skeletal 

deformations. 


animals get progressively worse and 

eventually die. 


GARDEN PLANT 


bags. 


Comments: 

Ingestion of this plant and related Lathyrus 

species, will only cause problems if they form 

a large part of the diet for long periods. 

A genus of annuals and perennials, many of 

which are climbers. Grown for their racemes 

of attractive flowers, followed by long thin 

pods. Propagated by seed. 

Seeds of several species are used for human 

and animal food. “Lathyrism” is a complex 

disease caused by these seeds. 

Neuro lathyrism, irreversible paralysis of the 

legs, and occasional death in famine 

conditions. 

Osteo lathyrism, a severe skeletal deformation, 

mainly in livestock. 

57 

No 208 Lathyrus spp 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

LEUCAENA SPP 


Leucaena 







Mimosine (a non-protein amino acid) 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Inappetance, lethargy, 

shedding of hair coat, erosions of the 

mouth, goitre, infertility and sometimes 

cataracts. 

Health and production problems; Since 

problems develop slowly but progressively 

over weeks and months, productivity is 

greatly affected. 



Comments: 

An anti-toxin oral bacterial inoculum is 

available to protect ruminants grazing large 

amounts of this plant. These bacteria can 

persist in the rumen while leucaena is a large 

part of the diet. 

Usually found as a multi stemmed shrub, with 

alternate compound leaves, and many 

branchlets. 

The flowers are whitish pom-poms on short 

stalks at the ends of the branches, during 

summer. Fruits are flattened pods. 

Found in coastal Queensland, Northern NSW 

and the Northern Territory. 

This is regarded as being a “fodder tree” in 

some tropical countries. The rumen bacteria 

must be in place, in the herd, for this plant to 

be regarded as safe. 

58

LOLIUM RIGIDUM 


Annual rye grass 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle, horses, and 

pigs 



Corynetoxins, Ergot toxins 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Corynetoxins can cause 

episodic convulsions together with general 

signs of a motor nervous disorder. 

Ergot toxins can cause hyperthermia 

together with growth, lactation and 

reproduction problems. 

Health and production problems; Both forms 

of poisoning can be lethal. 



Comments: 

This plant is only affected by either of these 

problems in particular geographic areas, and 

then only in some years. It is the seed head of 

the plant that can become poisonous. In many 

situations this plant is grazed without causing 

problems. 

A valuable annual, pasture grass, with a tufted 

inflorescence, winter and spring growing. Can 

be a weed of cereal crops. 

The poisons are due to a parasitic fungal toxin, 

rather than the grass itself. If the animals can 

be moved to a safe paddock, they generally 

recover. 

59

MACROZAMIA SPP (Bowenia 

spp and Cycas spp) 


Wild pineapple, zamia palm, zamia fern, 

burrawang 







Two different types, one is a 

methylazoxymethanol azoglycocide, and the 

other remains unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Two different 

possibilities, either inappetance, diarrhoea, 

and chronic weight loss due to chronic liver 

damage, or alternately, a slowly 

developing, irreversible, nervous paralysis 

of the hind legs. 

Health and production problems; Initially 

animals become ill thrifty and 

unproductive, they then become susceptible 

to secondary health problems and 

eventually die. 



Comments: 

Only causes a problem when they form a 

significant amount of the diet for a protracted 

period, both the leaves and the fruits of the 

plant are poisonous. 

Part of an ancient group of plants known as 

cycads. This plant is endemic to Australia. The 

dark green leaves arch out from a central trunk, 

up to 2 metres high. They are very slow 

growing. 

Male and female cones are borne on separate 

plants, and look like pineapples in shape and 

60 

size. The seeds have a high starch content, and 

must be well washed to remove toxins before 

cooking. 

No 28 Macrozamia spp 



MARSILEA DRUMMONDII 


Nardoo 




Toxic to cattle, sheep horses and pigs 



Thiaminases, together with norsequiterpine 


Effects: 


are possible, either depression, confusion, 

disinterest in surroundings, apparent 

blindness, head pressing and eventually 

recumbency with episodic convulsions. 



they are forced to exercise, and results in 


respiration, they may also display evidence 

of blood in nasal discharges, faeces or 

urine, together with small haemorrhages of 

the sensitive skin around the nose, mouth, 

rectum and vagina. 


condition results in death within days, and 

the second condition results in chronic 

anaemia and ill thrift with apparent sudden 

death if forced to exercise. 



Comments: 

This plant is generally avoided but there is a 

tendency for it to be eaten in drought periods 

when it may be the only green herbage 

available. Casual ingestion is safe but the more 

protracted ingestion of significant amounts is 

dangerous. 

This is a fern with a short rhizome and stiff 

stalks, holding four clover-like leaflets. 

61 

Nardoo is very variable as to the size and 

hairiness of the leaflets. 

It is found in all the mainland states, around 

wet areas, in still water as well as running 

water. 

Reproduction is by spores.

MYOPORUM ACUMINATUM 


Boobialla, waterbush, strychnine bush 




Toxic to sheep and cattle 

Palatability: Moderate at times 


Furanosesquiterpenes, notably ngaione 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Depression, bottle jaw, 

jaundice, laboured respiration and in some 

cases photosensitization. 


liver failure within days of first signs. 



Comments: 

Clinical signs may not develop until several 

days after the plant has been eaten. Both the 

leaves and the fruits are potentially toxic. 

Livestock that are constantly exposed to this 

plant seem to be unaffected by it, whereas it 

will kill recently introduced stock that are 

hungry and eat a large amount over a short 

period. 

A shrub up to 2.5 metres high, with alternate 

pale green leaves that are slightly fleshy. The 

flowers are bell-shaped, white to pale cream, in 

clusters about 6 cm long. When ripe the fruits 

are a dull purple. 

Occurs in Victoria, all of NSW, and in 

Queensland. Under normal conditions the 

plant appears unpalatable. 

62

MYOPORUM DESERTII 


Ellangowan poison bush, turkey bush, emu 

bush, 

dogwood 





Palatability: Moderate at times 


Furanosesquiterpenes, notably ngaione 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Depression, bottle jaw, 

jaundice, laboured respiration and in some 

cases photosensitization. 


liver failure within days of first signs. 



Comments: 

Clinical signs may not develop until several 

days after the plant has been eaten. Both the 

leaves and the fruits are potentially toxic. 

Livestock that are constantly exposed to this 

plant seem to be unaffected by it, whereas it 

will kill recently introduced stock that are 

hungry and eat a large amount over a short 

period. 

A many branched shrub with thin branches, up 

to 4 metres high, usually only 1.5 metres. 

There is considerable variation in the leaf size, 

usually alternate, thick and narrow. The 

flowers are bell-shaped, small, white to 

creamy white, usually occurring singly, in 

winter to spring. The fruit is a yellow drupe, 

containing a single seed. 

This plant is found in all the mainland states, 

usually as scattered plants. There seems to be 

no difference between the toxic and the nontoxic 

plants. It is a useful fodder plant 

63 

providing animals are gradually introduced to 

the species. 

The fruit is eaten by emus and plains turkeys 

with no observable ill effect.

NERIUM OLEANDER 


Oleander 







Cardenolide cardiac glycocides 

Effects: 



heart block. 




GARDEN PLANT 


bags and bury deep. Do not burn as the smoke 

fumes are toxic. Large trees may have to be 

grubbed out, or have cut stump treatment, or 

covered with black plastic. 


Comments: 

All parts of the plant are toxic, dried plant 

material is as toxic as fresh. Can be 

accidentally fed to livestock mixed with other 

plant material in garden clippings. Ruminants, 

such as the goat, display more tolerance for 

this type of poisonous plant than do horses and 

donkeys. 

A commonly cultivated shrub with many 

slender stems. The leaves are long and lance 

shaped, thick, leathery, and opposite, .and 

exude a milky sap, which may cause 

dermatitis. The leaves occasionally grow in 

whorls. The flowers are red, white or pink, 

growing in clusters, giving rise to seed pods 

that have many seeds with long silky hairs. 

64 

The leaves are very unpalatable to stock. Dried 

or wilted leaves maybe more palatable, but are 

still toxic. This plant is found in most of 

Australia. The shrub is very hardy and tolerant 

of drought conditions, which makes it useful in 

street plantings. 

Honey from these plants is also toxic. 

No 101 Nerium oleander 

DF STANLEY

PEGANUM HARMALA 


African rue 







Nitrate compounds, and bets-carboline 

alkaloids, notably harmine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Animals affected by 

nitrate poisons may show depression, a 

staggering, stiff, uncoordinated gait, 

trembling of limb muscles, excess 

salivation, rapid weak pulse , laboured 

respiration, bluish mucous membranes, 

recumbency and coma. 

Animals affected by beta-carboline poisons 

may show weakness of the hind limbs with 

knuckling over in the hind fetlocks, which 

progresses to limb paralysis, and 

subsequent recumbency. 

Health and production problems; Nitrate 

affected animals may die within hours. 

Beta-carboline affected animals may 

eventually develop secondary health 

problems (as a result of being chronically 

recumbent) and may therefore die of thirst, 

pneumonia, etc. 


Dig out and burn. 

Treat with herbicides. 



Australia and Western Australia. 

Comments: 

Ruminants, such as goats, can adapt to high 

nitrate intakes and are only at risk if they are 

suddenly given access to nitrate rich plants 

when they are hungry and unaccustomed to 

65 

eating them. The beta-carbolines in this plant 

must be ingested in moderate to large amounts 

over a protracted period before they will cause 

ill effects. 

An erect, stiff stemmed, bushy perennial 

shrub growing to less than a metre high. It 

grows in arid areas, has a bitter taste, and 

appears unpalatable to livestock. 

No 21 Peganum harmala 



PERSEA AMERICANA 


Avocado 







Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Severe mastitis involving 

an oedematous udder, together with 

oedema of the head, neck and brisket. 

Health and production problems; Loss of milk 

flow and sometimes death. Recovery takes 

several weeks. 


GARDEN PLANT 


Comments: 

Only the Guatamalan strains are poisonous, but 

all parts of these plants contain the poison. 

A tropical tree cultivated for its fruits. 

Sometimes found in gardens as a specimen 

tree. 

66

PIMELEA CURVIFLORA 


Riceflower, flaxweed, desert rice bush, 

pimelea 




Cattle and sheep 



Daphnetin type dihydroxycoumarin 

glycocides, and diterpenoid esters, notably 

simplexin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Either acute diarrhoea as 

a result of gastro-enteritis, or a more 

chronic ill thrift syndrome, with watery 

swellings developing under the jaw and 

along the brisket as a result of congestive 

heart failure, or both. 

Health and production problems; A dramatic 

decline in productivity, and death within 

weeks. 


Herbicides, cultivation and fertilisation. 


Comments: 

Plants of this genus are potentially poisonous 

in both their fresh green, and dried states. 

Inhalation of dried plant residue material 

hidden in the pasture litter is possible, and 

poisonous. 

A dainty plant with many branches, growing to 

less than a metre high. The stems are covered 

with fine hairs, the leaves are narrow and 

alternate, and the flowers are greenish white, 

growing in small clusters in late spring to 

summer. 

There are many varieties, all of which appear 

to cause trouble. Fortunately it seems to be 

unpalatable. 

67

PRUNUS SPP 


Apricot, almond, cherry, plum, peach, prunus 







Cyanogenetic glycocides (cyanide/ prussic 

acid) 

Effects: 





hours. 


GARDEN PLANT OR ESCAPEE. 


bags. 

Do nor feed the clippings to any livestock. 

Comments: 

Young spring leaves and the kernel of the seed 

are the most toxic. Ruminants such as the goat, 

can tolerate reasonable levels of ingested 

cyanogenetic glycocides, provided they are not 

fed large amounts in a short period. 

A perennial, deciduous, fruit tree growing up 

to 5 metres high. They have bright green 

leaves with a fine-toothed edge. The flowers 

are white to pink, on bare branches, in the 

early spring. 

Spread by bird-dispersed seed. 

68

PTERIDIUM ESCULENTUM 


Bracken fern, common fern, austral fern 







Thiaminases, together with norsesquiterpene 


Effects: 


are possible, either depression, confusion, 

disinterest in surroundings, apparent 

blindness, head pressing and eventually 

recumbency with episodic convulsions. 



they are forced to exercise and results in 


respiration. 

They may also display evidence of blood in 

nasal discharges, faeces or urine, together 

with small haemorrhages of the sensitive 

skin around the nose, mouth, rectum and 

vagina. 


condition results in death within days. 

The second condition results in chronic 

anaemia and ill thrift, with apparent sudden 

death if forced to exercise. 


Goats eat a little and trample a lot of fronds. 

Spray mature fronds with metsulfuron methyl. 

Dieback will take about 3 months, so do not 

slash. This may take two applications, but with 

the goats assistance the bracken will die off. 

Comments: 

This plant is generally avoided, but there is a 

tendency for it to be eaten in drought periods 

when it may be the only green herbage 

available. Casual ingestion is safe, but the 

69 

more protracted ingestion of significant 

amounts is dangerous. 

There are several local species occurring in all 

states. It is difficult to control because of its 

ability to regrow from the extensive rhizome 

system after treatment of the fronds, 

chemically or mechanically. Herbicides must 

be allowed time to translocate from the fronds 

to the rhizomes before burning or slashing. 

The rhizomes can contain 5 times more toxin 

than the fronds. If cattle eat the rhizomes in 

freshly ploughed pasture, they may die. Toxins 

are excreted in the milk and calves may die. 

The toxins cause depression of the bone 

marrow activity (red and white cells and 

platelets), and therefore lessening of the anticoagulant 

properties. 

Some animals may acquire a taste for bracken. 

It is still toxic when dry, as in hay. 

No 216 Pteridium spp 

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

RHODODENDRON SPP 


Rhododendron, azalea 





Palatability: Occasionally eaten 


The tetracyclic polyol acetylandromedol 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Inappetance, repeated 

swallowing, excessive salivation, nasal 

discharge, bloating or vomiting, abdominal 

pain, depression, frequent defaecation, 

weakness leading to recumbency, and 


Health and production problems; Coma and 

death within hours or days of ingestion, or 

in some cases recovery. 


GARDEN PLANT 


bags. 



Comments: 

Even small amounts of rhododendron, and the 

related azaleas, can be poisonous. 

A genus of nearly 900 species, perennial 

evergreen to deciduous, shrubs to trees. Grown 

mainly for their flowers, and propagated by 

cuttings. Tough, glossy smooth-margined 

green leaves, flowers are large and showy, in 

clusters at the end of branches. 

The plant is still toxic in the dried state, and 

some pets may try out the leaves, but this is not 

advisable. Goats can tolerate small amounts, 

although reported to selectively graze this 

plant with dire results. Honey from these 

plants is also toxic. 

70 

No 212 Rhododendron spp 

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

ROMULEA ROSEA 


Onion weed, guildford grass 




Toxic to sheep 

Palatability: Medium 


Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Limb weakness, 

knuckling over in the fetlock joints, 

incoordination , walking on the knees, and 

eventually recumbency. 

Health and production problems; In addition 

to outbreaks of staggers, breeding problems 

are also associated with eating this weed, 

either failure to conceive or failure to 

maintain pregnancies. 



Spotspray with herbicide and a wetter. 

Do not feed this weed to any livestock. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in WA. 

Comments: 

Protracted grazing of dry onion grass during 

late summer and autumn seems to present the 

greatest risk. Animals affected for relatively 

short periods will recover when removed from 

this weed, others may die as a result of 

developing secondary problems. 

A small erect forb, with long narrow leaves, 

and pinkish/purple flowers opening when the 

sun is shining, growing from corms. In wet 

winter to spring, this grass can dominate the 

pasture. 

The tough wiry leaves bind together in the 

stomach to form fibre balls, which can block 

the bowel. Avoid “fibre hunger” during a wet 

71 

winter/spring when animals seek fibre to 

balance a succulent diet. 

No 15 Romulea rosea 



SENECIO JACOBAEA 


Ragwort, st james wort 





extent sheep 



Pyrrolilidine alkaloids 

Effects: 





signs. 









the process. 


Spray graze program, with increased stocking 

rate. Will produce new growth from a cut 

crown, or small pieces of root left behind in 

the soil. 



Tasmania, South Australia and Western 

Australia 

Comments: 







72 



Chronic liver damage in horses, and to a lesser 

extent in cattle, can result in secondary brain 

damage. 

Toxic in the fresh and dried state, and may be 

present in hay. Young animals are affected 

more than the mature animal. Foetuses may be 

affected in utero, and milk may also be toxic. 

A perennial forb spread by seed, which 

invades pastures. Several stems can arise from 

a single crown. The leaves are dark to midgreen 

on the upper surface, paler below, and 

sometimes bearing cobweb like hairs. The 

flowers are bright yellow and daisy like, and 

produce two types of seeds: ray seeds and disc 

seeds. 

Very prevalent in the Gippsland area. 

No 13 Senecio jacobaea 



SENECIO MADAGASCARIENSIS, 

(S. lautus) 


Fireweed, variable groundsel 





extent sheep 

Palatability: High at flowering 



Effects: 


weight loss, or sometimes acute jaundice, 

with or without photosensitization or 


signs. 









the process. 


Goats preferentially eat fireweed. 

Slash to prevent flowering, and use herbicides. 

Group C. 

Comments: 








jaundiced and die. Chronic liver damage in 



73 

An annual or short lived perennial growing up 

to 50 cms high. The leaves are a bright green 

with irregular margins. Many small, bright 

yellow daisy-like flowers, with 13 petals, 

appear from April to September. 

This weed was first recorded in the lower 

Hunter in 1918, and since then it has spread to 

all coastal NSW, the western slopes, and to 

Queensland. 

Goats do not seem to be affected, probably 

because of their specific rumen organisms. 

However, as with all weeds alternate pasture 

should be available, together with adequate salt 

licks. 

No 12 Senecio madagascariensis 



SENECIO PTEROPHORUS 


African daisy 





extent sheep 




Effects: 





signs. 








ultimately be released and kill the animal. 


Weed out into disposable bags if in flower, or 

fruiting. Herbicide, Group C. 

Spot spray, slash or mow. 


Comments: 











74 

An erect, bushy, perennial growing to one 

metre high, with entire or toothed leaves, that 

are woolly underneath. The flowers are yellow. 

Reproduces by wind blown seed. 

This weed grows well in burnt areas after fire. 

An aggressive weed of cleared areas on the 

Eyre Peninsular, and near Adelaide, also in 

western Victoria. It competes with developing 

pastures, and is relatively unpalatable. 

No 213 Senecio pterophorus 

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENECIO QUADRIDENTATUS 


Cotton fireweed 





extent sheep 

Palatability: High, all stages 



Effects: 





signs. 







copper, which can ultimately be released 

and kill the animal in the process. 


Goats really enjoy this plant. Graze at early 

flowering. 

Tolerant to selective herbicides as spot sprays. 

Variability of the climate often leads to a 

natural increase or decrease in plant numbers. 

Comments: 







very good condition may become jaundiced or 

die. Chronic liver damage in horses, and to a 

lesser extent in cattle, can result in secondary 

brain damage. 

75 

A short lived perennial forb growing up to 

70cms high, with a white woolly covering. The 

leaves are narrow, and flower heads are 

narrow, cylindrical and greenish-yellow, in 

loose clusters, appearing mainly in spring. 

A widely distributed weed, found in all states, 

and habitats. A native of Australia. Drought 

resistant, and eaten when other feed is scarce. 

No 03510 Senecio quadtridentatus 

NSW AGRICULTURE

SENECIO VULGARIS 


Common groundsel 





extent sheep 




Effects: 





signs. 









the process. 



Spot spray or weed out into disposable bags. 

Comments: 











A succulent annual, with weak branched 

stems, covered with a fine down. The leaves 

76 

are divided into toothed lobes, and the flowers 

are yellow. 

Toxic in the fresh and dried state, and often 

found in hay. Young animals are affected more 

than the mature animal. Foetuses may be 

affected in utero, and milk may also be 

affected. 

It occurs in all parts of temperate Australia, in 

roadsides, pastures and disturbed areas. 

No 55 Senecio vulgaris 

JJ DELLOW

SOLANUM CINEREUM 


Narrawa burr 




Toxic to sheep and possibly horses 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Weight loss, limb 

weakness, a wide based stance, 

incoordination, mild head tremors, and 

tendency to fall over. 

Health and production problems; This is a 

chronic nervous disorder involving the 

cerebellum in the brain. Animals remain 

affected forever, consequently they become 

very unproductive and ill thrifty, and they 

are prone to develop secondary health 

problems. 


Weed out into disposable bags, or spot spray. 


Herbicide Group B. 

Comments: 

Casual ingestion of this weed will not cause a 

problem, but protracted ingestion over many 

months will cause trouble. 

A small, branched, prickly, perennial 

undershrub, growing up to a metre high. 

Spreading yellow spines grow on branches, 

leaves and calyx. The leaves are long, pointed, 

green and hairless. Purple flowers appear in 

groups of 2-3 in the upper leaf axils, in late 

spring, summer and autumn. The fruit is a 

globular berry, mottled green/yellow. 

A native of Australia. 

77 

No 11 Solanum cinereum 



SOLANUM NIGRUM 


Blackberry nightshade, potato bush, 

tomato bush 







Either steroidal glycocidal alkaloids or nitrates 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Inappetance, diarrhoea, 

depression, difficulty in breathing, frothing 

at the mouth, a rapid but weak pulse, 

muscle shivers, and leg weakness leading 

to incoordination and recumbency. 

Health and production problems; Animals 

may die suddenly, or within 24 hours of an 

outbreak. Some will recover and these may 

experience some short term weight loss. 


Weed out into disposable bags, or spot spray. 


Herbicide Group C or I. 

Comments: 

The leaves or unripe fruit would seem to be 

potentially poisonous, but the potential toxicity 

of this weed has tended to be overstated. It is 

most likely that it is the large amounts of 

nitrates in the weed that are potentially 

poisonous, rather than the relatively small 

amounts of steroidal glycocides. Problems are 

typically encountered when hungry animals are 

suddenly forced to eat significant amounts of 

this weed, rather than from casual ingestion by 

animals adapted to a pasture paddock. 

A low branching, annual herb up to a metre 

high, with alternate leaves which are broad at 

the base and tapering to a round tip. The 

flowers are white and star-shaped with five 

spreading lobes, occurring in autumn to winter. 

78 

The fruit is a small green berry, that turns 

purple/black at maturity. 

There are several species and sub species of 

this weed. It is found in waste areas, cultivated 

land and in stock yards. 

This weed may be a contaminant in hay, and 

looses some, but not all, of its toxicity in the 

drying process. 

No 54 Solanum nigrum 

JJ DELLOW

SORGHUM SPP 


Johnson grass, columbus grass, sudan grass, 

silk forage sorghum, evergreen millet, aleppo 

grass 




Toxic to sheep, cattle and horses 



Cyanogenetic glycocides. Nitrates, and an 

unknown neurotoxin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Cyanide poisoning will 

cause animals to fall down, struggle to get 



Nitrate poisoning will cause inappetance, 

diarrhoea, depression, difficulty in 

breathing, frothing at the mouth, a rapid but 

weak pulse, muscle shivers, and leg 

weakness leading to incoordination and 

recumbency. 

Sorghum nervous ataxia will cause limb 

weakness, incoordination, knuckling of the 

fetlocks, head and body tremors, a 

tendency to fall over, and in some animals 

protracted recumbency. In some outbreaks 

affected animals may appear blind, or deaf, 

or unable to use their tongues and jaws in a 

normal manner. 

Health and production problems; With 

cyanide and nitrate poisoning there may be 

sudden death in some cases but recovery 

within 24 hours in others. In outbreaks of 

sorghum ataxia many affected animals 

may die of misadventure. 

Pregnant does, that are not necessarily 

affected, may later give birth to kids that 

are stillborn, born weak or malformed. The 

usual malformations seen are rigid limbs, 

twisted or contracted limbs and big heads. 

79 


Excellent fodder for goats, with mixed pasture. 

Slash and burn in summer, and spray regrowth 

before flowering or heading to prevent 

seeding. Herbicide Group D. 

Some of these species are declared “Noxious 

Weeds” in all NSW. 

Comments: 

Vigorous, erect, summer growing perennials, 

spread by seed and rhizomes. 

A troublesome weed of cultivation in irrigated 

and other areas. Causes crop losses by direct 

competition and allelopathic action on desired 

crops. They have the potential to harbour 

insect and disease pests, and they cross easily 

with other grain and forage sorghum species. 

Overall, they are drought resistant, highly 

productive, and have a long growing period as 

fodder. These species may be a visual hazard 

along roadsides, and a fire hazard in summer. 

No 61 Sorghum halepense 

RB TROUNCE

STACHYS ARVENSIS 


Stagger weed, hedge nettle, mint weed 







An unknown central nervous system poison 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; A hind leg weakness that 

causes affected animals to stand wide based 

and to drop in the hind quarters, they move 

in an awkward manner and tend to stumble 

and fall down. They frequently knuckle 

over at the fetlocks. 


animals will lose weight, many may die 

from secondary problems, but most recover 

over several weeks once they have been 

taken off areas of the weed. 



Herbicides Group B or C. 

Comments: 

This weed is frequently grazed without causing 

any problems, The seeds of the plant are the 

most poisonous part. Young animals are more 

susceptible than adults, and sucking kids can 

be poisoned by their mothers milk. 

A weak ascending annual forb with square 

stems, covered with spreading hairs. The 

leaves are opposite, dull yellow-green, 

becoming more yellow with age. The flowers 

appear in spring, and are a pale purple to pink. 

The plant has a minty odour when crushed. 

A widespread weed of cultivated ground, in 

higher rainfall areas. 

80 

No 7 Stachys arvensis 



STYPANDRA GLUACA (syn S. 

imbricata, S. grandiflora) 


Blind grass, nodding blue lily 







Stypandrol 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Initially a rapidly 

developing hind limb weakness, which 

soon progresses to total hind limb 

paralysis. There is concurrent nervous 

depression, and eventually, permanent 

blindness. 

Health and production problems; Death 

within days, or gradual recovery, but with 

permanent blindness. 


Comments: 

Stypandra plants vary in their stypandrol 

content, some are not toxic. Young green 

shoots seem to be the most toxic. 

81

SWAINSONA SPP 


Darling pea, swainsonia, broughton pea 







Indolizidine alkaloids, notably swainsonine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; An intermittent hind leg 

weakness, incoordination, a tendency to 

fall over, a wide based stance, and a mild 

head tremor. Affected animals may loose 

weight, appear depressed and blind, wander 

aimlessly and press their head against trees 

or fence posts. Some will develop twitches 

of the hind legs and face. 


animals become very unproductive and ill 

thrifty, this can continue for months, they 

may fail to get pregnant, abort or give birth 

to weak, non-viable offspring. 




Comments: 

Affected animals generally get progressively 

worse and eventually die, but early cases can 

be saved if they are taken off Swainsonia 

infested country. 

These plants are herbaceous and perennial, 

with compound leaves. The flowers are purple, 

blue, red, yellow or colours in between. 

There are many varieties, and spread is mainly 

by seed. Most species grow in the low rainfall 

areas. The growth period is in autumn-winter, 

and flowering is in spring. Found in NSW and 

southern Queensland. Rotational grazing could 

82 

be considered, giving the animals a break from 

the weed. 

Most poisonings occur after rain in the spring, 

or after drought and feed shortages. 

No 03478 Swainsona spp 

NSW AGRICULTURE

TAXUS BACCATA 


English yew tree 




Toxic to all farm livestock 



Cardiac glycicides, notably thevetin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Trembling, difficulty in 

breathing, collapse and death within 

minutes. 

Health and production problems; Most cases 

are simply found dead. 


GARDEN OR PARK TREE 

Collect leaves and clippings into a disposable 

bag. 


Comments: 

Kills by causing the heart to fail. All parts of 

the plant are toxic. Garden clippings are the 

most common source of this plant for 


A slow growing, woody, perennial conifer 

with a broadly conical dome. The leaves are 

flat, short, dark green and needle-like, but 

broader than pine needles. Female plants bear 

grape sized, cup-shaped, fleshy, bright red 

fruits. 

The tree may be trimmed back to shape as 

required. It will grow to about 20 metres high, 

and makes a useful windbreak. Well drained 

soils are required for optimum growth. 

Extra care needs to be taken where leaves can 

fall into pasture in the vicinity of a confined, 

bored or hungry animal. The leaves can be 

quite palatable, and are toxic, even when dry. 

83 

No 210 Taxus cuspidata 

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

THEVETIA PERUVIANA 


Yellow oleander, tree daffodil, be-still tree, 

cook tree 







Cardiac glycocides, notably thevetin 

Effects: 



heart block. 




GARDEN PLANT 

Use herbicide, or place clippings into a 

disposable bag. 


Comments: 

All parts of this plant are toxic, dried plant 

material is as toxic as fresh. Ingestion of the 

fruits is the most common problem. Ruminants 

such as the goat display more tolerance for this 

type of poisonous plant than do horses and 

donkeys. 

A shrub of neat rounded appearance, up to 3 

metres high. It exudes a milky sap if damaged. 

A native of tropical America. 

The alternate leaves are long, narrow, glossy 

and bright green, tapered at both ends. The 

flowers are bright yellow and broadly funnel 

shaped. The fruits are thick, oval and 

triangular, with a raised groove around the 

middle, usually green, becoming black. Inside 

is a hard seed with two starchy kernels. 

Most grazing animals refuse to eat this plant. 

84

TREMA ASPERA, T. 

TOMENTOSA 


Poison peach, peach leaf poison bush 







Trematoxin glycocide 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Inappetance, depression, 

protracted recumbency, muscle weakness, 

muscle twitches, drooping of the head and 

ears, sagging of the abdomen, inability to 

remain standing, and eventually respiratory 

and cardiac failure. In some animals liver 

damage may result in secondary brain 

damage and these animals can display 

bouts of aggressive behaviour. 


animals experience severe liver damage 

and most will die slowly over several days. 

Animals that recover may remain 

unproductive for many months. 


Hand pull into disposable bags. 

Use 2-4.D type herbicide, and bulldoze. 

Comments: 

The toxicity of this plant is very unpredictable, 

but when it is toxic, it is very toxic. The leaves 

and fine stems contain the poison. 

There is a wide variation in toxicity between 

different plants in the same patch. It is often 

eaten with no ill effect, sometimes with major 

losses. There appears to be no seasonal pattern, 

or association with soil type. 

A shrub or small dainty tree, with many stems 

growing to 2-3 metres. The leaves have a short 

85 

stalk, oval, and tapering to a sharp point, and 

with saw tooth edges. There is a coarse 

covering of white down on the underside of the 

leaves. Clusters of small greenish white 

flowers, and tiny black berries, appear in the 

leaf axils. 

This is an Australian native, found in moist 

open forest, or sheltered gorges. After 

clearing, a lot of regrowth appears. 

Animals new to the environment are most 

easily affected, whereas, animals accustomed 

to the plant seem to know when not to eat it.

TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS 


Caltrops, cat head, puncture vine, tar vine 

bindi 




Toxic to sheep 



Saponins, beta-carboline alkaloids, and nitrates 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; The three different 

poisons in this weed can give rise to three 

different problems. 

Firstly, photosensitization associated with 

liver damage. 

Secondly, a chronic asymmetric weakness 

of the hind legs associated with damage to 

the nervous system. 

Thirdly, sudden death within 48 hours of 

eating large amounts of the weed. 

Photosensitization causes swelling of the 

head and ears, and weeping of the swollen 

skin. 

Chronic limb weakness causes affected 

animals to develop an unusual staggering 

locomotor habit which gets progressively 

worse. 

Sudden death implies that affected animals 

are usually found dead and no prior signs 

are observed. 

Health and production problems; Animals 

with photosensitization will often die over 

a period of days or take several weeks to 

recover. 

Those with the staggers will remain 

affected forever and become fairly 

unproductive. 

Outbreaks of sudden death occur over a 

narrow time frame and involve either rapid 

death or rapid recovery. 

86 


Frequent cultivation, prickle rollers, 

herbicides. 

Spot spray, and prevent seeding. Ensure 

adequate shelter and water is provided for 

grazing animals. 

Herbicide, Group I. 


Tasmania and South Australia. 

Comments: 

The toxicity of this weed is very unpredictable 

and very variable. 

Liver poisoning is generally only seen in 

southern Australia and is associated with short 

periods of rain in otherwise dry times. 

Motor nervous system poisoning is only seen 

in northern NSW and requires the ingestion of 

very large amounts of the weed over 6 or more 

months. 

Sudden death is only associated with the 

sudden ingestion of large amounts of the weed 

by hungry, recently introduced stock. 

A summer growing, creeping, annual forb. A 

weed of pastures, and especially troublesome, 

since burrs can injure animals feet, and cause a 

vegetable fault in fleece. Found along roads, 

degraded pastures, and in stock yards. It has an 

allelopathic effect on grasses. 

A fungus on the plant may contribute to 

photosensitivity and liver damage. 

No 53 Tribulus terrestris 

JJ DELLOW

VERBESINA ENCELIOIDES 


Crown beard, gold weed, wild sunflower 

south african daisy 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle, and pigs 



Galegine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Acute respiratory 

distress, frothing at the mouth, bluish 

gums. 


hours of first signs. 


Chip out, hand pull, grub out and burn. 

Herbicides before flowering, BUT this may 

make it more palatable to stock. 

Herbicide Group C. 

Cultivate and sow to a good pasture. 

Comments: 

The ability to poison is very variable, generally 

only causes problems during drought periods, 

but can cause problems at other times if eaten 

in any quantity. 

A hairy, branched, annual forb growing to 

about one metre high. The leaves are long 

triangles, with sharply toothed edges, attached 

to the stem with lobes. The golden daisy 

flowers have toothed petals growing in spring 

and autumn. Spread is by seed. 

Found on the central and north coast of NSW, 

through to the western plains, and north to 

Queensland. A weed of crops, but also found 

along roadsides and stock routes, in small 

clumps. 

A drought resistant plant. Introduce stock 

gradually, as in most seasons the plant does not 

87 

seem to be very dangerous, unless the animals 

are very hungry, or after light rain in drought 

conditions. The older plants seem to be more 

toxic.

XANTHIUM SPINOSUM 


Bathurst burr, spiny cockle burr 







Carboxyatractyloside 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Acute liver poisoning. 

Initially there is inappetance, depression, 










48 hours or following several days of 

clinical signs. Less acutely affected animals 

will recover but may take some weeks to 

return to full production. 


Prevent seeding for 4-6 years and eliminate 

sources of infestation. Pasture improvement, 

combined with herbicides seem to do best. 

Herbicide, Group I. 


This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in all states 

of Australia. 

Comments: 

The freshly germinating seedlings are 

frequently eaten and are potentially very 

poisonous. The more mature stems and leaves 

are much less poisonous and rarely eaten. 

An erect, much branched, summer growing, 

annual forb, reproducing by seed, which may 

88 

remain dormant for several years. 

Inconspicuous flowers appear in summer to 

autumn, followed by small burrs. 

It acts as a host for a number of fungal 

pathogens important in horticulture, and causes 

contact dermatitis in humans. 

An important contaminant of fleece, also 

causing irritation to shearers, and damage to 

the combs. 

Spines will damage the feet of animals. 

Burrs may host moth and beetle larvae in 

stored fleece. 

The idea for ‘velcro” fasteners originated with 

these burrs. 

No 03519 Xanthium spinosum 

NSW AGRICULTURE

XANTHIUM OCCIDENTALE 


Noogoora burr 







Carboxyatractyloside 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Acute liver poisoning, 

initially there is inappetance, depression, 










48 hours or following several days of 

clinical signs. Less acutely affected animals 

will recover but may take some weeks to 

return to full production. 


Prevent seeds from entering the property. 

Cultivate before flowering, control burn. 

After seed set, cut back and burn to kill seeds. 

Use a broad leaf herbicide, Group I. 

Treatment will be necessary for at least two 

successive summers. 



parts of NSW, Western Australia and South 

Australia. 

Comments: 

The freshly germinating seedlings are 

frequently eaten and are potentially very 

poisonous. The more mature stems and leaves 

are much less poisonous and are rarely eaten. 

89 

A coarse, erect, annual forb, growing up to 2 

metres high, with large, broad alternate leaves, 

with irregular toothed edges. Insignificant 

flowers and a large spiny burr grow in the leaf 

axils. Usually flowers and fruits appear in the 

summer to autumn. This plant does not like the 

shade. 

The lower seed germinates in the following 

spring, while the upper seed remains dormant 

for several years. These seeds cause a serious 

vegetable fault in fleece. 

No 58 Xanthium occidentale 

JJ DELLOW

AESCULUS SPP 


Horse chestnut 


Toxic, low risk 





The hydroxycoumarin glycocide, aesculin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Lameness associated 

with limb haemorrhages, and diarrhoea. 


sudden death without any prior signs. 


GROWN IN PARKS AND GARDENS. 


Comments: 

Young leafy shoots and nuts are the most 

poisonous parts. 

A very tall tree, suitable only for large open 

spaces. Produces huge heads of white flowers, 

and shiny brown nuts. The honey from these 

trees can also be toxic. 

90 

AGERATINA ADENOPHORA 


Crofton weed 








Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Chronic weight loss, or 

sometimes acute jaundice with or without 

photosensitization, or sometimes sudden 

death with no other signs. 




reduced longterm productivity. Chronically 

damaged livers in some ruminants are 

inclined to accumulate excessive amounts 

of copper, which can ultimately be released 

and kill the animal in the process. 


Crowns must be removed. Slash to prevent 

flowering and seed set. Use glyphosate. 

Goats will graze this weed, and prevent 

flowering, but other fodder must be available. 


NSW. 

Comments: 




for more than one season. 

A perennial plant common in eastern NSW and 

Queensland. Leaves are opposite and 

triangular, flowers, white, in clusters, 

numerous stems and branches growing 

from a large well rooted crown.

AGROSTIS AVENACEA 


Blown grass, fairy grass, oat grass 




Potentially toxic to sheep cattle and horses 



Corynetoxins 

Effects: 


episodic convulsions, together with general 



animals may die within hours, or days. 



Comments: 

This plant is only affected by this problem in 

particular geographic areas, and then only in 

some years. 

It is the seed head of the plant that can become 

poisonous. In most situations this plant is 

grazed without causing problems. 

A weak, tufted, annual grass with straight 

rough leaves, flowering in spring to early 

summer. 

Occurs in dense stands, near water, and in 

patches through the pasture. 

Growth commences in autumn, and continues 

during winter. Palatable when young, but not 

when hayed off. 

The seed heads break off, hence ‘blown grass”, 

and pile up, causing a fire hazard, or block 

watercourses. 

91 

ALLIUM SPP 


Wild garlic, crow garlic, three corner garlic, 

garlic onion chives 







Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; General weakness, blood 

pigmented urine. 


severe cases. 



Dig out and remove bulbs and bulbils. The best 

results are achieved by removing plants when 

bulbs from the previous year have fully 

developed, usually just before flowering, when 

they are still attached to the stalks. 

Clean machinery, including slashers. 

Spot spray with herbicides just before 

flowering (Group B). 

These are declared “Noxious Weeds” in 

Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. 

Comments: 

Only large amounts of garlic, onion or chives 

plant material poses a risk. 

An erect perennial reproducing by seed, bulbs 

and bulbils. Usually have showy, white 

flowers on a single stalk. 

A winter growing weed in orchards, dairy 

pastures and gardens of coastal Australia. 

Parts of this weed can contaminate agricultural 

produce, wheat, milk, meat, eggs etc.

ALOCASIA MACRORRHIZA 


Cunjevoi, alocasia 




Toxic to all animals 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Intense irritation to, and 

swelling of, the lips, tongue, mouth and 

throat. 

Health and production problems; Recovery in 

most cases. 


GARDEN PLANT, OR ESCAPEE. 


bags. 


Comments: 

All parts of this plant are potentially irritant. 

A large forb, with a thick black rootstock and 

thick stems. Usually prostrate, or semiprostrate 

at ground level. 

The flower heads are a spike of pale yellow 

flowers along the upper part of a stout stalk 

(spadex) , and surrounded by a cream coloured 

hood, shaped like a spathe. The berries are 

usually red when ripe. 

Found growing wild in Queensland and 

northern NSW, in moist gullies. The root stock 

is edible after washing, and cooking. 

Fortunately stock are not attracted to this plant, 

in the fresh state. The juice of the leaf or 

rhizome can be stinging when handled, and 

can cause intense conjunctivitis or temporary 

blindness. 

92 

AMBROSIA ARTEMISIIFOLIA 


Annual ragweeds, horseweed 




Potentially toxic to cattle and sheep 



Nitrates 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Nitrate poisoning causes 

respiratory distress and darkening of the 

gums. 


animals may be just found dead, or die very 

quickly. Some may recover. 


Use herbicides. (Group I) 



Australia and Queensland. 

Comments: 

Nitrate accumulating plants are frequently 

grazed without any adverse effects, providing 

stock are allowed to adapt to them slowly. 

An annual shallow-rooted erect herb, with 

finely divided, dainty leaves. The male flowers 

are yellow, with a greenish hood, and are wellknown 

for the hay fever they cause. 

A nuisance weed of coastal NSW , southern 

Queensland, and South Australia. It is a serious 

weed of crops, spreading by seed. 

In pastures it has a nutrient composition 

similar to high grade lucerne, and is eaten at 

flowering and seeding, but not when dried off. 

Cattle eat it in the early stages, but may get 

sore mouths. It is unpalatable to horses.

AMARANTHUS SPP 


Boggabri, amaranth, red root, red shank 




Toxic to sheep, cattle, horses, donkeys and 

pigs 



Nitrates, oxalates, and unknown 

Effects: 


respiratory distress, darkening of the gums 

and rapid death. 

Acute oxalate poisoning causes muscle 

tremors, staggering gait, collapse and rapid 

death. 


kidney disease with associated ill thrift is 

possible when large amounts of these 

plants are eaten over long periods. 

Alternatively kidney failure can sometimes 

develop for a different reason, and in as 

short a time as 7-14 days, when large 

amounts of these plants are ingested. 



Use herbicides, however they may increase 

palatability to the detriment of the stock. 

Comments: 

Weeds from this genus are often grazed 

without causing any adverse effects. 

Oxalate accumulating plants can sometimes 

cause a calcium deficiency state in horses and 

donkeys called “big head” (nutritional 

secondary hyperparathryoidism). 

Stout, erect, annual forbs, up to 30 cms high. 

The stem is stiff and branched, often hairy. 

The leaves are alternate, and the flowers are 

inconspicuous, in the leaf axils, giving 

rise to black seeds. 

93 

AMMI MAJUS 


Bishop’s weed, queen anne’s lace 







Nitrates 

Effects: 


respiratory distress, and darkening of the 

gums. 






Use goats, and selective herbicides. 


Comments: 


grazed without any adverse effects, provided 


An annual multi-stemmed plant up to 1.5 

metres high, with very finely divided light 

green leaves. Bunches of small white flowers 

in spring to summer, may be mistaken for 

parthenium weed, hemlock or ragweed. 

Found in Victoria. NSW, and south east 

Queensland. A weed of disturbed wasteland, 

pastures and roadsides. 

Livestock grazing this weed may become 

photosensitive, leading to cellular damage and 

inflamation. Ensure there is adequate shelter.

ANTHEMIS COTULA 


Corn chamomile, stinking mayweed 




Potentially toxic to all animals 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Intense irritation to, and 

swelling of, the lips, tongue, mouth and 

throat. 

Health and production problems; Recovery in 

most cases. 



Herbicides (Group C and F), or Bromoxyl.. 

Cultivate and sow to a competitive pasture 

species. 

Comments: 

All parts of the plant are potentially irritating. 

A smelly, erect annual forb growing to about 

40 cms, with fern-like leaves, and spread by 

seed. 

The white flowers are daisy-like, but with an 

elongated protruding centre. 

This weed is widespread throughout most of 

the eastern states. A weed of cultivation, 

roadsides, and wasteland. 

This plant can taint animal products, milk, 

meat and grain, and may cause human 

dermatitis. 

94 

ARAUJIA HORTORUM 


White moth plant, moth vine, cruel plant 




Toxic to poultry, and possibly other species 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Nervous signs, 

particularly of a disturbed sense of balance. 


24 hours in some cases. 



Pull out young plants, and place fruits in 

disposable bags. Use glyphosate, or selective 

herbicide. 

Comments: 

This plant is rarely eaten, the fruits appear to 

be the most poisonous parts. 

A perennial, vigorous, woody, twining vine, 

growing up to 5 metres tall. Large, elongated, 

triangular leaves, occurring in pairs. The 

flowers are white to pale pink occurring in 

spring, summer and autumn. The fruits are 

large spongy capsules, pear or choco shaped, 

maturing in late winter. 

The woody stems contain latex, a milky sap. 

The vine clambers over everything in its way. 

Confined to the coastal areas and adjoining 

parts of eastern Australia, north and central 

coast of NSW and Queensland. 

Primarily a weed of wasteland, orchards, forest 

edges, and old fence lines.

ARCTOTHECA CALENDULA 


Capeweed, daisy chains 







Nitrates 

Effects: 



gums. 






Selective broadleaf herbicides, (Group C or I). 

Comments: 


grazed without any adverse effects, providing 


An annual, sprawling plant, with a large tap 

root. The leaves form a rosette at ground level. 

The flowers are yellow, with brown marks at 

the base of the petal, flowering in the spring. 

The plant establishes itself in the autumn, with 

the main growth during winter and spring. It 

can withstand frost, and drought. 

Goats may eat this plant at all stages, from 

before flowering, through to the dried off 

stage. 

The woolly seeds and flower buds may cause 

hairballs in sheep. The plant may cause a taint 

in milk. 

95 

ARGEMONE MEXICANA (A. 

ochroleuca) 


Mexican poppy 




Potentially toxic to all animal species, but 

generally only affects poultry 



Isoquinoline alkaloids, notably sanguinarine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Weakness and 

subcutaneous oedema. 

Health and production problems; Oedema of 

the lungs and heart may lead to cardiorespiratory 

complications and death. 


Prevent seeding. Cultivate. 

Use selective herbicides, try Group C or I. 

Plants become more resistant with age. 

This a declared “Noxious Weed" in Western 

Australia. 

Comments: 

Ingestion of seeds poses the greatest risk, but 

increased ingestion of herbicide treated plants 

may also lead to problems. 

An erect, annual plant with prickly stems up to 

a metre high, spread by seed. Yellow sap, pale 

bluish-green prickly leaves, sometimes mottled 

with white. Solitary pale yellow flowers, 

mainly in spring to autumn. The fruit is a 

capsule, and seeds are small, in a fleshy 

covering. 

Grows in areas low in nitrogen and 

phosphorus. Contains high levels of nitrate. 

Not very palatable to grazing animals. 

Widespread through NSW, and occurs in all 

eastern states.

ATALAYA HEMIGLAUCA 


Whitewood, cattle bush 




Potentially toxic to cattle, sheep, and 

particularly horses 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Vague signs of distress 

followed by fairly rapid death. 

Health and production problems; Either no 

effects, or death. 



Comments: 

The fruits appear to be poisonous, but the rest 

of the plant is frequently eaten without ill 

effects. Fruit poisoning may be cumulative. 

A small tree with pale, grey, bark, and greygreen 

leaves. Creamy white flowers in large 

panicles grow at the ends of the branches, in 

spring and summer. The fruits are yellowgreen, 

with a wing at one end. 

Very hardy and drought resistant, providing 

good shade and fodder in drought. Some 

clumps sucker freely. The crown is fairly 

dense, and will tolerate pruning. 

Widespread in the inland areas, in a range of 

habitats, and soil types. Found in tropical 

Western Australia, Northern Territory, 

Queensland, and western NSW. 

96 

ATRIPLEX SPP 


Saltbush 





Palatability: Moderate at all stages 


Nitrates and oxalates 

Effects: 


respiratory distress, darkening of the gums, 

and rapid death. Oxalate poisoning causes 

muscle tremors, staggering gait, collapse, 

death. 



possible when large amounts of oxalate 

producing plants are eaten over long 

periods. 



Comments: 

These plants may occasionally cause problems 

in hungry stock that are unaccustomed to it, 

but is generally eaten without ill effects. 

Densely branched, sprawling shrubs, with long 

branches, which may take root. They may be 

annual or perennial, and reproduce by wind 

blown seed. 

There are about 50 species endemic to 

Australia. Generally growing in low rainfall 

areas, in the southern half of the continent. 

They are able to grow in saline or alkaline 

soils. Some species are fire resistant, or fire 

retardant, and excellent for fire breaks. Good 

fodder for grazing stock, but should be 

maintained at the level where the plant 

survives. The deep taproot makes use of all 

underground moisture.

BACCHARIS HALIMIFOLIA 


Groundsel bush 




Potentially toxic to cattle and sheep 

Palatability: High, at all stages 


Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; A locomotor disturbance, 

and associated recumbency. 

Health and production problems; Death is 

possible. 


Goats will eat out this weed completely. 

Bulldose and burn. 

Slash, and use herbicides. 



NSW, and Queensland. 

Comments: 

Rarely eaten in sufficient quantity to cause any 

problems. 

A perennial, densely branched shrub, up to 7 

metres high. Alternate wedge shaped leaves, 

with large teeth on the tips. Seeds give the tree 

a fluffy appearance in autumn. 

Widespread in central and north coast of NSW, 

and south east Queensland, forming dense 

thickets. The pollen may cause hay fever. Very 

invasive, but will not grow under heavy tree 

cover. Plants over two years old, flower in 

April or May, and can be easily identified from 

the air. Male and female flowers grow on 

separate bushes. Goats do not appear to be 

affected by this plant. 

97 

BIDENS SPP 


Cobbler’s peg, beggar’s ticks, farmer’s friend 







Nitrates 

Effects: 



gums. 


animals may just be found dead, or die very 



Use goats, preferably before seeding. 

Herbicides, “Group C”, and slashing. 

Hand pull before seeding. 

Comments: 


grazed without any adverse effects, provided 


An erect, annual forb, growing to about one 

metre high, with opposite compound leaves, 

and serrated edges. The daisy like flowers, 

appear on numerous terminal flower heads. 

There are 4 species in NSW, each with 

different coloured flowers, white, cream and 

yellow. Flowering is from spring to autumn. 

Weeds of disturbed areas, wastelands, 

roadsides and gardens. The seeds are “sticky”, 

with a barbed end, causing an annoying 

vegetable fault.

BRACHYCHITON POPULNEUS 


Kurrajong 







Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; A vague locomotor 

disturbance. 

Health and production problems; Inappetance, 

ill thrift and sometimes death. 



Comments: 

Rarely poisonous, but if large amounts of 

seeds are present on fruiting trees, poisoning 

can occur. 

A small spreading tree, with a large diameter 

butt, tapered stem, and grey bark on older 

trees. 

Leaves are a shiny green, flowers are bellshaped 

and cream or pink, flecked with red. 

The tree usually sheds its leaves before 

flowering. The fruit is a woody boat-shaped 

pod, with hairs on the seeds. These can be very 

irritating to the skin. 

Found in rocky areas, plains and on river 

banks, in a variety of soils. An excellent shade 

and shelter tree, as well as good fodder for 

stock. Slow growing when young, but drought 

and frost tolerant. Careful lopping of branches 

will allow regeneration. This tree has an 

extensive root system. 

The roots and seeds are edible, and the fibres 

from the trunk can be used for making twine. 

98 

BRASSICA SPP 


Rape, canola, radish, turnip, mustard 







Contain six potential toxins: Indoles, Nitriles, 

Nitrates, Thiocyanates, Isothiocyanates and 

Non-protein amino acids. 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Indoles may cause a 

pneumonia syndrome. 

Nitriles may cause primary liver damage 

with secondary photosensitization, and/or 

brain damage characterised by blindness 

and dullness. 

Nitrates may cause respiratory distress and 

sudden death. 

Thiocyanates may cause goitre in kids born 

to does grazing the plant. 

Isothiocyanates may cause digestive 

disturbances involving rumen stasis and 

constipation. 

Non-protein amino acids may cause 

anaemia with blood coloured urine. 

Health and production problems; As above. 


Use goats to eat the weeds. 

Herbicides before flowering to control seed 

production. (Group B or I). 

Comments: 

Brassicas are commonly eaten without causing 

any ill effects, however the most likely ill 

effect to be encountered is the digestive 

syndrome. 

Most Brassicas will taint milk and milk 

products.

BRUGMANSIA CANDIDA (Datura 

candida) 


Angels trumpet 




Potentially toxic to all animal species 



Tropane alkaloids, notably scopolamine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Staggering gait, 

recumbency, dilated pupils and rapid 

respiration rate. 


animals may die. 


GARDEN PLANT. 

Place clippings into disposable bags. 


Comments: 

All parts of this plant are potentially 

poisonous, but episodes tend to be restricted to 

the accidental ingestion of large amounts of 

seeds, when present as contaminants in other 

fodder. 

A large, soft wooded shrub, sparingly 

branched, grown for their showy white, pink or 

yellow flowers. 

All cultivated varieties are from Colombia or 

Chile, where they were historically used for 

their hallucinatory effects. 

99 

BUXUS SPP 


Box hedge 




Potentially toxic to horses, cattle, sheep, 

camels, and pigs 



Unknown alkaloids 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Severe gastro-enteritis. 




GARDEN PLANT. 

Place clippings into disposable bags. 



Comments: 

Can occur as part of a mixture of garden 

clippings. 

A genus of evergreen shrubs and trees, grown 

for their foliage and habit. The flowers are 

insignificant, frost hardy, and require sun or 

semi shade. 

Used as a dwarf edging plant for gardens, or as 

pot specimens. Vigorous roots similar to 

privet. 

These plants are often clipped into unusual 

shapes.

No. 219 Aesculus spp 


No. 04622 Amaranthus spp 

NSW AGRICULTURE 

100 

No. 49 Atriplex spp 


NSW Agriculture 1999 

No. 03525 Arctotheca calendula 

NSW AGRICULTURE

CALANDRINA SPP 


Parakeelya 




Potentially toxic to other grazing animals 



Oxalates 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Acute oxalate poisoning 

causes muscle tremors, staggering gait, 

collapse and rapid death. 





periods. 



Herbicide, Group C. 

Comments: 

This plant may occasionally cause problems, 

but it is generally eaten without ill effects. 

A genus of annual or short lived perennial 

forbs, with deep taproots, and very showy 

flowers, often purple. 

Variable species, in growth, leaves, flowers 

and habitat. A useful fodder plant, found in 

most states, and some gardens. 

101 

CANNABIS SATIVA 


Marijuana, indian hemp 







Tetrahydrocannabinols 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Nervous excitement, and 


Health and production problems; Rapid death. 


Goats will eat this weed. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed”, in all parts 

of Australia. It must be destroyed under police 

supervision. 

Comments: 

Very unpalatable and rarely eaten, 

consequently rarely poisonous. 

A summer growing, erect, annual forb, 

growing to about 1.5 metres high. The leaves 

have 5-9 leaflets, sharply toothed margins and 

prominent veins, are dark green and somewhat 

hairy on the surface. Male and female flowers 

form on separate plants. 

There are many varieties grown overseas, for 

food, fibre and medicine. Some plantations are 

grown under licence. Reproduction is only by 

seed.

CARDARIA DRABA 


Hoary cress, white weed 







Contain six potential toxins: Indoles. Nitriles, 

Nitrates, Thiocyantes, Isothiocyanates, and 

non-protein amino acids 

Effects: 



Nitriles may cause primary liver damage, 

with secondary photosensitization and or 


and dullness. 


sudden death. 

Thiocyanates can cause goitre in kids born 




constipation. 





Herbicides (Group I), in July to September, but 

not in drought or in water-logged conditions. 

Avoid cultivation, as this spreads the plant. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in all 

southern states of Australia. 

Comments: 

A member of the brassica family, frequently 

eaten without ill effects. Occasionally 

poisonous. 

102 

CARDUUS NUTANS 


Nodding thistle, slender thistle, musk thistle 







Nitrates 

Effects: 



gums. 


animals may just be found dead, or die very 



Goats eat the flower buds, and prevent seeding. 

Use “Group I” herbicides at the rosette stage, 

then again later. Do not slash, as the weed will 

flower at low levels. Grub out. 


This is a declared “Noxious Weed" in Victoria, 

parts of NSW and Western Australia. 

Comments: 


grazed without any adverse effects providing 


An erect annual or biennial forb, growing to 

about a metre tall. It is many branched, 

especially the upper half. If the crown is 

damaged, multiple stems are produced. 

Establishes well on bare ground, and competes 

with pasture. A vegetable fault in fleece. May 

have allelopathic properties, which inhibit 

pasture species.

CARDUUS PYCNOCEPHALUS 


Slender thistle, shore thistle 







Nitrates 

Effects: 


respiratory distress, and darkening of the 

gums. 





Goats eat the flower buds and prevent seeding. 

Soft new growth is also palatable. Hoe out. 

Wick wipe or spot spray with “Group I” 

herbicide. 



South Australia and Tasmania. 

Comments: 


grazed without any adverse effects provided 


An erect annual, with spiny leaves, bracts and 

stems. Flower heads are pink to purple, 

surrounded by spiny bracts. Rosette leaves 

have conspicuous white patches along the 

veins. The stems are green, and the flower 

heads have short stems usually in groups of 2 

or 3. 

A weed of roadsides and pastures. Spread by 

seed. 

103 

CENCHRUS SPP 


Buffel grass, spiny burr grass, mossman river 

grass 







Oxalates 

Effects: 



collapse and death. 






Avoid spread of seed on tyres, animal coats 

etc. 

Prevent seeding by heavy grazing or 

cultivating. Wick wipe, spot spray with 

herbicide “Group A” . 

Some species are declared “Noxious Weeds” 

in most states of Australia. 

Comments: 


without causing any adverse effects. Oxalate 

accumulating plants can sometimes cause a 

calcium deficiency state in horses and 

donkeys, called “Big head” , (nutritional 

hyperparathyroidism). 

A species of erect annual grasses, forming 

loose tufts, with either a sprawling or tussocky 

habit. Germination of seed is staggered over 

months or years. 

Important weeds of pastures, crops and fleece. 

Causes problems to humans, stock and dogs, 

with painful injuries caused by the burrs.

CHENOPODIUM SPP 


Fat hen, goosefoot, crumb weed, nitre bush 







Nitrates and oxalates 

Effects: 


respiratory distress, darkening of the gums 

and rapid death. Acute oxalate poisoning 







periods. 


Goats will eat the plants down to the ground. 

Hand pull, wick wipe or spot spray with 

“Group C or I” herbicide, before flowering. 

Comments: 


in hungry stock that are unaccustomed to them, 

but are generally eaten without any ill effects. 

Erect annual forbs growing to about a metre 

high. The stems are angular, the leaves 

generally have a mealy, greyish appearance, 

some varieties have spines. The flowers are 

variable, usually in dense spikes. 

They are valuable as fodder plants, and have 

high protein levels. These plants may cause a 

taint in milk if eaten by dairy cows. 

104 

CHLORIS SPP 


Windmill grass, winter rhodes grass 





Palatability: Moderate, when young 



acid) 

Effects: 





hours, or rapid recovery. 



Hand pull. Wick wipe, spot spray with 

herbicides. 

Comments: 

Ruminants, such as the goat, can generally 

tolerate ingested cyanogenetic glycocides, 

provided they do not eat large amounts in a 

short period. 

Grazing of Chloris truncata has occasionally 

been associated with outbreaks of secondary 

photosensitization, a problem which is 

unrelated to the ingestion of cyanogenetic 

glycocides. 

Small to medium size perennial grasses, 

forming compact tufts. The leaves are dull 

green and rough. Spread by seed. 

Native and imported species, providing 

reasonable fodder. Occurs on wasteland or in 

pastures. Imported species are useful in 

regenerating pastures.

CIRSIUM ARVENSE 


Californian thistle, perennial thistle 





Palatability: Moderate at flowering 


Nitrates 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Respiratory distress, with 

associated darkening of the gums. 


or sometimes recovery. 


Use goats to prevent seeding, plants are eaten 

when young. Use herbicides (Group I). 

Cultivation will spread root fragments. 


Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and 


Comments: 

These weeds may occasionally cause problems 

in hungry stock that are unaccustomed to 

eating them, but are generally eaten without ill 

effects. 

An erect perennial forb, growing well over a 

metre high, green leaves are woolly white 

underneath. The flowers are reddish or greyish 

purple. Male and female flowers grow on 

different plants. 

A weed of pastures, crops and cereals. Spines 

may cause damage to stock and dogs. 

Reproduces by wind dispersed seed, and a root 

system which spreads over several metres. 

Produces allelopathic compounds affecting 

pastures and crops. Also harbours insects 

which attack crops, and is an alternate host for 

some plant pathogens. 

105 

CIRSIUM VULGARE 


Black thistle, scotch thistle, spear thistle 





Palatability: Moderate, at flowering 


Nitrates 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Respiratory distress with 





Goats eat the flower heads, preventing seeding. 

Spray graze at the rosette stage, then 

intensively graze while plants are growing. 

(Group I). 

Two insects are being tested as biological 

control agents. 


and South Australia and parts of NSW. 

Comments: 

This weed may occasionally cause problems in 

hungry stock that are unaccustomed to eating 

them, but are generally eaten without any ill 

effects. 

An erect deep rooted annual or perennial forb, 

reproducing by seed. The flowers are purple or 

reddish, with protruding petals, single or in 

groups, at the end of branches, appearing in 

late spring to autumn. The leaves are fleshy 

and dark green, with indentations, each lobe 

ending in a sharp spine. 

Plants may germinate in late summer, or late 

winter. It requires a cold period before it can 

produce a flower head. They die after 

flowering, but remain standing for years.

CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS (C. 

vulgaris) 


Colocynth, bitter melon, bitter apple 







Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Severe diarrhoea. 

Health and production problems; Dehydration 

and weight loss are possible sequalae. 


Grub out, collect and burn the ripe fruit. 



South Australia and the Northern Territory. 

Comments: 

Rarely eaten by livestock. 

A prostrate perennial vine. Grey-green 

alternate leaves, lobed, hairy and rough. The 

flowers are yellow, male and female on the 

same plant. The fruit is dark green, dappled 

with yellow bands, spherical and about 10 cms 

in diameter. The seeds are imbedded in a 

whitish spongy flesh. 

Can be propagated by seeds, or root segments. 

Germinates in spring after rain, developing a 

large woody taproot and long trailing stems, in 

spring and summer. Flowers in summer, and 

dies off in autumn. 

Found in arid or semi arid regions on disturbed 

sandy loam. 

106 

CITRULLUS LANATUS 


Wild melon, bitter melon, afghan melon 







Unknown 

Effects: 


Health and production problems; Dehydration 

and weight loss. 



Repeated cultivation and herbicides. 

Hand pull and burn before fruits form. 


and parts of Western Australia. 

Comments: 

Rarely eaten by livestock. 

An annual prostrate or climbing vine, up to 3 

metres long. Reproduces by bird, animal or 

windblown seed. The leaves are deeply lobed, 

with short hairs on the lower surface. Single 

yellow flowers appear in the leaf axils. The 

fruit is fairly small and bitter to taste, green, 

and mottled with white. 

Germinates in spring, rapidly developing a 

deep taproot. Produces vines in summer, 

flowers, then dies off. Drought tolerant. The 

plant has a foetid odour when crushed, and an 

unpleasant smell. It is rarely eaten by most 

livestock except when ripe.

CUCUMIS MYRIOCARPUS 


Prickly paddy melon, paddy melon 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle, horses and 

pigs 



Unknown 

Effects: 


Health and production problems; Sometimes 

rapid death, without diarrhoea. 



Herbicides, heavy grazing, and cultivation. 



Comments: 

Rarely eaten by livestock, therefore rarely 

poisonous. 

A summer growing annual vine. The plant has 

male and female flowers, and globular, bitter 

fruit, which acts as an emetic. The fruit is 

about 25 cms in diameter, with long bristles. 

And the surface is green and mottled, turning 

yellow with maturity. 

A weed of cultivation, and also found along 

roadsides, disturbed areas, around water tanks 

etc. Often abundant after summer rain, 

affecting pastures and cultivated areas. 

The bitter component appears to be addictive 

to some animals. 

107 

CYNODON SPP 


Couch grass, african star grass, blue couch 







Cyanogenetic glycocides (cyanide/ prussic 

acid) 

Effects: 





hours, or recovery. 


Grazing, herbicides. 

Comments: 

Ruminants, such as the goat, can generally 

tolerate ingested cyanogenetic glycocides, 

provided they do not eat large amounts in a 

short period. 

A perennial grass with fibrous roots, prostrate 

and creeping, with stems that cover the ground 

surface. The green leaves are borne in short 

tufts, the seed heads are short spikes. 

Adapted to a wide range of soils, from sand to 

clay, either acidic or alkaline, under flood 

conditions or drought. 

A useful forage plant and soil binder along 

stream banks. It is, however, frost sensitive.

EMEX AUSTRALIS 


Spiny emex, 3 corner jack, double gee, cats 

head 




Toxic to sheep, cattle horses and donkeys 



Oxalates 

Effects: 









Use “prickle rollers”. Grub out and burn. 

Herbicides. Seed is not viable if ploughed in to 

a depth of 10 cms or more. 


parts of NSW, and the rest of Australia. 

Comments: 




calcium deficiency state in horses and donkeys 

called “big head”, (nutritional secondary 

hyperparathyroidism). 

An annual broad leafed forb, spread by seed. It 

develops as a rosette, above a deep taproot. 

The seeds are triangular, so that one spine is 

always upright. A weed of cereal crops and 

pasture, sheds and yards. Causes vegetable 

fault in fleece, and painful injury to animals. 

108 

EREMOCARPUS SETIGER 


Doveweed, turkey mullein 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle, pigs and 

poultry 



None 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Digestive disturbance, 

abdominal pain, possibly diarrhoea. 

Health and production problems; Digestive 

problems tend to be chronic and 

consequently affected animals fail to thrive. 


Grub out. 

Spray with selective herbicide and wetting 

agent to get through the hairy leaves. 


Comments: 

This weed causes fibrous “hair balls” to form 

in the digestive tract. 

A grey, strongly scented, spreading annual 

forb, forming low compact clumps. 

Does not compete directly with cereal crops, 

but may interfere with harvesting machinery. 

Unpalatable to stock, perhaps because of the 

unpleasant odour. Sheep tend to avoid the 

areas where this weed grows.

ERYTHRINA SPP 


Coral tree, corkwood 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle and horses 

Palatability: High, all stages 


Isoquinoline alkaloids 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Affected animals become 

comatose. 


animals generally die. 



Use goats to eat the leaves and ringbark the 

trees. 

Cut stump, and use herbicides. 

Comments: 

The poisonous principle has great difficulty in 

being absorbed into the bloodstream from the 

gut, consequently large amounts of this plant 

need to be eaten before there will be any risk 

of poisoning. 

Semi evergreen trees, with stout thorny trunks 

growing to over 18 metres high. The 

compound leaves are trifoliate, deciduous with 

oval pointed leaflets. The flowers are orange to 

red and pea-shaped on long racemes, 

occurring at the end of winter. 

Propagated by seed, suckers and cuttings. This 

tree has very soft wood. An ornamental tree 

that has got out of control. There are 4 species 

native to Australia, and many introduced 

species. 

Goats have a preference for all species of 

erythrina, and if allowed will eradicate them. 

109 

EUPHORBIA SPP 


Spurge, caustic bush, poinsettia, milkweed, 

geraldton carnation 







Diterpenes, Cyanogenetic glycocides, 

Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Gastro-enteritis, with 

weight loss. 

Health and production problems; Sometimes 

causes sudden death with no other signs. 


Herbicides. Group C. 

Do not feed to livestock. 


Comments: 

The poisonous nature of these plants is poorly 

understood, and cases of poisoning attributable 

to them are infrequent. 

Spindly, annual or perennial forbs, or trees, 

may be succulent, exuding milky acrid sap 

when damaged. Leaves are varied. Flowers are 

small with no petals, usually red to yellow to 

orange, sometimes creamy-white, clustered in 

small cup-like shapes. Often surrounded by 

attractive bracts. Fruits are borne on stalks 

protruding from the “flower”. 

Highly unpalatable, and can be very irritating 

to the skin. All parts are dangerous. Generally 

not eaten, but poisoning may occur if hay 

containing spurge is eaten.

GNAPHALIUM SPP 


Cudweed 







Nitrates 

Effects: 



Health and production problems; Rapid death, 

or sometimes rapid recovery. 


Fertilise and cultivate. 

Herbicides Group C. 

Comments: 



eating them, but are generally eaten without 

any ill effects. 

Annual or short lived perennial forbs, with 

woolly stems and narrow, silvery, or greygreen 

stalkless leaves. Flowers are pale 

whitish-yellow, with papery heads, clustered 

into terminal heads or spikes. 

Found all over Australia, usually on waste 

ground or on poor soil. A winter spring annual, 

grazed at times, but of no particular value. 

110 

GOMPHRENA GLOBOSA 


Globe amarynth, batchelor’s buttons 







Oxalates 

Effects: 






possible when large amounts of thee plants 

are eaten over long periods. 


Comments: 




calcium deficiency state in horses and donkeys 

called “big head”, (nutritional secondary 

hyperparathyroidism).

HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA 


Hydrangea 




Potentially toxic to all animals 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Acute gastro-enteritis. 


animals soon recover. 


GARDEN PLANT. 

Prune into disposable bags. 

Do not feed any of these clippings to any 


Comments: 

Garden clippings are the usual source of this 

plant. 

A deciduous shrub grown for domed or 

flattened flower heads, and pink or blue 

flowers. 

Propagated by softwood cuttings, grown in the 

sun to semi-shade. 

111 

JATROPHA CURCAS 


Physic nut, purge nut, coral plant 







Unknown 

Effects: 


Health and production problems; Recovery is 

generally rapid. 


GARDEN PLANT 

Dig out and burn. 

Cultivate and use herbicides. 


Comments: 

The seeds of this plant are poisonous. 

A small tree or large shrub, bark often 

greenish, exuding a watery sap. The leaves are 

thin and heart shaped, on long stalks, and 

very decorative. 

Native of South America.

No. 218 Baccharis halimifolia 

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA 

No. 04661 Carduus nutans 


112 

No. 220 Brachychiton populneus 

DF STANLEY 

No. 48 Brassica tournefortii 



LACTUCA SERRIOLA 


Prickly lettuce, compass plant 







Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Acute respiratory distress 


animals may die 


Chip out, use herbicides and cultivate. 

Comments: 

Poisoning has only been associated with the 

consumption of large amounts of young plants. 

A stiff, erect biennial forb, with a well 

developed taproot, stiff flowering stem, and 

producing milky sap when damaged. Grows to 

about 1.5 metres high. The lower leaves are 

stem-clasping, blue-green, broadly oblong, and 

spiny. The upper leaves are twisted at the base 

and held vertically in the north/south plane. 

The inflorescence is a branched pyramid of 

pale yellow flowers. 

A widespread weed of waste spaces, found in 

all States. Plants are grazed until prickles deter 

feeding. These weeds germinate in spring, and 

flower in summer to autumn. 

113 

LIGUSTRUM LUCIDUM 


Broad leaved privet 







Unknown 

Effects: 



hours or days is possible. 


GARDEN PLANT AND ESCAPEE 

Goats will eradicate these species. 

Weeding, slashing and mechanical removal to 

prevent flowering and seeding. Ring barking 

and burning are not effective. 

No herbicides are registered for this species. 

Comments: 

Poisoning can involve either leaves or fruits, 

but is very infrequent. 

Leaves are oval, opposite, soft and dark green, 

with wavy margins. Flowers are small and 

white, in upright sprays, black berries in 

clusters, in winter. Will become a substantial 

tree, given the opportunity. 

A garden escapee, very invasive of bushland. 

Seedlings are shallow rooted at first, and easily 

removed. It can establish in dense shade, 

which enables it to be so invasive of native 

trees and bush. 

Other trees which may be confused with privet 

are pittosporum, coachwood, and lilly-pilly.

LIGUSTRUM SINENSE 


Small leaved privet, chinese privet 







Unknown 

Effects: 



hours or days is possible. 


GARDEN PLANT AND ESCAPEE 

Goats will eradicate these species. 

Ring barking and burning are ineffective. 

Plants will regenerate by sprouting and 

suckering. 

No herbicides are registered for this species. 

Comments: 

Poisoning can involve either leaves or fruits, 

but is very infrequent. 

Leaves are yellow-green to green, usually with 

wavy margins. The flowers are small and 

white, with drooping sprays. Berries are black, 

and these tend to stay on longer than those of 

large leaf privet. These berries are spread by 

birds. 

During spring and summer, large amounts of 

pollen are produced which can cause allergic 

reactions to humans. The fruit will cause 

gastric upsets. 

Tends to grow on drier sites than broad leaf 

privet, flowers earlier, and has a more 

tenacious root system. It can re-establish after 

being uprooted. 

114 

LOLIUM PERENNE 


Perennial rye grass 







Lolitrems, sporidesmin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Lolitrems can cause 

severe incoordination, together with severe 

body tremors. 

Sporidesmin can cause liver damage that 

results in photosensitization of 

unpigmented or unprotected skin areas, 

particularly the face and head. 

Health and production problems; Cessation of 

ingestion of lolitrems is followed by 

recovery within days, but some affected 

animals may die of misadventure. 

Sporidesmin causes a more insidious 

problem, with chronic ill thrift and deaths 

from complications, full recovery may take 

months. 


Use goats to control this plant. 

Perennial varieties are becoming resistant to 

the usual herbicides. 

Comments: 

This plant is only affected by either of these 

problems in particular geographic areas, and 

then only in some years. In most situations this 

plant is grazed without causing problems. 

A valuable pasture grass, with a tufted 

inflorescence, winter and spring growing. Can 

be a weed of cereal crops. 

The poisoning is due to a parasitic fungus, 

rather than the grass itself. If the animals are 

moved to a safe paddock they generally 

recover.

MAIREANA SPP 


Bluebush 







Oxalates 

Effects: 








periods. 



Comments: 

This plant may occasionally cause problems in 

hungry stock that are unaccustomed to it, but is 

generally eaten without ill effects. 

Small shrubs, with fleshy, often grey foliage, 

single, pale yellow flowers, in the leaf axils, 

mainly in the spring and summer. Some have 

showy, reddish fruits. 

Widely grown in the arid, semi-desert areas in 

Australia, mainly on sandy soils, subject to 

wind and water erosion. They are long lived, 

branched perennials. Several species are 

valuable pasture plants. 

M. pyramidata (black blue bush), is palatable, 

but has been toxic to hungry stock. 

In 1975, all Australian Kochia species were 

placed in the genus Maireana. 

115 

MALVA PARVIFLORA 


Marshmallow, small flowered mallow 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle, horses and 

poultry 



Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Muscle weakness, hence 

a staggering gait and trembling muscles 

when forced to exercise. Heart rate and 

respiratory rate become rapid. Affected 

animals eventually collapse then recover, 

then relapse once again. 

Health and production problems; Deaths do 

occur but most recover within days when 

removed from the plant. 


Use paraquat type herbicide, cultivate and 

fertilise. 

Easily weeded out when ground is moist. 

Comments: 

Only causes problems when large amounts are 

eaten continuously for several days. 

Low growing, spreading, perennial forb, 

growing only to 50 cms high, with a single 

taproot. Alternate, wrinkled, dark green leaves, 

that are rounded, with a notched base. The leaf 

margins are notched to form lobes. The 

flowers are small, pale pink to white, in the 

leaf axils, winter/spring flowering. 

A rapidly growing and common weed of stock 

yards and gardens, and around sheds, and 

roadsides. Wilted plants are less toxic, and dry 

plants are not toxic.

MELIA AZEDARACH 


White cedar, cape lilac 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle and pigs 



Tetranortriterpenes (meliatoxins), and 

unknown toxins 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Either nervous 

excitement or depression, depressed heart 

and lung function, muscle weakness hence 

an unsteady gait and trembling muscles, 

and eventually diarrhoea. 


48 hours, or recovery over several days. 


GARDEN PLANT 

Basal bark or cut stump, with herbicide. 


Comments: 

The fruits of this tree are the most poisonous 

part but their toxicity varies from district to 

district. 

A deciduous tree growing to 20 metres or 

more. Fragrant, lilac flowers grow in loose 

pannicles in late spring to early summer. The 

yellow berries may persist all winter. 

Only 6-8 fruits are enough to cause death in a 

young child. Fresh leaves do not appear to be 

harmful to stock, however, a milk taint is 

produced from cows, eating the leaves. 

Found in gardens, as shade trees, in stock 

yards, specimen trees in streets and as escapees 

along water courses and roads. 

116 

MELIANTHUS COMOSUS 


Cape honey flower, tufted honey flower 







Cardiac glucocides (bufadienolide type) 

Effects: 



heart block. 




Grub out and burn, plough, rake and cultivate. 


Comments: 

Ruminants, such as the goat, display more 

tolerance for this type of poisonous plant than 

do horses and donkeys. This plant rarely 

causes poisoning because it is rarely eaten. 

An erect, evergreen, branched shrub, growing 

to about 2.5 metres high, reproducing by seed, 

and from the crown. There may be several 

branched woody stems arising from the crown. 

The leaves are downy below, alternate and 

pinnate, and many pairs of leaflets per leaf. 

The flowers are red, and have 4 unequal 

clawed petals, occurring in loose clusters. The 

fruit is a bladder-like capsule. The root is 

woody, shallow, but extensive. 

The plant, although attractive, has an 

unpleasant smell, which seems to deter animals 

from grazing it at any stage.

NICOTIANA GLAUCA 


Tree tobacco, wild tobacco tree 







Pyridine alkaloids, notably nicotine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Limb weakness, muscle 

trembling, collapse and dilated pupils, 

sometimes diarrhoea. 


or recovery within 24 to 48 hours. 


Grub out or use herbicides. 

Use goats to control small growth. 

Comments: 

Only poses a risk to very hungry, newly 

introduced animals, or stock under drought 

conditions. 

A tall, short lived shrub or small tree, with 

sparse branches, growing to about 4 metres 

high.. Leaves are oval, about 10 cms long, 

bluish green to grey, and long tubular pale 

yellow flowers most of the year. 

Grows on light sandy soils, on flood plain and 

drainage channels. Relatively drought 

resistant. 

Native of Argentina. 

Normally unpalatable. The woody material has 

a low concentration of the toxins, compared to 

the leaves and bark. 

117 

OXALIS SPP 


Oxalis, soursob, shamrock, wood-sorrel 







Oxalates 

Effects: 



collapse and sudden death. 





periods. 


Dig out bulbils while the plant is still 

flowering. 

Spot spray with glyphosate and a wetting agent 

when the plant is actively growing and not 

under stress. Herbicides Group B or C. 

Frequent mowing to deplete plant reserves. 

These are declared “Noxious Weeds” in 

Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and parts 

of Western Australia. 

Comments: 


to hungry stock that are unaccustomed to them, 

but are frequently eaten without any ill effects. 

Perennial forb, with compound underground 

stems and bulbils. Leaves are shamrock style, 

and flowers are yellow and buttercup shaped. 

A serious weed of cereal crops, lawns and 

gardens. May take years of treatment to 

eradicate.

PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM 


Opium poppy 




Potentially toxic to all livestock species 



Isoquinoline alkaloids, notably morphine, and 

resins 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Gastro-enteritis, 

inappetance, ill thrift. 

Health and production problems; General loss 

of productivity, including loss of milk 

production. 


This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in all parts 

of Australia. It must be destroyed under police 

supervision. 

Comments: 

Ingestion of the resins associated with this 

plant may be more of a problem than the 

ingestion of the alkaloids themselves. 

An annual plant with erect stems up to a metre 

high, leaves are bluish-green, flowers are pale 

violet, with dark blotches around the stamens. 

Flowering is in summer, and spread is by seed. 

May be found in disturbed areas, and 

croplands. 

May only be grown in Australia, under licence, 

as a summer field crop. The grower must have 

a contract to sell all the crop to an approved 

pharmaceutical company. 

118 

PARKINSONIA ACULEATA 


Jerusalem thorn, parkinsonia, ratama 







Nitrates 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Respiratory distress with 



or sometimes rapid recovery. 


Mechanical removal, bulldose or grub out. 

Basal bark, or cut stump treatment with 

herbicide, for mature trees. 


Australia and parts of Western Australia. 

Comments: 

May occasionally cause problems in hungry 

stock that are unaccustomed to eating it, but 

generally eaten without any ill effects. 

A slender drooping plant with zig-zag 

branches. The leaves have a short spine-tipped 

stalk. Yellow flowers have 5 petals, in loose 

racemes, and the pods are long and pencil 

shaped. 

A troublesome, thorny weed in tropical areas. 

It will form dense thickets around 

watercourses, and is very hardy, thriving in a 

wide range of climates. Spread is by seed. 

Sheep will eat the leaves, but cattle are not 

interested in this plant.

PENNISETUM CLANDESTINUM 


Kikuyu grass 







Trichothecene mycotoxins 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Depression, inappetance, 

copious drooling, dehydration, constipation 

or mild diarrhoea, sham drinking, weakness 

and incoordination. 


48 hours, or recovery in about 7 days. 



Comments: 

This grass is only poisonous in this way when 

associated with the pasture activity of a 

Myrothecium fungus, which usually occurs in 

association with army worm pasture invasions. 

A creeping, perennial grass, forming a dense 

mat. The leaves are bright green, growing 

from long rhizomes and stolons. The grass can 

be very invasive of gardens and orchards. 

A widespread and important pasture species in 

subtropical and coastal Australia. 

119 

PENNISETUM MACROURUM 


African feather grass, white foxtail 





Palatability: Moderate, young shoots 


Oxalates and Nitrates 

Effects: 



collapse and rapid death. Nitrate poisoning 

causes respiratory distress, with darkening 

of the gums. 


or sometimes recovery. Chronic kidney 

disease with associated ill thrift is possible 

when large amounts of oxalate producing 



Frequent cultivation, and sow to competitive 

pasture. Goats find this grass quite palatable, 

and heavy grazing will kill the seedlings, but 

not the established plants. 

Burn the tussocks in spring and autumn, then 

spot spray with herbicide. 

Declared a “Noxious Weed” in Victoria, parts 

of NSW, Tasmania, South and Western 

Australia. 

Comments: 


stock that are unaccustomed to eating the 

plant. 

A drought resistant, erect, tussocky, perennial 

grass spread by seeds and rhizomes. Leaves 

maybe purplish on the edges and tips. 

Occurs in all southern states, seldom grazed by 

stock, it becomes a harbour for rabbits, and 

becomes a fire hazard.

PHALARIS SPP 


Phalaris grasses 





Palatability: High at all times 


Indole alkaloids, and unknown substances 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; A locomotor nervous 

disturbance involving limb weakness and 

head and body tremors, together with 

incoordination. 

Health and production problems; Recovery 

occurs in some cases but not others, 

animals may be affected for many days, or 

up to many months and productivity 

declines accordingly. 



Comments: 

This locomotor disorder only occurs in some 

parts of some districts, where dietary cobalt 

ingestion is low. These grasses can sometimes 

cause outbreaks of sudden death in sheep and 

horses, but this has not yet been observed in 

goats. 

A dense, clumped, perennial grass growing 

over a metre high. Leaves are blue green, with 

a prominent mid rib. It is a widespread and 

important pasture grass in all the southern and 

eastern states of Australia. 

120 

PINUS HALEPENSIS 


Aleppo pine 







Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; The sudden onset of 

depression together with oedematous 

swelling of the udder and vulva. 

Health and production problems; Abortion 

during the last third of a pregnancy. 



Comments: 

The needles of the tree are poisonous, lopping 

trees or dropping branch trimmings in 

paddocks containing livestock can result in 

abortion outbreaks. 

A conical, open-crowned conifer with an open 

growth of bright green leaves, and ovoid, 

glossy brown cones. Young trees retain their 

glaucous juvenile needles for several years. 

Trees were grown experimentally for timber, 

however, did not do well until their fungal 

partners were also introduced. 

Plants naturalised away from plantations 

became invasive. Useful as ornamental trees, 

or shelter belts in semi arid areas. Shed lower 

branches with age.

PINUS RADIATA 


Radiata pine, monterey pine 





Palatability: High at all times 


Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; The sudden onset of 

depression, together with oedematous 

swelling of the udder and vulva. 

Health and production problems; Abortion 

during the last third of a pregnancy period. 



Comments: 

The needles of the tree are poisonous, lopping 

trees or dropping branch trimmings in 

paddocks containing livestock can result in 

abortion outbreaks. 

A very fast growing conifer, conical when 

young and domed when mature, leaves a bright 

green. 

A tree imported from California for its timber, 

it has a poor ability to tolerate fire, even in 

moderate intensity, and will drop all its 

needles. 

Grown from cuttings and seed. 

A useful tree for windbreaks and shelter belts, 

wind firm and frost resistant. 

121 

POLYPOGON MONSPILIENSIS 


Annual beard grass 







Corynetoxins 

Effects: 


episodic convulsions together with general 



animals may die within hours or days. 


Be aware of potential problems. 

Comments: 

This plant is only affected by this problem in 

particular geographic areas, and then only in 

some years. It is the seed head of the plant that 

can become poisonous. In most situations this 

plant is grazed without causing problems. 

This is a slender, tufted, annual grass, growing 

in the winter, spring period. Flowering is in the 

spring. 

Found in wet, shady, waste areas. Occurs all 

over Australia, although not very profuse.

PORTULACA OLERACEA 


Pigweed, purslane 







Oxalates and nitrates 

Effects: 




Nitrate poisoning causes respiratory 

distress with associated darkening of the 

gums. 


or sometimes recovery. Chronic kidney 

disease with associated ill thrift is possible 

when large amounts of oxalate producing 



May be controlled by cultivation. 

Variable control by herbicides, Group I. 


Comments: 


stock that are unaccustomed to the plant, but 

generally eaten without any ill effects. 

A succulant, prostrate, annual forb, flowering 

in summer. Seeds are spread by wind, water 

and birds. Stems will root on contact with the 

soil, forming dense mats preventing growth of 

other species. 

Common weed of high rainfall areas on the 

east coast, but grows on a wide range of soils. 

The inland form is known as “mungaroo”. 

122 

PROSOPIS SPP 


Mesquite 







Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Severe chronic 

indigestion with progressive weight loss. 

Health and production problems; If unresolved 

this leads to death after many months of 

sickness. 


Grub out, chain at right angles. Try herbicides. 


This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in all 

mainland states. 

Comments: 

This shrub is only poisonous when very large 

amounts are eaten for long periods of time. 

There are six species found in Australia, 

imported from America, as shade, shelter and 

fodder plants, but it has become very invasive. 

A straggly, spiny plant, with variable hairy, 

feathery leaves, normally deciduous. A pair of 

spines are usually found above each leaf stalk. 

Bushes vary in height between 1 to 15 metres. 

Bright yellow flowers appear in late spring to 

early autumn, in spiky racemes. Reproduces by 

seed passed in dung, and suckers. 

Fire aids in stimulating seed germination, and 

damage to top growth or surface roots may 

stimulate vegetative shoots. Branches touching 

the ground may take root. Found in gardens, 

stabilised mine dumps, and drainage lines.

RANUNCULUS SPP 


Buttercup 







Ranunculin, a glycocide of protoanamonin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Salivation, inflamation 

(with blistering) of the mouth, limb 

weakness and diarrhoea. 


death within 12 hours of clinical signs. 



Comments: 

The fresh plant can be toxic, but when it is 

dried in hay it does not appear to be toxic. 

There are many varieties of this forb. Flowers 

are usually solitary, bright yellow on a long 

spike. May be annual or perennial, with 

variable leaves. Some are pasture weeds, yet 

others are garden plants. 

Plants grow from a thickened rootstock or 

bulb, to form a rosette, and sometimes a long 

stem with leaves and single flowers. 

Most problems seem to be in the spring, 

however, animals seem to avoid the plant. 

123 

RAPHANUS RAPHANISTRUM 


Wild radish, jointed charlock 







Contains six potential toxins; Indoles, Nitriles, 

Nitrates, Thiocynates, Isothiocynates, and nonprotein 

amino acids 

Effects: 



Nitriles may cause primary liver damage 

with secondary photosensitization and/or 


and dullness. 


sudden death. 

Thiocyanates may cause goitre in kids born 




constipation. 





Slash to prevent flowering and seeding. 

Wick wipe or spot spray with Group C or I 

herbicide. Spray graze using goats to eat 

weeds. 


NSW, South Australia and West Australia. 

Comments: 

This weed, like the closely related Brassica 

group, is commonly eaten without causing any 

ill effects. Taints milk.

RESEDA SPP 


Wild mignonette, dyer’s weed 







Thio-oxazolidines 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Kids born with enlarged 

thyroids. 

Health and production problems; Goitre in 

kids born to does grazing the plant. 


Hand pull seedlings, do not cultivate. 

Repeatedly mow before flowering. 

Use herbicides. Can be controlled by actively 

growing pasture. 


Tasmania and parts of NSW. 

Comments: 

Seeds are the main source of the antithyroid 

compounds. 

The plant germinates in autumn and forms a 

rosette. An erect annual or biennial forb, 

growing to about 1.5 metres high. Stems are 

erect, ribbed and unbranched. Leaves from the 

rosette are long, shiny and alternate. Flowers 

are yellow and white in a spike like cluster at 

the end of the stem. 

A weed of neglected areas and cereal stubble, 

lucerne and new pastures. Competes with 

pasture and crops for nutrient and moisture. 

“Dyers Weed”, produces a distinctive yellow 

dye, used in the wool industry in the Middle 

Ages, and even now in the cottage industry. 

124 

RICINUS COMMUNIS 


Caster oil plant 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle, horses, pigs 

and poultry 

Palatability: Moderate at all times 


Uncertain, possibly the toxic protein ricin 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Inappetance, abdominal 

discomfort, dullness, weakness, diarrhoea, 

sometimes a rapid loud heart beat with 

trembling and incoordination. 

Health and production problems; Death can 

occur, but recovery over several days is 

more likely. 


Dig out and burn, slash and cultivate. 

Glyphosate on cut stumps, 2,4-D on young 

plants. 


Queensland. 

Comments: 

The seeds of the plant are poisonous, but 

relatively large amounts must be eaten before 

any problems occur. 

A perennial shrub up to 3 metres high, with 

large maple-like leaves, green turning to red as 

they mature. Fruit is an attractive, spiny, 3lobed 

capsule. Flowers and fruits in summer to 

autumn. 

Found in waste areas, creek beds, and 

occasionally as specimen plants in gardens. 

Oil is extracted from the seeds by “cold 

pressing”. When fresh it is quite bland to taste, 

later it becomes acrid and nauseating. 

Originally used as medication, now as a 

liniment, and lubricating agent.

ROBINIA PSEUDOACACIA 


Black locust, robinia tree, false acacia 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle, horses, pigs 

and poultry 



Uncertain, probably a toxic protein 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Inappetance, dullness, 

leg weakness, diarrhoea, cold extremities, 

dilated pupils, weak pulse but loud heart 

beat, and difficulty with breathing. 


days in some cases, but recovery is more 

likely. 



Comments: 

All parts of this tree are potentially poisonous, 

but cases of poisoning are relatively few. 

Wilted leaves, young shoots, seeds and inner 

bark are toxic. Horses in particular are at risk. 

An erect, tall, spreading, thorny tree, with dark 

furrowed bark, up to 15 metres high. Large 

light green leaves, composed of up to 15 

leaflets, with spines at the base of the leaf 

stalks. Flowers are white and pea-shaped, on 

long panicles, during spring to early summer. 

Fruit is a broad, flat reddish pod. 

A useful tree for windbreaks, shade and gully 

erosion control. Drought resistant, but tends to 

sucker and form thorny thickets. An excellent 

fodder tree. 

125 

RUMEX SPP 


Sorrel, dock weeds 







Oxalates 

Effects: 








periods. 


Herbicides which kill sorrel will also kill 

legumes and grass. Herbicide, Group I, for 

actively growing plants when most have 

reached the early bud stage. 

Comments: 



but are frequently eaten without any ill effects. 

Erect perennials, with extensive root systems, 

forming rosettes. Forms a lot of seed, which 

remains viable for many years. 

Very persistent weeds, spread vegetatively and 

by seed. Most are natives of Europe and Asia. 

Competitive weeds of crops and pastures. 

Causes yield reduction in crops, and will 

smother and kill other seedlings.

SALSOLA KALI 


Soft roly poly, prickly salt wort, buckbush, 

tumbleweed 







Oxalates 

Effects: 



collapse, and rapid death. 





periods. 


Do not overgraze pastures. 


Comments: 


in hungry stock that are unaccustomed to it, 

but is generally eaten without any ill effects 

occurring. 

An erect annual shrub, up to a metre high and 

wide, with rigid stems, and rigid fleshy 

alternate leaves, which are cylindrical and 

linear. Small white to pale mauve flowers 

during spring. 

The plant is quite edible when young, but less 

so as it matures. Old plants are avoided by 

stock, and they break off and roll away. 

Often the first to recolonise after drought on 

sandy and salty ground. A weed of disturbed 

ground and roadsides, in all mainland states. 

126 

SALVIA REFLEXA 


Mintweed 







Nitrates 

Effects: 






Cultivation, spray graze and summer cropping. 

Use herbicide “Group I”. 

Comments: 


stock that are unaccustomed to eating it, but 

generally it is eaten without any ill effects. 

An erect, branching, green-grey annual forb, 

with square stems, growing up to 60 cms high. 

Leaves are opposite and rather soft. Flowers 

are small and bluish, in the upper leaf axils, 

from spring to autumn. Has a minty odour 

when crushed. 

Takes over heavily grazed or weakened 

pasture, also a weed of crops. The main danger 

is from hayed-off plants in winter, when the 

plants have lost their characteristic odour. 

Found in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Not 

readily eaten by stock because of the smell.

SCLEROLAENA BIRCHII 


Galvanised burr 







Oxalates 

Effects: 








periods. 


Collect and burn all plants and seeds. Deep 

cultivate and fertilise to redevelop pasture. 

Control by herbicides, crop rotation and 

pasture improvement may not be economical 

in low rainfall grazing areas. Herbicide, Group 

I. 



NSW, Queensland and South Australia. 

Comments: 


hungry stock that are unaccustomed to it , but 

is generally eaten without any ill effects. 

A native shrub, about a metre high and wide, 

which can get out of control after drought. A 

short-lived perennial, lasting 2-4 years, with 

grey-green inconspicuous leaves. Spread is 

due to overgrazing, or drought, in the drier 

areas. 

127 

SCLEROLAENA MURICATA 


Fivespined saltbush, black rolypoly 





Palatability: Eaten when young 


Oxalates 

Effects: 








periods. 


Apply herbicide, Group I, only to actively 

growing plants after good soaking rain. Wet 

thoroughly. Prevent seeding, hoe in before 

flowering. 

Spot spray seedlings, use goats to graze the 

weed. 


Queensland and parts of NSW. 

Comments: 


hungry stock that are unaccustomed to it, but is 

generally eaten without any ill effects 

occurring. 

A native shrub. Short-lived, densely branched 

perennial, up to a metre high, and wide. Leaves 

a bluish green, and the burrs have five spines. 

This plant may reduce wind damage and 

erosion. The old bushes break off near the 

ground, and roll with the wind. Occurs over 

large tracts of semi-arid eastern Australia.

SILYBUM MARIANUM 


Variegated thistle 







Nitrates 

Effects: 






Slash, plough and cultivate, sow to competitive 

pasture. Use herbicide Group B or I. 

Wilted plants may cause nitrate poisoning, do 

not spray graze. 



NSW, and all other states. 

Comments: 





An annual or biennial forb, leaves are large 

with white streaks along the veins, and spiny 

margins, flowers are single, purple, and large, 

on branched stems, in spring and summer. 

Selective summer grazing prevents seed head 

development. Seedlings can grow into rosettes 

one metre in diameter before the flowering 

stems develop. 

Occurs in damp, disturbed areas and on waste 

ground, stock yards and old camps. 

128 

SOLANUM CAROLINENSE 


Carolina horse nettle 







Steroidal alkaloid glycocides, notably solanine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Profuse diarrhoea and 

profound nervous depression. 

Health and production problems; There can be 

significant weight loss and eventually 

death, possibly due to heart failure, after 7- 

14 days of sickness. 


Herbicides and cropping management of sugar 

cane crops. 


Comments: 

Ripe fruits are the most poisonous part of the 

plant. Goats are somewhat more tolerant of 

Solanum species than other ruminants. 

A perennial weed in tropical pastures. 

Nuisance weed in sugar cane crops.

SOLANUM ELAEAGNIFOLIUM 


Silverleaf nightshade, white nightshade 







Steroidal alkaloid glycocides, notably 

solasodine 

Effects: 





death, possibly due to heart failure, after 7 

to 14 days of sickness. 


Difficult to control by mechanical or chemical 

methods, cultivation stimulates root growth. 


Herbicide Group I, at late flowering stage, 

respray may be necessary. 

This is a declared “Noxious Weed” in most 

parts of Australia. 

Comments: 




An erect, summer growing perennial with a 

vigorous root and rhizome system. Leaves are 

light green covered with fine hairs, giving the 

plant a silvery appearance. Flowers are a 

violet-blue in spring to summer, and the fruit is 

an orange, globular berry. Sharp needle-like 

spines occur, mainly on the stems. 

A major weed of crops and pastures. Give 

goats “time-out” if there is heavy infestation of 

this weed. Mineral salt licks are generally 

needed. 

129 

SOLANUM HERMANNII 


Apple of sodom 







Hydroxycholecalciferols 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Weight loss, bony 

changes, eventually respiratory difficulties. 

Health and production problems; Chronic ill 

thrift hence reduced productivity. 


Prevent seeding. Grub out and burn. 

Use herbicides and spot spray. Group I. 


South Australia and Western Australia. 

Comments: 

The consumption of large amounts of this plant 

over a long period can cause a chronic form of 

vitamin D toxicity, hence signs and symptoms 

of excessive calcium deposition and 

insufficient phosphorus and magnesium intake. 

A spreading, thorny shrub, growing up to 1.5 

metres high, reproducing by bird and animal 

dispersed seed. Germination is enhanced by 

the removal of older plants. 

Leaves are deeply lobed and prickly, as are the 

stems. Flowers are pale purple, in clusters, 

fruits are yellow berries, turning brown/black 

on maturity. 

Occurs in coastal areas and southern plains of 

NSW, and in all other states. Found by 

roadsides, wastelands and pastures, where it is 

a harbour for rabbits.

SOLANUM LACINIATUM 


Kangaroo apple 







Steroidal alkaloid glucocides, notably 

solasodine 

Effects: 









Comments: 




An annual or perennial forb, with sparse, 

drooping, deep green leaves and no prickles. 

Flowers are violet with yellow centres, and the 

berries are green, changing to orange, like a 

small tamarillo. 

A source of corticosteroid drugs, and the base 

of oral contraceptives. One of the major 

medicinal herbs, its benefits are important 

world-wide. 

130 

SOLANUM MAURITIANUM 


Wild tobacco tree, tobacco bush 







Steroidal alkaloid glycocides of the solanine 

group 

Effects: 








Grub out, use herbicides. 

Foliar spray for small plants, cut stump 

treatment for larger trees. 

Comments: 




An erect shrub up to 5 metres high. Leaves are 

yellowish-green, velvety and covered with fine 

hairs. Flowers are lavender blue, in stalked 

bunches during summer. 

Found on the north and central coast of NSW, 

along river banks, and as dense forests on 

neglected pasture.

SOLANUM ROSTRATUM 


Buffalo burr, pincushion nightshade 

colorado burr 




Potentially toxic to sheep, cattle and pigs 



Probably steroidal alkaloid glucosides 

Effects: 





Prevent seeding, grub out or cultivate. 

Spot spray seedlings, herbicide Group I. 


parts of NSW, and West Australia. 

Comments: 

All parts of the plant are poisonous, but 

particularly the ripe fruits. 

A prickly annual herb growing to a metre high, 

grey-green, hairy, becoming woody with 

maturity. Leaves are deeply lobed, flowers are 

yellow in clusters of 10, fruit is a blackish 

berry. 

Occurs in southern and eastern Australia, a 

minor weed of pastures. The plant is too 

prickly to eat, and it contributes to a vegetable 

fault in fleece. 

The plant is also a contaminant of cereal grain. 

The original host to the Colorado Beetle, so 

destructive to potatoes. 

131 

SOLANUM STURTIANUM 


Thargomindah nightshade 







Uncertain, possibly solasonine 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Profuse diarrhoea, and 








Comments: 

Ripe fruits are the most poisonous parts of the 



A slender, erect shrub growing to about a 

metre high and grey-green in colour. The 

stems may have prickles, leaves are long, 

narrow and greenish, covered with down. 

Flowers are showy, in clusters, bluish purple 

with yellow stamens, flowering most of the 

year. The pods are blackish and fleshy. 

Occurs in most parts of Australia in arid areas, 

in small clumps, on stony soils.

SOLANUM TORVUM 


Devil’s fig 







Hydroxycholecalciferols 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Weight loss, bony 

changes, eventually respiratory difficulties. 

Health and production problems; Chronic ill 

thrift hence reduced productivity. 




Queensland. 

Comments: 

The consumption of large amounts of this plant 

over a long period can cause a chronic form of 

vitamin D toxicity, hence the signs and 

symptoms of excessive calcium deposition and 

insufficient phosphorus and magnesium 

uptake. 

132 

SONCHUS SPP 


Sowthistle, milk thistle 







Nitrates 

Effects: 






Use glyphosate, and goats to eat the weeds. 

Comments: 





An upright annual forb, growing up to 40 cms 

high. Leaves and stems are bluish green, and 

stems are hollow, with a milky sap. Most 

leaves are found around the base of the stem, 

forming a basal rosette. They are broad, and 

irregularly lobed. Flowers have yellow florets 

and produce white thistle down, mostly in 

spring. 

A weed of pastures, cultivation and wetlands, 

growing during the cooler months, and die 

after flowering. Grows on most soil types, and 

in most communities, including gardens. 

Readily eaten by all livestock, used as stock 

feed, and as salad greens.

TERMINALIA OBLONGATA 


Yellow-wood 







Hydrolysable tannins 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Dark brown urine, 

depression, limb stiffness, and eventually 

sudden bouts of prostration with trembling. 

Health and production problems; Can result in 

sudden deaths, or in those animals that 

develop chronic kidney damage, long term 

ill thrift. 


Trees can be destroyed by fire, but are difficult 

to control with herbicides. 


Comments: 

Only causes problems when it becomes the 

major feed source for many weeks at a time. 

Semi deciduous tree, up to 12 metres tall. 

Leaves are narrow, thin, finely veined, pale 

green and alternate, towards the ends of 

branches. Flowers are small and 

inconspicuous. Fruits are flat and winged. 

Grows in central to coastal Queensland. 

Animals are usually affected during heavy leaf 

fall, or when suckers are browsed during 

drought. 

133 

TRACHYANDRA DIVARICATA 


Branched onion weed 







Unknown 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Hind limb weakness with 

knuckling of the fetlocks. 

Health and production problems; A 

chronically debilitating and progressive 

locomotor disorder that results in weight 

loss and eventually recumbency and death. 


Comments: 

This plant only seems to be poisonous when it 

is eaten in large amounts for many months at a 

time.

No. 2467 Cenchrus spp 


No. 2512 Chloris spp 


134 

No. 4590 Chenopodium album 


No. 5712 Cirsium vulgare 

NSW AGRICULTURE

UROCHLOA PANICOIDES 


Liverseed grass 







Nitrates 

Effects: 







Herbicide, Group D. 

Comments: 



but are generally eaten without any ill effects. 

A loose, tufted to semi-prostrate, annual grass, 

often forming a dense sward, growing up to 60 

cms high, with light green, hairy leaves. A 

summer active grass, usually germinating after 

spring-summer rains. 

Often found on neglected land, roadsides, foot 

paths and stock yards. Under normal 

conditions the plant is not dangerous, but when 

it is wilted, or in overcast weather, poisoning 

can occur. Tends to disintegrate when dry. 

Commonly found in Queensland. 

135 

VENTILAGO VIMINALIS 


Supplejack 







Hydrolysable tannins 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Dark brown urine, 

depression, limb stiffness and eventually 

sudden bouts of prostration with trembling. 

Health and production problems; Can result in 

sudden deaths, or in those animals that 

develop chronic kidney damage, long term 

ill thrift. 



Comments: 

Only causes problems when it becomes the 

major feed source for many weeks at a time. 

Starts life as a woody climber, often several 

stems intertwined. Eventually grows to a 

shapely tree about 6 metres high, and 9 metres 

across. It has a dense crown, and many 

spreading branches. Leaves are dark green and 

narrow, with a lighter mid vein. Flowers are 

small, in panicles, in the leaf axils, spring to 

summer. 

Drought resistant, readily eaten, and of 

moderate nutritional value , it suckers freely 

and is therefore a useful fodder tree.

ZANTEDESCHIA AETHIOPICA 


Arum lily, cattle lily 







Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals 

Effects: 

Signs and symptoms; Sudden swelling of the 

tongue and throat, acute gastro-enteritis. 


hours, or sometimes days. 


GARDEN PLANT OR ESCAPEE 

Mechanical removal of rhizomes, spray with 

herbicide in spring before flowering begins. 



Comments: 

A garden plant or garden escapee found around 

areas of habitation. 

A genus of tuberous perennials, grown for 

their erect spathes, each enclosing a finger 

shaped spadex. Flowering in winter to spring. 

Competes with pastures for light, space and 

nutrients. A native of South Africa. 

136

No. 29 Lactuca serriola 



No. 5332 Ricinus communis 


137 

No. 16 Raphanus raphanistrum 



No. 3323 Robinia pseudoacacia 

NSW AGRICULTURE

138 

The palatability* of weeds (not necessarily endemic to Australia) to goats when the 

weeds are grown in Australia. 

H = high; M = moderate; L = low; N = not known to be eaten. 

*palatability where T = toxic; N = nil (not eaten); L = low palatability; M = moderate 

palatability; H = high palatability and F = eaten at flowering; R = recent growth, 

regrowth; Pd = physical damage caused by goats 


Acacia aneura 

Acacia escelsa 

Acacia farnesiana 

Acacia georginae 

Acacia glaucescens 

Acacia karoo 

Acacia mearnsii 

Acacia nilotica 

Acacia homalophylla 

Acacia paradoxa 

Acaena ovina 

Acetosa sagittata 

Aconitum napellus 

Acroptilon repens 

Adonis microcarpa 

Aesculus spp 

Agapanthus spp 

Agave spp 

Ageratina adenophora 

Ageratum houstonianum 

Ageratum riparia 


Ailanthus altissima 

Alhagi pseudalhagi 

Allium spp 

Alocasia macrorrhiza 

Alternanthera pungens 

Amaranthus spp 

Amaryllis belladonna 

Ambrosia artemisiifolia 

Ambrosia confertiflora 

Ambrosia psilostachya 

Ambrosia tenuifolia 

Ammi majus 

Amsinckia spp 

Andropogon virginicus 

Angophora spp 

Anredera cordifolia 

Anthemis cotula 

Apophyllum anomalum 

Araujia hortorum 

Arctotheca calendula 

H 

M 

M 

L 

M 

L 

H F 

M 

M 

M 

M 

H 

N 

M 

N 

M 

L 

L 

M 

M 

M 

M 

L 

M 

L 

N 

L 

M 

L 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

L 

M R 

M 

L 

L 

H 

M 

H 

Argemone mexicana 

Aristida spp 

Asclepias spp 

Asclepias curassavica 

Asphodelus fistulosus 

Atalaya hemiglauca 

Atriplex spp 

Atropa belladonna 

Avena spp 

Baccharis halimifolia 

Bambusa spp 

Bidens spp 

Brachychiton populneus 

Brassica spp 

Brugmansia candida 


Bursaria spinosa 

Buxus spp 

Caesalpinia spp 

Calandrina spp 

Calicotome spinosa 

Callitris columellaris 

Callitris endlicheri 

Calotropis procera 

Cannabis sativa 

Capparis mitchellii 

Capsella bursa-pastoris 

Cardaria draba 

Cardiospermum spp 

Carduus nutans 

Carduus pycnocephalus 

Carex spp 

Carthamus lanatus 

Carthamus leucocaulos 

Cassia artemisioides 


Cassia barclayana 

Cassia floribunda 

Cassia obtusifolia 

Cassia occidentalis 

Cassinia arcuata 

Cassinia quinquefaria 

N 

M 

N 

N 

N 

H 

M 

N 

H 

H 

H R 

H 

H 

H 

N 

L 

H 

N 

N 

H 

M 

H 

H 

L 

H 

H 

M 

L 

N 

M F 

M F 

M F 

M F 

M F 

L 

N 

M 

M 

H 

H 

L 

H

139 


Castanospermum australe 

Casuarina cristata 

Cenchrus echinatus 

Cenchrus spp 

Centaurea melitensis 

Centaurea nigra 

Centaurea solstitialis 

Cestrum spp 

Chamaecytisus proliferus 

Cheilanthes spp 

Chenopodium spp 

Chloris spp 

Chondrilla juncea 


monilifera 

Cichorium intybus 

Cineraria lyrata 

Cinnamomum camphora 

Cirsium arvense 


Citrullus colocynthis 

Citrullus lanatus 

Codonocarpus spp 

Conium maculatum 

Consolida ambigua 

Convallaria majalis 

Convolvulus arvensis 

Conyza albida 

Coreopsis lanceolata 

Cortaderia spp 

Cotoneaster spp 

Cotula australis 

Craspedia spp 

Crataegus spp 

Crotolaria spp 

Cryptostegia grandiflora 

Cucumis myriocarpus 

Cuscuta spp 

Cycas spp 

Cynara cardunculus 

Cynodon spp 

Cyperus aromaticus 

Cyperus rotundus 

Cytisus scoparius 

Danthonia spp 

Daphne spp 

Datura stramonium 


Dieffenbachia spp 

Digitalis purpurea 

Diplotaxis tenuifolia 

N 

H 

M R 

M R 

L 

M 

M F 

L 

H 

L 

H 

M R 

M R 

H 

M 

M 

H 

M F 

M F 

M 

L 

L 

M 

N 

N 

H 

H 

M 

H R 

M 

M 

M F 

M 

L 

L 

M 

H 

L 

H F 

M 

M F 

L F 

H 

H 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

M F 

Dittrichia graveolens 

Dodonaea attenuata 

Dodonaea viscosa 

Duboisia spp 

Ecballium elaterium 

Echium plantagineum 

Echium vulgare 

Emex australis 


Eragrostis curvula 

Eremophila longifolia 

Eremophila mitchellii 

Eremocarpus setiger 

Eremophila sturtii 

Erodium spp 

Erythrina spp 

Erythrophleum spp 

Erythroxylum coca 

Eucalyptus albens 

Eucalyptus cladocalyx 

Eucalyptus melliodora 

Eucalyptus polyanthemos 

Eucalyptus populnea 

Euphorbia spp 

Foeniculum vulgare 

Froelichia floridana 

Galenia pubescens 

Gastrolobium spp 

Gaura parviflora 

Geijera parviflora 

Gelsemium sempervirens 

Genista linifolia 

Genista monspessulana 

Gleditisia triacanthos 

Gloriosa superba 

Gnaphalium spp 

Gomphocarpus spp 

Gomphrena globosa 

Gorteria personata 

Haloragis aspera 


Heliotropium europaeum 

Helleborus niger 

Heterodendrum oleifolium 

Hibiscus trionum 

Hirschfeldia incana 

Homeria spp 

Hordeum leporinum 

Hydrangea spp 

Hyparrhenia hirta 

Hypericum androsaemum 

M R 

H 

M F 

N 

N 

M F 

H F 

M 

M 

H R 

H 

L 

N 

N 

M F 

H 

N 

M 

M F 

L 

M R 

M F 

L 

N 

M 

M 

M 

L 

M 

L 

N 

H 

H 

H 

N 

L 

N 

M 

H 

H 

L 

N 

N 

H 

M 

M R 

L 

M 

N 

H 

L

140 


Hypericum perforatum 

Hypericum tetrapterum 

Hypericum triquetrifolium 

Hypochaeris radicata 

Ibicella lutea 

Ilex spp 

Imperata cylindrica 

Ipomoea lonchophylla 

Ipomoea plebeia 

Ipomoea purpurea 

Ipomoea spp 

Iva axillaris 

Ixiolaena brevicompta 

Jatropha curcas 

Juncus acutus 

Juncus spp 

Laburnum spp 

Lactuca serriola 

Lantana camara 

Lathyrus odoratus 

Laurel spp 

Lavandula stoechas 

Lepidium spp 

Leucaena spp 

Leucanthemum vulgare 

Ligustrum lucidum 

Ligustrum sinense 

Lolium spp 

Lomandra longifolia 

Lonicera japonica 

Lycium ferocissimum 

Macfadyena unguis-cati 

Macrozamia spp 

Maireana spp 

Malva parviflora 

Malvella leprosa 

Marrubium vulgare 

Marsilea drummondii 

Medicago falcata 

Medicago sativa 

Melia azedarach 

Melianthus comosus 

Melilotus albus 

Muehlenbeckia spp 

Myagrum perfoliatum 

Myoporum spp 

Nassella neesiana 

Nassella trichotoma 

Nerium oleander 

Nicandra physalodes 


M 

M 

M 

F 

N 

L 

H R 

M 

M 

H 

M 

M 

N 

N 

F 

M F 

N 

H 

H 

N 

M 

M 

M F 

M 

M 

H 

H 

H 

L 

H 

M 

N 

N 

M 

L 

M 

H F 

N 

H 

H 

M 

N 

M 

H 

H 

M 

M 

M R 

N 

M F 

M 

Olea europaea 

Olearia elliptica 

Onopordum acanthium 

Onopordum acaulon 

Onopordum illyricum 

Opuntia inermis 

Opuntia stricta 

Owenia acidula 

Oxalis latifolia 

Oxalis pes-caprae 

Papaver somniferum 

Parkinsonia aculeata 

Parthenium hysterophorus 

Peganum harmala 

Pennisetum clandestinium 

Pennisetum macrourum 

Pennisetum villosum 

Pentzia suffruticosa 

Persea americana 


Persicaria spp 

Phalaris minor 

Phragmites australis 

Phyla canescens 

Physalis virginiana 

Physalis viscosa 

Phytolacca octandra 

Pimelea curviflora 


Pinus radiata 

Poa labillardieri 

Polygonum aviculare 

Polypogon monspeliensis 

Portulaca oleracea 

Proboscidea louisianica 

Prosopis spp 

Prunus spp 

Pteridium esculentum 

Pyracantha spp 

Ranunculus spp 

Raphanus raphanistrum 

Rapistrum rugosum 

Reseda spp 

Rhododendron spp 

Ricinus communis 

Robinia pseudoacacia 

Romulea rosea 

Rosa canina 

Rosa rubiginosa 

Rubus fruiticosus 

Rumex acetosella 

M 

M 

M F 

M F 

M F 

L 

L 

H 

L 

M 

L 

M 

M 

N 

H 

M R 

M R 

L 

N 

M 

M 

H 

M F 

L 

L 

M F 

M 

N 

M 

H 

M 

M 

M 

L 

L 

H 

H 

L Pd 

H 

L 

H 

H 

L 

L 

M 

M 

M 

H 

H 

H 

M

141 


Rumex brownii 

Rumex conglomeratus 

Rumex crispus 

Rumex obtusifolius 

Rumex pulcher 

Salsola kali 

Salvia reflexa 

Schinus spp 

Sclerolaena birchii 

Sclerolaena muricata 

Scolymus hispanicus 

Senecio jacobaea 

Senecio madagascariensis 

Senecio pterophorus 

Senecio quadridentatus 

Senecio vulgaris 

Senna artemisioides 

Senna barclayana 

Sida acuta 

Sida cordifolia 

Sida rhombifolia 

Silene vulgaris 

Silybum marianum 

Sisymbrium officinale 

Solanum carolinense 

Solanum cinereum 

Solanum elaeagnifolium 

Solanum hermannii 

Solanum laciniatum 

Solanum marginatum 

Solanum mauritianum 

Solanum nigrum 

Solanum rostratum 

Solanum sturtianum 

Solanum torvum 

Soliva pterosperma 

Sonchus spp 

Sorghum halepense 

Sorghum spp 

Sorghum x almum 

Sporobolus caroli 

Sporobolus indicus 

Sporobolus pyramidalis 


Stypandra glauca 

Stevia eupatoria 

Stipa caudata 

Stipa spp 

Swainsona spp 

Syncarpia glomulifera 

Tagetes minuta 

L 

L 

M 

L 

M R 

M 

M 

H 

M 

M R 

M F 

L 

H F 

L 

H 

H 

L 

M 

M R 

M 

H 

N 

H 

H F 

L 

N 

M 

N 

N 

N 

M 

L 

N 

N 

N 

L 

H 

H 

H 

H R 

M F 

M R 

M R 

M 

L 

L 

M R 

M R 

L 

L 

M 

Taxus baccata 

Terminalia oblongata 

Thevetia peruviana 

Thunbergia grandiflora 

Toxicodendron radicans 

Toxicodendron 

succedaneum 

Trachyandra divaricata 

Trema aspera 

Tribulus terrestris 

Trifolium spp 

Typha spp 

Ulex europaeus 

Urochloa panicoides 

Urtica incisa 

Urtica spp 

Ventilago viminalis 

Verbascum thapsus 

Verbena spp 

Verbena tenuisecta 

Verbesina encelioides 

Watsonia bulbillifera 

Xanthium occidentale 

Xanthium orientale 

Xanthium spinosum 

Zantedeschia aethiopica 

N 

N 

N 

M 

L 

M 

L 

L 

M 

M F 

M 

H 

H 

L 

L 

H 

H F 

H F 

H 

L 

M R 

L 

L 

L 

N

142 

The botanical name for weeds listed by their common name. 

Common Name Botanical Name 

aarons rod Verbascum thapsus 

aconite Aconitum napellus 

afghan melon Citrullus lanatus 

afghan thistle Solanum hoplopetalum 

african boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum 

african daisy Senecio pterophorus 

african feather grass Pennisetum macrourum 

african love grass Eragrostis curvula 

african rue Peganum harmala 

african star grass Cynodon spp 

african thistle Berkheya rigida 

agapanthus Agapanthus spp 

aleppo pine Pinus halepensis 

alkali sida Malvella leprosa 

alocasia Alocasia macrorrhiza 

alkali sida Malvella leprosa 

amaranth Amaranthus spp 

amsinckia Amsinckia spp 

angels trumpet Brugmansia candida 

angophora Angophora spp 

annual beard grass Polypogon monspiliensis 

annual ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia 

annual ryegrass Lolium rigidum 

ant bush Cassia occidentalis 

apple of peru Nicandra physalodes 

apple of sodom Solanum hermannii 

Solanum linnaeamum 

arsenic bush Cassia floribunda 

artichoke thistle Cynara cardunculus 

arum lily Zantedeschia aethiopica 

australian blackthorn Bursaria spinosa 

australian blackthorn Bursaria spinosa 

australian daisy Olearia elliptica 

avocado Persea americana 

badhara bush Gmelina asiatica 

balloon cotton bush Gomphocarpus physcocarpus 

balloon vine Cardiospermum spp 

bamboo Bambusa spp 

barley grass Hordeum leporinum 

batchelors buttons Gomphrena globosa 

bathurst burr Xanthium spinosum 

bay tree Laurel spp 

beggars ticks Bidens spp 

belah Casuarina cristata 

bell vine Ipomoea plebeia 

belladonna lily Amaryllis belladonna 

bifora Bifora testiculata 

billybuttons Craspedia spp 

bimble box Eucalyptus populnea 

bindweed Convolvulus arvensis 

bird of paradise Caesalpinia spp 

bishops weed Ammi majus 

bitou bush Chrysanthemoides monilifera 

bitter apple Citrullus colocynthis 

bitter melon Citrullus lanatus, C. 

colocynthis 

black bean Castanospermum australe 

black bindweed Fallopia convolvulus 

black cyprus pine Callitris endlicheri 

black hellebore Helleborus niger 


black knapweed Centaurea nigra 

black locust Robinia pseudoacacia 

black roly poly Sclerolaena muricata 

black thistle Cirsium vulgare 

black wattle Acacia mearnsii 

blackberry Rubus fruiticosus 

blackberry 

nightshade Solanum nigrum 

bladder campion Silene vulgaris 

bladder ketmia Hibiscus trionum 

blady grass Imperata cylindrica 

blind grass Stypandra glauca 

blown grass Agrostis avenacea 

blue billygoat weed Ageratum houstonianum 

blue bush Maireana spp 

blue heliotrope Heliotropium amplexicaule 

blue trumpet vine Thunbergia grandiflora 

boggabri weed Amaranthus mitchellii 

bokhara clover Melilotus albus 

boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilifera 

boonery Heterodendrum oleifolium 

box hedge Buxus spp 

bracken Pteridium esculentum 

branched onion weed Trachyandra divaricata 

bridal creeper Myrsiphyllum asparagoides 

broadleaf privet Ligustrum lucidum 

broadleaf hop bush Dodonaea viscosa 

broadleaf dock Rumex obtusifolius 

broom Cytisus scoparius 

broomrape Orobanche spp 

broughton pea Swainsona spp 

buchan weed Hirschfeldia incana 

budda Eremophila mitchellii 

buffalo burr Solanum rostratum 

buffel grass Cenchrus spp 

bullock bush Heterodendrum oleifolium 

burr ragweed Ambrosia confertiflora 

burrawang Macrozamia spp 

buttercup Ranunculus spp 

californian burr Xanthium orientale 

californian thistle Cirsium arvense 

calomba daisy Pentzia suffruticosa 

calotrope Calotropis procera 

caltrop Tribulus terrestris 

camel thorn Alhagi pseudalhagi 

camel poison Erythrophleum spp 

camphor laurel Cinnamomum camphora 

canary broom Genista monspessulana 

canegrass Phragmites australis 


cape lilac Melia azedarach 

cape tulips Homeria spp 

caper spurge Euphorbia lathyrus 

capeweed Arctotheca calendula 

carolina horse nettle Solanum carolinense 

carolina jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens 

carpet weed Phyla canescens 

carrot fern Conium maculatum 

carrot weed Cotula australis 

castor oil plant Ricinus communis


cat head Tribulus terrestris 

caterpillar weed Heliotropium europaeum 

cats claw creeper Macfadyena unguis-cati 

cat's ear Hypochoeris radicata 

cattle bush Atalaya hemiglauca 

cattle lily Zantedeschia aethiopica 

century plant Agave spp 

chicory Cichorium intybus 

chilean needle grass Nassella neesiana 

chinese apple Ziziphus maruiitania 

chinese privet Ligustrum sinense 

chinese shrub Cassinia arcuata 

christmas bells Bryophyllum spp 

christmas rose Helleborus niger 

cineraria Cineraria lyrata 

climbing buckwheat Fallopia convolvulus 

climbing lily Gloriosa superba 

clockweed Gaura parviflora 

clovers Trifolium spp 

clustered dock Rumex conglomeratus 

coastal myall Acacia glaucescens 

cobblers peg Bidens pilosa 

cockle burr Zanthium spp 

cockspur Centaurea melitensis 

coca leaf Erythroxylaceae coca 

coffee senna Cassia occidentalis 

colocynth Citrullus colcynthis 

colorado burr Solanum rostratum 

columbus grass Sorghum X almum 

common fern Pteridum esculentum 

common groundsel Senecio vulgaris 

common prickly pear Opuntia stricta 

common reed Phragmites australis 

common sensitive 

plant Mimosa pudica 

compass plant Lactuca serriola 

cooktown ironwood Erythrophleum spp 

coolatai grass Hyparrhenia hirta 

coral plant Jatropha curcas 

coral tree Erythrina spp 

coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata 

corkwood Erythrina spp 

corn chamomile Anthemis cotula 

cotoneaster Cotoneaster spp 

cotton fireweed Senecio quadridentatus 

cotton tails Froelichia floridana 

couch Cynodon dactylon 

cowvine Ipomoea lonchophylla 

creeping knapweed Acroptilon repens 

crofton weed Ageratina adenophora 

crowfoot Erodium spp 

crow garlic Allium vineale 

crown beard Verbesina encelioides 

cruel plant Araujia hortorum 

cudweed Gnaphalium spp 

cumbungi Typha spp 

cunjevoi Alocasia macrorrhiza 

curled dock Rumex crispis 

cut-leaf mignonette Reseda lutea 

cyprus pine Callitris columellaris 

daisy chain Arctotheca calendula 

dalmation toadflex Linaria dalmatica 

daphne Daphne spp 

darling pea Swainsona spp 

143 


deadly nightshade Atropa belladonna 

delphinium Delphinium spp 

dense cassia Cassia artemisioides 

desert cassia Cassia eremophila 

desert poison bush Gastrolobium grandiflorum 

devils claw purple Proboscidea louisianica 

devils claw yellow Ibicella lutea 

devils fig Solanum torvum 

dock Rumex spp 

dodder Cuscuta spp 

dog rose Rosa canina 

dogwood Cassinia quinquefaria 

double gee Emex australis 

doveweed Eremocarpus setiger 

duck bush Gomphcarpus spp 

dumbcane Dieffenbachia spp 

duranta Duranta repens 

elephants' foot Elephantopus mollis 

emu bush Eremophila longifolia 

Myopordum desertii 

english yew Taxus baccata 

espartillo Stipa caudata 

fairy grass Sporobolus caroli 


false acacia Robinia pseudoacacia 

false caper Euphorbia terracina 

false castor oil Datura stramonium 

farmers friend Bidens spp 

fat hen Chenopodium album 

feather top Pennisetum villosum 

fennel Foeniculum vulgare 

fiddle dock Rumex pulcher 

fiddleneck Amsinckia spp 

fireweed Senecio madagascariensis 

fivespined saltbush Sclerolaena muricata 

flannel weed Sida cordifolia 

flat billy buttons Ixiolaena brevicompta 

flatweed Hypochaeris radicata 

flax-leaved broom Genista linifolia 

flax weed Pimelea curviflora 

foxglove Digitalis purpurea 

galenia Galenia pubescens 

galvanised burr Sclerolaena birchii 

georgina gidgee Acacia georginae 

geraldton carnation Euphorbia terracina 

giant bramble Rubus alceaefolius 

giant parramatta 

grass Sporobolus indicus 

giant rats tail Sporobolus pyramidalis 

giant sensitive plant Mimosa invisa 

giant sensitive tree Mimosa pigra 

gidgee Acacia cambagei 

glaucous star thistle Carthamus leucocaulos 

globe amaryth Gomphrena globosa 

glory lily Gloriosa superba 

goats rue Gelega officinalis 

goat weed Hypericum perforatum 

golden chain Laburnum spp 

golden dewdrop Duranta repens 

golden thistle Scolymus hispanicus 

gold weed Verbesina encelioides 

gomphrena weed Gomphrena celosioides 

gorse Ulex europaeus 

gorteria Gorteria personata


great brome Bromus diandrus 

great mullein Verbascum thapsus 

green cestrum Cestrum parqui 

groundsel bush Baccharis halimifolia 

gruie Owenia acidula 

guildford grass Romulea rosea 

hard head thistle Acroptilon repens 

hawthorn Crataegus spp 

heart-leaf poison Gastrolobium spp 

hedge mustard Sisymbrium officinale 

heeps burr Acaena ovina 

heliotrope Heliotropium europaeum 

hemlock Conium maculatum 

hexham scent Melilotus indicus 

hoary cress Cardaria draba 

holly Ilex aquifolium 

honey locust tree Gleditisia triacanthos 

honeysuckle Lonicera japonica 

horehound Marrubium vulgare 

horse chestnut Aesculus spp 

horse nettle Solanum spp 

horse radish tree Codonocarpus spp 

horsetail Equisetum arvense 

horse weed Ambrosia artemisiifolia 

hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 

illyrian thistle Onopordum illyricum 

indian hawthorn Pyracantha spp 

indian hemp Cannabis sativa 

indian jujube Ziziphus mauritiania 

inkweed Phytolacca octandra 

ironweed Acacia escelsa 

Amsinckia spp 

ironwood Acacia escelsa 

ivy-leaf sida Malvella leprosa 

jerusalem thorn Parkinsonia aculeata 

jimmy burn Bursaria spinosa 

jimson weed Datura stramonium 

jo-jo Soliva pterosperma 

johnson grass Sorghum halepense 

jointed charlock Raphanus raphanistrum 

kangaroo apple Solanum laciniatum 

kangaroo thorn Acacia paradoxa 

karoo thorn Acacia karoo 

khaki weed Alternanthera pungens 

kikuyu grass Pennisetum clandestinum 

kings crown Calotropis procera 

knotweed Polygonum aviculare 

kurrajong Brachychiton populneus 

laburnam Laburnam spp 

lacy ragweed Ambrosia tenuifolia 

lantana Lantana camara 

larkspur Consolida ambigua 


lavender Lavandula stoechas 

lesser canary grass Phalaris minor 

leucaena Leucaena spp 

lignum Muehlenbeckia spp 

lily of the valley Convallaria majalis 

lippia Phyla canescens 

liverseed grass Urochloa panicoides 

longstyle feather 

grass Pennisetum villosum 

lucerne Medicago sativa 

lucerne tree Chamaecytisus proliferus 

144 


ludwigia Ludwigia peruviana 

madeira vine Anredera cordifolia 

marijuana Cannabis sativa 

marshmallow Malva parviflora 

mat rush Lomandra longifolia 

maynes pest Verbena tenuisecta 

mesquite Prosopis spp 

mexican poppy Argemone mexicana 

milk thistle Sonchus spp 

milkweed Euphorbia heterophylla 

mimosa bush Acacia farnesiana 

mintweed Salvia reflexa 


mission bells Bryophyllum spp 

mistflower Ageratum riparia 

mitre cress Myagrum perfoliatum 

monkshood Aconitum napellus 

monterey pine Pinus radiata 

montpellier broom Genista monspessulana 

morning glory Ipomoea purpurea 

moreton bay chestnut Castanospermum australe 

mossman river grass Cenchrus echinatus 

mother of millions Kalanchoe tubiflora 


mothplant Araujia hortorum 

mulga Acacia aneura 

mulga fern Cheilanthes spp 

musk thistle Carduus nutans 

musk weed Myagrum perfoliatum 

mustard Brassica spp 

mysoe thorn Caesalpinia spp 

nardoo Marsilea drummondii 

narrawa burr Solanum cinereum 

narrowleaf cotton Gomphocarpus fruticosus 

narrowleaf hop bush Dodonaea attenuata 

navua sedge Cyperus aromaticus 

nitre bush Chenopodium spp 

nitre goosefoot Chenopodium nitrariacem 

nodding thistle Carduus nutans 

noogoora burr Xanthium occidentale 

nut grass Cyperus rotundus 

oat grass Agrostis avenacea 

oleander Nerium oleander 

olive Olea europaea 

onion grass Romulea rosea 

onion weed Asphodelus fistulosus 

opium poppy Papaver somniferum 

oxalis Oxalis latifolia 

ox-eye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare 

paddy melon Cucumis myriocarpus 

paddys lucerne Sida rhombifolia 

pampas grass Cortaderia spp 

pampas lily of valley Salpichroa origanifolia 

parakeelya Calandrinia spp 

parkinsonia Parkinsonia aculeata 

parthenium weed Parthenium hysterophorus 

patersons curse Echium plantagineum 

peach leaf poison 

bush Trema aspera 

pellitory Parietaria judaica 

pennyroyal Mentha pulegium 

pepper leaved senna Senna barclayana 

pepper tree Schinus spp 

peppercress Lepidium spp


perennial 

groundcherry Physalis virginiana 

perennial ragweed Ambrosia psilostachya 

perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne 

perennial thistle Cirsium arvense 

philodendron Dieffenbachia spp 

physic nut Jatropha curcas 

pigweed Portulaca oleracea 

pimelea Pimelea curviflora 

pitjuri Duboisia hopwoodii 

plum Prunus spp 

poa tussock Poa labillardieri 

poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima 

poison ivy Toxicodendron radicans 

poison sedge Schoenus asperocarpus 

potato bush Solanum nigrum 

potato weed Heliotropium europaeum 

poverty weed Iva axillaris 

prairie ground cherry Physalis viscosa 

prickly acacia Acacia nilotica 

prickly lettuce Lactuca serriola 

prickly pear Opuntia inermis 

prickly saltwort Salsola kali 

punty bush Senna artemisioides 


purge nut Jatropha curcas 

purple top Verbena spp 


purslane Portulaca oleracea 

queen annes lace Ammi majus 

radiata pine Pinus radiata 

radish Brassica spp 

ragwort Senecio jacobaea 

rampion mignonette Reseda phyteuma 

rape Brassica spp 

raspwort Haloragis aspera 

rattlepods Crotolaria spp 

red box Eucalyptus polyanthemos 

red chamomile Adonis microcarpa 

red root Amaranthus spp 

redhead cotton bush Asclepias curassavica 

rhododendron Rhododendron spp 

rhus tree Toxicodendron succedaneum 

riceflower Pimelea curviflora 

rock fern Cheilanthes spp 

rosewood Heterodendrum oleifolium 

rubber bush Calotropis procera 

rubber vine Cryptostegia grandiflora 

rushes Juncus spp 

rusty fig tree Ficus rubignosa 

ryegrass Lolium spp 

saffron thistle Carthamus lanatus 

saltbush Atriplex spp 

sally wattle Acacia glaucescens 

salvation jane Echium plantagineum 

sand rocket Diplotaxis tenuifolia 

scented cassia Cassia eremophila 

scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium 


scrub nettle Urtica incisa 

sedge Carex spp 

senna barclayana Cassia barclayana 

serrated tussock Nassella trichotoma 

sheeps burr Acaena ovina 

145 


shepherds purse Capsella bursa-pastoris 

shore thistle Carduus pycnocephalus 

sickle pod Cassia obtusifolia 

sifton bush Cassinia arcuata 

silk forage sorghum Sorghum spp 

silver cassia Cassia artemisioides 

silverleaf nightshade Solanum elaeagnifolium 

skeleton weed Chondrilla juncea 

slender thistle Carduus pycnocephalus 

C. nutans 

small fruited 

pheasants' eye Adonis microcarpa 

small flowered 

mallow Malva parviflora 

small-leaf privet Ligustrum sinense 

smart weed Persicaria spp 

smooth cassia Cassia floribunda 

soft khaki weed Gomphrena celosioides 

soft roly poly Salsola kali 

soldier thistle Picnomon acarna 

sorrel Rumex acetosella 

soursob Oxalis pes-caprae 

sowthistle Sonchus spp 

spear grass Stipa spp 

spear thistle Cirsium vulgare 

spiny-head sida Sida acuta 

spiny broom Calicotome spinosa 

spiny burrgrass Cenchrus spp 

spiny cockle burr Xanthium spinosum 

spiny emex Emex australis 

spiny rush Juncus acutus 

spotted golden thistle Scolymus maculatus 

spurge Euphorbia helioscopia 

square stemmed 

hypericum Hypericum tetrapterum 

squirting cucumber Ecballium elaterium 

st barnaby thistle Centaurea solstitialis 

st james wort Senecio jacobaea 

st johns wort Hypericum perforatum 

st peters wort Hypericum tetrapterum 

stagger weed Stachys arvensis 

star thistle Centaurea calcitrapa 

stemless thistle Onopordum acaulon 

stevia Stevia eupatoria 

sticky cape 

gooseberry Physalis viscosa 

stinging nettle Urtica spp 

stinking mayweed Anthemis cotula 

stinking roger Tagetes minuta 

stinkwort Dittrichia graveolens 

storksbill Erodium spp 

strychnine bush Myopordum acuminatum 

sugar gum Eucalyptus cladocalyx 

supplejack Ventilago viminalis 

swamp dock Rumex brownii 

sweet amber Hypericum androsaemum 

sweet briar Rosa rubiginosa 

sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 

tall fleabane Conyza albida 

tangled hypericum Hypericum triquetrifolium 

thargomindah 

nightshade Solanum sturtianum 

thornapples Datura stramonium 

three corner garlic Allium triquetrum


tobacco bush Solanum mauritianum 

tree daffodil Thevetia peruviana 

tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima 

tree tobacco Nicotiana glauca 

tufted honeyflower Melianthus comosus 

turkey bush Myopordum desertii 

turkey mullain Eremocarpus setiger 

turkey rhubarb Acetosa sagittata 

turnip weed Rapistrum rugosum 

turpentine Syncarpia glomulifera 

turpentine bush Eremophila sturtii 

tutsan Hypericum androsaemum 

variegated thistle Silybum marianum 

vetch Lathyrus odoratus 

vipers bugloss Echium vulgare 

wait-a-while Caesalpinia spp 

wallaby grass Danthonia spp 

warrior bush Apophyllum anomalum 

water bush Myoporum acuminatum 

watsonia Watsonia bulbillifera 

wavy leaf st johns 

wort Hypericum triquetrifolium 

whisky grass Andropogon virginicus 

white box Eucalyptus albens 

white cedar Melia azedarach 

white edge 

nightshade Solanum marginatum 

white eye Gomphrena celosioides 

white foxtail Pennisetum macrourum 

white orange Capparis mitchellii 

white weed Cardaria draba 

whitewood Atalaya hemiglauca 

wier vine Ipomoea spp 

wild garlic Allium vineale 

wild melon Citrullus lanatus 

wild mignonette Reseda luteola 

wild oats Avena spp 

wild peach Prunus persica 

wild radish Raphanus raphanistrum 

wild teazel Dipsacus fullonum 

wild tobacco tree Solanum mauritianum 


wild turnip Brassica tournefortii 

wilga Geijera parviflora 

windmill grass Chloris spp 

winter rhodes grass Chloris spp 

wire grass Aristida spp 

wire weed Polygonum aviculare 

wolfsbane Aconitum napellus 

yarran Acacia homalphylla 

yellow box Eucalyptus melliodora 

yellow flower 

lucerne Medicago falcata 

yellow jasmine Gelsemium sempervirens 

yellow oleander Thevetia peruviana 

yellow wood Terminalia oblongata 

zamia Cycas spp 

zamia palm Macrozamia spp 

146

147 

The common name for some Australian weeds. 

Botanical Name Common Name 

Acacia aneura mulga 

Acacia cambagei gidgee 

Acacia escelsa ironwood 

Acacia farnesiana mimosa bush 

Acacia georginae georgina gidgee 

Acacia glaucescens coastal myall, sally wattle 

Acacia karoo karoo thorn 

Acacia mearnsii black wattle 

Acacia nilotica prickly acacia 

Acacia homalophylla yarran 

Acacia paradoxa kangaroo thorn 

Acaena ovina sheeps burr 

Acetosa sagittata turkey rhubarb 

Aconitum napellus monkshood, wolfsbane, 

aconite 

Acroptilon repens hard head thistle, creeping 

knapweed 

Adonis microcarpa red chamomile, small 

fruited pheasant's eye 

Aesculus spp horse chestnut 

Agapanthus spp agapanthus 

Agave spp century plant 

Ageratina adenophora crofton weed 

Ageratum houstonianum blue billygoat weed 

Ageratum riparia mistflower 

Agrostis avenacea blown grass, fairy grass, 

oat grass 

Ailanthus altissima tree of heaven 

Alhagi pseudalhagi camel thorn 

Allium triquetrum three corner garlic 

Allium vineale wild garlic, crow garlic 

Alocasia macrorrhiza cunjevoi, alocasia 

Alternanthera pungens khaki weed 

Amaranthus mitchellii boggabri weed 

Amaranthus spp amaranth, boggabri, red 

root, red shank 

Amaryllis belladonna belladonna lily 

Ambrosia artemisiifolia annual ragweed, horse 

weed 

Ambrosia confertiflora burr ragweed 

Ambrosia psilostachya perennial ragweed 

Ambrosia tenuifolia lacy ragweed 

Ammi majus bishops weed, queen 

anne's lace 

Amsinckia spp amsinckia, iron weed, 

fiddleneck 

Andropogon virginicus whisky grass 

Angophora spp angophora 

Anredera cordifolia madeira vine 

Anthemis cotula stinking mayweed, corn 

chamomile 

Apophyllum anomalum warrior bush 

Araujia hortorum mothplant, cruel plant 

Arctotheca calendula capeweed, daisy chains 

Argemone mexicana mexican poppy 

Aristida spp wire grass 

Asclepias curassavica redhead cotton bush 

Asphodelus fistulosus onion weed 

Atalaya hemiglauca whitewood, cattle bush 

Atriplex spp saltbush 


Atropa belladonna deadly nightshade 

Avena spp wild oats 

Baccharis halimifolia groundsel bush 

Bambusa spp bamboo 

Berkheya rigida african thistle 

Bidens spp cobblers peg, beggar's 

ticks, farmer's friend 

Bifora testiculata bifora 

Bowenia spp zamia palm 

Brachychiton populneus kurrajong 

Brassica spp wild turnip, rape, radish, 

mustard 

Bromus diandrus great brome 

Brugmansia candida angels trumpet 

Bryophyllum spp mother of millions, 

mission bells, christmas 

bell 

Bursaria spinosa jimmy burn, australian 

blackthorn 

Buxus spp box hedge 

Caesalpinia spp bird of paradise, wait-a- 

while, mysol thorn 

Calandrina spp parakeelya 

Calicotome spinosa spiny broom 

Callitris columellaris cyprus pine 

Callitris endlicheri black cyprus pine 

Calotropis procera rubber bush, calotrope, 

kings crown 

Cassinia quinquefaria dogwood 

Cannabis sativa indian hemp, marijuana 

Capparis mitchellii white orange 

Capsella bursa-pastoris shepherds purse 

Cardaria draba hoary cress, white weed 

Cardiospermum spp balloon vine 

Carduus nutans nodding thistle, slender 

thistle, musk thistle 

Carduus pycnocephalus slender thistle, shore 

thistle 

Carex spp sedge 

Carthamus lanatus saffron thistle 

Carthamus leucocaulos glaucous star thistle 

Cassia artemisioides silver cassia, dense cassia 

Cassia barclayana pepper leaved senna, 

senna barclayana 

Cassia eremophila punty bush, desert cassia, 

scented cassia 

Cassia floribunda smooth cassia, arsenic 

bush 

Cassia occidentalis sickle pod, coffee senna, 

ant bush 

Cassinia arcuata sifton bush, chinese shrub 

Castanospermum 

australe black bean, moreton bay 

chestnut 

Casuarina cristata belah 

Cenchrus echinatus mossman river grass 

Cenchrus spp spiny burrgrass, buffel 

grass, mossman river grass 

Centaurea calcitrapa star thistle 

Centaurea melitensis cockspur


Centaurea nigra black knapweed 

Centaurea solstitialis st barnaby thistle 

Cestrum spp green cestrum 

Chamaecytisus proliferus lucerne tree 

Cheilanthes spp rock fern, mulga fern 

Chenopodium spp fat hen , nitre bush, 

goosefoot 

Chloris spp windmill grass, winter 

rhodes grass 

Chondrilla juncea skeleton weed 


monilifera bitou bush, boneseed 

Cichorium intybus chicory 

Cineraria lyrata cineraria 

Cinnamomum camphora camphor laurel 

Cirsium arvense californian thistle, 

perennial thistle 

Cirsium vulgare black thistle, spear thistle, 

scotch thistle 

Citrullus colocynthis bitter apple, colocynth, 

bitter melon 

Citrullus lanatus bitter melon, wild melon, 

afghan melon 

Citrullus vulgaris bitter apple 

Codonocarpus spp horse radish tree 

Conium maculatum hemlock, carrot fern 

Consolida ambigua larkspur 

Convallaria majalis lily of the valley 

Convolvulus arvensis bindweed 

Conyza albida tall fleabane 

Coreopsis lanceolata coreopsis 

Cortaderia spp pampas grass 

Cotoneaster spp cotoneaster 

Cotula australis carrot weed 

Craspedia spp billybuttons 

Crataegus spp hawthorn 

Crotolaria spp rattlepods 

Cryptostegia grandiflora rubber vine 

Cucumis myriocarpus paddy melon 

Cuscuta spp dodder 

Cycas spp zamia palm 

Cynara cardunculus artichoke thistle 

Cynodon spp couch, african star grass 

Cyperus aromaticus navua sedge 

Cyperus rotundus nut grass 

Cytisus scoparius broom 

Danthonia spp wallaby grass 

Daphne spp daphne 

Datura candida angels trumpet 

Datura stramonium thornapples, false castor 

oil, jimson weed 

Delphinium spp delphinium, larkspur 

Dieffenbachia spp dumbcane, philodendron 

Digitalis purpurea foxglove 

Diplotaxis tenuifolia sand rocket 

Dipsacus fullonum wild teazel 

Dittrichia graveolens stinkwort 

Dodonaea attenuata narrowleaf hop bush 

Dodonaea viscosa broad leaf hop bush 

Duboisia hopwoodii pitjuri 

Duranta repens golden dewdrop, duranta 

Ecballium elaterium squirting Cucumber 

Echium plantagineum patersons curse, salvation 

jane 

148 


Echium vulgare vipers bugloss 

Emex australis spiny emex, double gee 

Equisetum arvense horsetail 

Eragrostis australasica canegrass 

Eragrostis curvula african love grass 

Eremocarpus setiger turkey mullain, doveweed 

Eremophila longifolia emu bush 

Eremophila mitchellii budda 

Eremophila sturtii turpentine bush 

Erodium spp crowfoot, storksbill 

Erythrina spp coral tree, corkwood 

Erythrophleum spp camel poison, cooktown 

ironwood 

Erythroxylaceae coca coca leaf 

Eucalyptus albens white box 

Eucalyptus cladocalyx sugar gum 

Eucalyptus melliodora yellow box 

Eucalyptus 

polyanthemos red box 

Eucalyptus populnea bimble box 

Euphorbia spp spurge, milkweed, caper 

spurge, poinsettia, 

geraldton carnation, false 

caper 

Fallopia convolvulus climbing buckwheat, 

black bindweed 

Ficus rubignosa rusty fig tree 

Foeniculum vulgare fennel 

Froelichia floridana cotton tails 

Galega officinalis goats rue 

Galenia pubescens galenia 

Gastrolobium spp desert poison bush, heart- 

leaf poison 

Gaura parviflora clockweed 

Geijera parviflora wilga 

Gelsemium sempervirens yellow jasmine, carolina 

jessamine 

Genista linifolia flax-leaved broom 

Genista monspessulana canary broom, 

montpellier broom 

Gleditisia triacanthos honey locust tree 

Gloriosa superba glory lily, climbing lily 

Gnaphalium spp cudweed 

Gomphocarpus spp narrow leaf cotton bush, 

balloon cotton bush, 

duck bush 

Gomphrena celosioides white eye, soft khaki 

weed, gomphrena weed 

Gomphrena globosa globe amaryth, batchelors 

buttons 

Gorteria personata gorteria 

Haloragis aspera raspwort 

Heliotropium 

amplexicaule blue heliotrope, purple top 

Heliotropium europaeum heliotrope, potato weed, 

caterpillar weed 

Helleborus niger christmas rose, black 

hellebore 

Heterodendrum 

oleifolium rosewood, boonery, 

Hibiscus trionum bladder ketmia 

Hirschfeldia incana buchan weed 

Homeria spp cape tulips


Hordeum leporinum barley grass 

Hydrangea macrophylla hydrangea 

Hyparrhenia hirta coolatai grass 

Hypericum 

androsaemum tutsan, sweet amber 

Hypericum perforatum st johns wort, goat weed 

Hypericum tetrapterum st peters wort, square 

stemmed hypericum 

Hypericum 

triquetrifolium tangled hypericum, wavy 

leaf st john's wort 

Hypochoeris radicata cat's ear, flatweed 

Ibicella lutea devils claw yellow 

Ilex aquifolium holly 

Imperata cylindrica blady grass 

Ipomoea spp wier vine, cow vine, 

morning glory 

Iva axillaris poverty weed 

Ixiolaena brevicompta flat billy buttons 

Jatropha curcas physic nut, purge nut, 

coral plant 

Juncus acutus spiny rush 

Juncus spp rushes 

Laburnam spp laburnam, golden chain 

Lactuca serriola prickly lettuce, compass 

plant 

Lantana camara lantana 

Lathyrus odoratus sweet pea, vetch 

Laurel spp bay tree 

Lavandula stoechas lavender 

Lepidium spp peppercress 

Leucaena spp leucaena 

Leucanthemum vulgare ox-eyed daisy 

Ligustrum lucidum broad-leaf privet 

Ligustrum sinense small-leaf privet, chinese 

privet 

Linaria dalmatica dalmation toadflax 

Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass 

Lolium rigidum annual ryegrass 

Lomandra longifolia mat rush 

Lonicera japonica honeysuckle 

Ludwigia peruviana ludwigia 

Lycium ferocissimum african boxthorn 

Macfadyena unguis-cati cats claw creeper 

Macrozamia spp burrawang, zamia palm 

Maireana spp blue bush 

Malva parviflora marshmallow, small 

flowered mallow 

Malvella leprosa ivy-leaf sida, alkali sida 

Marrubium vulgare horehound 

Marsilea drummondii nardoo 

Melia azedarach white cedar, cape lilac 

Melianthus comosus tufted honeyflower 

Melilotus albus bokhara clover 

Melilotus indicus hexham scent 

Mentha pulegium pennyroyal 

Muehlenbeckia spp lignum 

Myagrum perfoliatum mitre cress, musk weed 

Myoporum acuminatum water bush, strychnine 

bush 

Myoporum desertii emu bush, turkey bush 

Myrsiphyllum 

asparagoides bridal creeper 

149 


Nassella neesiana chilean needle grass 

Nassella trichotoma serrated tussock 

Nerium oleander oleander 

Nicandra physalodes apple of peru 

Nicotiana glauca tree tobacco, wild tobacco 

tree 

Olea europaea olive 

Olearia elliptica australian daisy 

Onopordum acanthium scotch thistle 

Onopordum acaulon stemless thistle 

Onopordum illyricum illyrian thistle 

Opuntia inermis prickly pear 

Opuntia stricta common prickly pear 

Orobanche spp broomrape 

Owenia acidula gruie 

Oxalis spp oxalis, soursob 

Papaver somniferum opium poppy 

Parietaria judaica pellitory 

Parkinsonia aculeata parkinsonia, ratama, 

jerusalem thorn 

Parthenium 

hysterophorus parthenium weed 

Peganum harmala african rue 

Pennisetum clandestinum kikuyu grass 

Pennisetum macrourum african feather grass, 

white foxtail 

Pentzia suffruticosa calomba daisy 

Persea americana avocado 

Persicaria spp smart weed, knotgrass 

Phalaris spp phalaris grass 

Phragmites australis canegrass, common reed 

Phyla canescens lippia, carpet weed 

Physalis virginiana perennial groundcherry 

Physalis viscosa prairie ground cherry, 

sticky cape gooseberry 

Phytolacca octandra inkweed 

Picnomon acarna soldier thistle 

Pimelea curviflora pimelea, riceflower, 

flaxweed 

Pinus halepensis aleppo pine 

Pinus radiata radiata pine, monterey 

pine 

Poa labillardieri poa tussock 

Polygonum aviculare wire weed, knotweed 

Polypogon monspiliensis annual beard grass 

Portulaca oleracea purslane, pigweed 

Proboscidea louisianica devils claw purple 

Prosopis spp mesquite 

Prunus spp wild peach, apricot, plum 

almond 

Pteridium esculentum bracken, common fern 

Pyracantha spp indian hawthorn 

Ranunculus spp buttercup 

Raphanus raphanistrum wild radish, jointed 

charlock 

Rapistrum rugosum turnip weed 

Reseda spp cut-leaf mignonette, wild 

mignonette, rampion 

mignonette 

Rhododendron spp rhododendron 

Ricinus communis castor oil plant 

Robinia pseudoacacia black locust, robinia tree, 

false acacia


Romulea rosea guildford grass, onion 

grass 

Rosa canina dog rose 

Rosa rubiginosa sweet briar 

Rubus alceaefolius giant bramble 

Rubus fruiticosus blackberry 

Rumex spp sorrel, dock 

Salpichroa origanifolia pampas lily of valley 

Salsola kali soft roly poly, prickly 

saltwort 

Salvia reflexa mintweed 

Schinus spp pepper tree 

Schoenus asperocarpus poison sedge 

Sclerolaena birchii galvanised burr 

Sclerolaena muricata fivespined saltbush, black 

roly-poly 

Scolymus hispanicus golden thistle 

Scolymus maculatus spotted golden thistle 

Senecio jacobaea ragwort, st james wort 

Senecio lautus fireweed 

Senecio 

madagascariensis fireweed 

Senecio pterophorus african daisy 

Senecio quadridentatus cotton fireweed 

Senecio vulgaris common groundsel 

Senna artemisioides punty bush, silver cassia 

Senna barclayana pepper leaved senna 

Sida acuta spiny-head sida 

Sida cordifolia flannel weed 

Sida rhombifolia paddy's lucerne 

Silene vulgaris bladder campion 

Silybum marianum variegated thistle 

Sisymbrium officinale hedge mustard 

Solanum carolinense carolina horse nettle 

Solanum cinereum narrawa burr 

Solanum elaeagnifolium silverleaf nightshade 

Solanum hermannii apple of sodom 

Solanum laciniatum kangaroo apple 

Solanum marginatum white edge nightshade 

Solanum mauritianum wild tobacco tree, tobacco 

bush 

Solanum nigrum blackberry nightshade, 

potato bush 

Solanum rostratum buffalo burr, colorado 

burr 

Solanum sturtianum thargomindah nightshade 

Solanum torvum devils fig 

Soliva pterosperma jo-jo 

Sonchus spp sowthistle, milk thistle 

Sorghum spp silk forage sorghum, 

johnson grass, columbus 

grass 

Sporobolus caroli fairy grass 

Sporobolus indicus giant parramatta grass 

Sporobolus pyramidalis giant rats tail 

Stachys arvensis stagger weed, mint weed 

Stevia eupatoria stevia 

Stipa caudata espartillo 

Stipa spp spear grass 

Stypandra glauca blind grass, nodding blue 

lily 

150 


Stypandra imbricata blind grass 

Stypandra grandiflora blind grass 

Swainsona spp darling pea, broughton 

pea 

Syncarpia glomulifera turpentine 

Tagetes minuta stinking roger 

Taxus baccata english yew 

Terminalia oblongala yellow wood 

Thevetia peruviana yellow oleander, tree 

daffodil 

Thunbergia grandiflora blue trumpet vine 

Toxicodendron radicans poison ivy 

Toxicodendron 

succedaneum rhus tree 

Trachyandra divaricata branched onion weed 

Trema aspera peach leaf poison bush 

Trema tomentosa peach leaf poison bush 

Tribulus terrestris caltrop, cat head 

Trifolium spp clovers 

Typha spp cumbungi 

Ulex europaeus gorse 

Urochloa panicoides liverseed grass 

Urtica incisa scrub nettle 

Urtica spp stinging nettle 

Ventilago viminalis supplejack 

Verbascum thapsus aarons rod, great mullein 

Verbena spp purple top 

Verbena tenuisecta maynes pest 

Verbesina encelioides crown beard, gold weed 

Watsonia bulbillifera watsonia 

Xanthium occidentale noogoora burr 

Xanthium orientale californian burr 

Xanthium spinosum bathurst burr, spiny 

cockle burr 

Zantedeschia aethiopica arum lily, cattle lily 

Zanthium spp cockle burr 

Ziziphus mauritiania chinese apple, indian 

jujube

151 

Table of herbicide groups. 

Group Situation Example of effective chemical 

A grasses only fluozifop - P 

B grasses and broad-leaf weeds 

fenoxaprop - p - ethyl 

metsulfuron methyl 

C broad-leaf weeds in cereals 

pre-emergent 

atrazine 

D annual grasses and selection broadleaf 

weeds 

trifluralin 

I broad-leaf weeds 2, 4-D amine/ester 

MCPA 

M little selectivity if growing glyphosate

FURTHER READING 

152 

Allan, C.J. and Holst, P.J. (1996). The ecological role of the goat in maintaining pasture 

and range. Sixth International Conference on Goats. pp. 427-35. (International 

Academic Publishers, Beijing). 

Allan, C., Holst, P. and Campbell, M. (1999). Weed Control Using Goats, Meat & 

Livestock Australia and NSW Agriculture, Orange. 

Anon. (1997). Coolatai Grass Field Day, NSW Agriculture, Manilla. 

Anon. (1997). Weeds: The Ute Guide, Primary Industries, South Australia. 

Arnott, R. (1997). Plant Protection Quarterly. 12, 99-100. 

Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1992). Weeds: an illustrated botanical guide to the weeds 

of Australia (Inkata Press, Melbourne). 

Black, C. and A. (1988). Black's Veterinary Dictionary (Ed G. West), (A. & C. Black, 

UK) 

Buchanan, R.A. (1981). Common Weeds of Sydney Bushland (Inkata Press, 

Melbourne). 

Cherry, J.E. (1997). Fact Sheets and Weed Calendars, Central Northern County Council, 

NSW. 

Cunningham, G.M., Mulham, W.E., Milthorpe, P.L. and Leigh, J.H. (1999). Plants of 

Western New South Wales. Inkata Press, Sydney. 

Dowling, R.M. and McKenzie, R.A. (1993). Poisonous Plants: A Field Guide, 

Department of Primary Industries, Queensland. 

Elliot, W.R. and Jones, D.L. (1982-1997). Encyclopaedia of Australian plants, suitable 

for cultivation. Volumes 1-7, (Thomas C Lothian, Melbourne). 

Everist, S.L. (1981). Poisonous Plants of Australia (Angus and Robertson, Sydney). 

Gardener, C.A. and Bennets, H.W. (1956). The Toxic Plants of Western Australia (West 

Australian Newspapers Ltd, Perth). 

Holm, Le R.G., Plucknett, D.L., Pancho, J.V. and Herberger, J.P. (1977). Worlds Worst 

Weeds, Distribution and Biology (University of Hawaii, Honolulu). 

Holst, P.J. (1993). The role of goats in controlling weeds of Tableland Pastures. In 

'Pests of Pastures: Weed, Invertebrate and Disease Pests of Australian Sheep Pastures' 

(Ed. E.S. Delfosse) pp. 326-8 (CSIRO Information Services, Melbourne, Australia).

153 

Huggins, J.A. and Lucy, M.J. (1997). Weeds of Southern Queensland, Department of 

Primary Industries, Queensland. 

Kohnke, J. (1998). Feeding and Nutrition of Horses (Vetsearch International). 

Lamp, C. and Collet, F. (1979). A Field Guide to Weeds in Australia (Inkata Press, 

Melbourne). 

Lanting, E. and Bunn, K. (1994). Noxious Plants in the 1990's. Hunter Catchment 

Management Trust, Gosford, New South Wales. 

Lazarides, M., Cowley, K. and Hohnen, P. (1997). CSIRO Handbook of Australian 

Weeds (CSIRO Canberra). 

McBarron, E.J. (1976). Medical and Veterinary Aspects of Plant Poisons in New South 

Wales, Department of Agriculture, New South Wales. 

McBarron, E.J. (1983). Poisonous Plants: Handbook for Farmers and Graziers (Inkata 

Press Melbourne). 

McDonald, P., Edwards, R.A. and Greenhalgh, J.F.D. (1981). Animal Nutrition 

(Longman London). 

Milvain, H. (1997). Herbicide Control of Noxious Weeds: A Guide to Noxious Weed 

Control in Non-Crop Situations, NSW Agriculture. 

Parsons, W.T. and Cuthbertson, E.G. (1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia (Inkata Press, 

Melbourne). 

Smith, M.C. and Sherman, D.M. (1994). Goat Medicine (Lea & Febiger, USA). 

Swarbrick, J.T. and Skarratt, D.B. (1994). The Bushweed 2 Database of Environmental 

Weeds in Australia (University of Queensland, Gatton College). 

Thompson, K. (1990). Goat Health and Production, Refresher Course for Veterinarians, 

Proceedings 134, University of Sydney.

INDEX 

Acacia georginae 5 

Acacia glaucescens 6 

aconite 7 

Aconitum napellus 7 

Adonis microcarpa 8 

Aesculus spp 90, 100 

afghan melon 106 

african daisy 74 

african feather grass 119 

african rue 65 

african stargrass 107 

Ageratina adenophora 90 

Agrostis avenacea 91 

aleppo pine 120 

Allium spp 91 

alocasia 92 

Alocasia macrorrhiza 92 

amaranth 93 

Amaranthus spp 93, 100 

Amaryllis belladonna 9 

Ambrosia artemisiifolia 92 

Ammi majus 93 

amsinckia 10 

Amsinckia spp 10 

angels trumpet 99 

annual beard grass 121 

annual ragweed 92 

annual ryegrass 59 

Anthemis cotula 94 

apple of sodom 129 

Araujia hortorum 94 

Arctotheca calendula 95, 100 

Argemone mexicana 95 

arsenic bush 19, 20 

arum lily 136 

Asclepias curassavica 11 

Atalaya hemiglauca 96 

Atriplex spp 96, 100 

Atropa belladonna 12 

avocado 66 

Baccharis halimifolia 97, 112 

balloon cotton bush 43 

batchelors buttons 110 

bathurst burr 89 

beggars ticks 97 

bell vine 53 

belladonna lily 9 

Bidens spp 97 

bird of paradise 14 

bishops weed 93 

bitter apple 106 

bitter melon 106 

black bean 21 

black hellebore 46 

black locust 125 

black roly poly 127 

black thistle 105 

blackberry nightshade 78 

blind grass 81 

blown grass 91 

blue bush 115 

blue heliotrope 44 

boggabri weed 93 

154 

boonery 47 

Bowenia spp 60 

box hedge 99 

Brachychiton populneus 98, 112 

bracken 69 

branched onion weed 133 

Brassica spp 98, 112 

broadleaf privet 113 

broughton pea 82 

Brugmansia candida 99 

Bryophyllum spp 13 

buffalo burr 131 

buffel grass 103 

bullock bush 47 

burrawang 60 

buttercup 123 

Buxus spp 99 

Caesalpinia spp 14 

Calandrinia spp 101 

californian thistle 105 

calotrope 15 

caltrop 86 

Calotropis procera 15 

camel poison 38 

Cannabis sativa 101 

cape lilac 116 

cape tulips 48 

caper spurge 109 

capeweed 95 

Cardaria draba 102 

Carduus nutans 102, 112 

Carduus pycnocephalus 103 

carolina horse nettle 128 

carolina jessamine 41 

carrot fern 24 

Cassia barclayana 17 

Cassia artemisioides 16 

Cassia eremophila 18 

Cassia floribunda 19 

Cassia occidentalis 20 

Castanospermum australe 21 

castor oil plant 124 

cat head 86, 108 

caterpillar weed 45 

cattle bush 96 

cattle lily 136 

Cenchrus spp 103, 134 

Cestrum spp 22 

Cheilanthes spp 23 

Chenopodium spp 104, 134 

chinese privet 114 

Chloris spp 104, 134 

christmas bells 13 

christmas rose 46 

Cirsium arvense 105 

Cirsium vulgare 105, 134 

Citrullus colocynthis 106 

Citrullus lanatus 106 

Citrullus vulgaris 106 

climbing lily 42 

coastal myall 6 

cobblers peg 97 

colocynth 106 

colorado burr 131 

columbus grass 79 

common fern 69 

common groundsel 76 

compass plant 113 

Conium maculatum 24 

Consolida ambigua 25 

Convallaria majalis 26 

cooktown ironwood 38 

coral plant 111 

coral tree 109 

corkwood 35, 109 

corn chamomile 94 

cotton fireweed 75 

couch 107 

cowvine 53 

crofton weed 90 

Crotolaria spp 27 

crow garlic 91 

crown beard 87 

cruel plant 94 

Cryptostegia grandiflora 28 

Cucumis myriocarpus 107 

cudweed 110 

cunjevoi 92 

cut-leaf mignonette 124 

Cynodon spp 107 

daisy chain 95 

daphne 29 

Daphne spp 29 

darling pea 82 

Datura candida 99 

Datura stramonium 30 

deadly nightshade 12 

delphinium 31 

Delphinium spp 31 

dense cassia 16 

desert cassia 18 

desert poison bush 40 

devils fig 132 

Dieffenbachia spp 32 

Digitalis purpurea 33 

dock 125 

double gee 108 

doveweed 108 

Duboisia hopwoodii 34 

Duboisia spp 35 

duck bush 43 

dumbcane 32 

Echium plantagineum 36 

Echium vulgare 37 

Emex australis 108 

emu bush 63 

english yew 83 

Eremocarpus setiger 108 

Erythrina spp 109 

Erythrophleum spp 38 

Eucalyptus cladocalyx 39 

Euphorbia spp 109 

fairy grass 91 

false acacia 125 

false caper 109 

false castor oil 30 

farmers friend 97 

fat hen 104 

fiddleneck 10 

fireweed 73 

fivespined saltbush 127 

flat billy buttons 54 

flax weed 67 

foxglove 33

galvanised burr 127 

Gastrolobium spp 40 

Gelsemium sempervirens 41 

georgina gidgee 5 

geraldton carnation 109 

gidgee 5 

globe amaryth 110 

Gloriosa superba 42 

glory lily 42 

Gnaphalium spp 110 

goat weed 50 

golden chain 55 

gold weed 50, 87 

Gomphocarpus spp 43 

Gomphrena globosa 110 

green cestrum 22 

groundsel bush 97 

guildford grass 71 

heart-leaf poison 40 

heliotrope 45 

Heliotropium amplexicaule 44 

Heliotropium europaeum 45 

Helleborus niger 46 

hemlock 24 

Heterodendrum oleifolium 47 

hoary cress 102 

Homeria spp 48 

horse chestnut 90 

horse weed 92 

hydrangea 111 

Hydrangea macrophylla 111 

Hypericum androsaemum 49 

Hypericum perforatum 50 

Hypericum tetrapterum 51 

Hypericum triquetrifolium 52 

indian hemp 101 

Ipomoea spp 53 

ironweed 10 

Ixiolaena brevicompta 54 

Jatropha curcas 111 

jerusalem thorn 118 

jimson weed 30 

johnson grass 79 

jointed charlock 123 

kangaroo apple 130 

kikuyu grass 119 

kings crown 15 

kurrajong 98 

laburnam 55 

Laburnam spp 55 

Lactuca serriola 113, 137 

lantana 56 

Lantana camara 56 

larkspur 25, 31 

Lathyrus odoratus 57 

leucaena 58 

Leucaena spp 58 

Ligustrum lucidum 113 

Ligustrum sinense 114 

lily of the valley 26 

liverseed grass 135 

Lolium perenne 114 

Lolium rigidum 59 

Macrozamia spp 60 

Maireana spp 115 

Malva parviflora 115 

marijuana 101 

155 

marshmallow 115 

Marsilea drummondii 61 

Melia azedarach 116 

Melianthus comosus 116 

mesquite 122 

mexican poppy 95 

milk thistle 132 

milkweed 109 

mintweed 80, 126 

mission bells 13 

monkshood 7 

monterey pine 121 

morning glory 53 

moreton bay chestnut 21 

mossman river grass 103 

mother of millions 13 

mothplant 94 

mulga fern 23 

musk thistle 102 

mustard 98 

Myoporum acuminatum 62 

Myoporum desertii 63 

mysoe thorn 14 

nardoo 61 

narrawa burr 77 

Nerium oleander 64 

Nicotiana glauca 117 

nodding thistle 102 

noogoora burr 88 

oat grass 91 

oleander 64 

onion grass 71 

opium poppy 118 

oxalis 117 

Oxalis spp 117 

paddy melon 107 

Papaver somniferum 118 

parakeelya 101 

parkinsonia 118 

Parkinsonia aculeata 118 

patersons curse 36 

peach leaf poison bush 85 

Peganum harmala 65 

Pennisetum clandestinum 119 

Pennisetum macrourum 119 

pepper leaved senna 17 

perennial ryegrass 114 

perennial thistle 105 

Persea americana 66 

Phalaris spp 120 

philodendron 32 

physic nut 111 

pigweed 122 

pimelea 67 

Pimelea curviflora 67 

Pinus halepensis 120 

Pinus radiata 121 

pitjuri 34 

plum 68 

poinsettia 109 

Polypogon monspiliensis 121 

Portulaca oleracea 122 

potato bush 78 

potato weed 45 

prickly lettuce 113 

prickly saltwort 126 

Prosopis spp 122 

Prunus spp 68 

Pteridium esculentum 69 

punty bush 18 

purge nut 111 

purple top 44 

purslane 122 

queen annes lace 93 

radiata pine 121 

radish 98 

rampion mignonette 124 

Ranunculus spp 123 

rape 98 

Raphanus raphanistrum 123,137 

rattlepods 27 

red chamomile 8 

redhead cotton bush 11 

red root 93 

Reseda spp 124 

rhododendron 70 

Rhododendron spp 70 

rice flower 67 

Ricinus communis 124, 137 

Robinia pseudoacacia 125, 137 

rock fern 23 

Romulea rosea 71 

rosewood 47 

rubber bush 15 

rubber vine 28 

Rumex spp 125 

sally wattle 6 

Salsola kali 126 

saltbush 96 

salvation jane 36 

Salvia reflexa 126 

scented cassia 18 

Sclerolaena birchii 127 

Sclerolaena muricata 127 

scotch thistle 105 

Senecio jacobaea 72 

Senecio lautus 73 

Senecio madagascariensis 73 

Senecio pterophorus 74 

Senecio quadridentatus 75 

Senecio vulgaris 76 

Senna barclayana 17 

shore thistle 103 

silk forage sorghum 79 

silver cassia 16 

silverleaf nightshade 129 

Silybum marianum 128 

slender thistle 102, 103 

small fruited pheasants' eye 8 

small flowered mallow 115 

small-leaf privet 114 

smooth cassia 19 

Solanum carolinense 128 

Solanum cinereum 77 

Solanum elaeagnifolium 129 

Solanum hermannii 129 

Solanum laciniatum 130 

Solanum mauritianum 130 

Solanum nigrum 78 

Solanum rostratum 131 

Solanum sturtianum 131 

Solanum torvum 132 

Sonchus spp 132 

Sorghum spp 79

sorrel 125 

soursob 117 

sowthistle 132 

spear thistle 105 

spiny burrgrass 103 

spiny cockle burr 89 

spiny emex 108 

spurge 109 

square stemmed hypericum 51 

st james wort 72 

st johns wort 50 

st peters wort 51 

Stachys arvensis 80 

stagger weed 80 

stinking mayweed 94 

strychinine bush 62 

Stypandra gluaca 81 

Stypandra imbricata 81 

Stypandra grandiflora 81 

sugar gum 39 

supplejack 135 

Swainsona spp 82 

sweet amber 49 

sweet pea 57 

tangled hypericum 52 

Taxus baccata 83 

Terminalia oblongala 133 

thargomindah nightshade 131 

Thevetia peruviana 84 

thornapples 30 

three corner garlic 91 

tobacco bush 130 

Trachyandra divaricata 133 

tree daffodil 84 

tree tobacco 117 

Trema aspera 85 

Trema tomentosa 85 

Tribulus terrestris 86 

tufted honeyflower 116 

turkey bush 63 

turkey mullain 108 

tutsan 49 

Urochloa panicoides 135 

variegated thistle 128 

Ventilago viminalis 135 

Verbesina encelioides 87 

vetch 57 

vipers bugloss 37 

wait-a-while 14 

water bush 62 

wavy leaf st johns wort 52 

white cedar 116 

white foxtail 119 

white weed 102 

whitewood 96 

wier vine 53 

wild garlic 91 

wild melon 106 

wild mignonette 124 

wild peach 68 

wild radish 123 

wild tobacco tree 117, 130 

wild turnip 98 

windmill grass 104 

winter rhodes grass 104 

wolfsbane 7 

Xanthium occidentale 88 

156 

Xanthium spinosum 89 

yellow jasmine 41 

yellow oleander 84 

yellow wood 133 

zamia palm 60 

Zantedeschia aethiopica 136

The potential toxicity of Australian weeds to goats

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