Fireweed

This week's weed is fireweed. It is classified as a RESTRICTED species. It is a daisy-like, annual herb with a yellow flower.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

  • Annual or short-lived perennial herb.
  • Leaves are generally 2–6cm long, alternate, dark green, with serrated margins.
  • Flowers are bright yellow, daisy-like, with diameter of about 2cm, producing up to 100 seeds each.
  • Taproot is shallow-branched with many fibrous roots.

WHY IT'S BAD

  • Competes with pasture species.
  • Toxic to livestock, particularly cattle and horses, causing illness, slow growth and poor conditioning, which can result in death.
  • May taint meat and milk.
  • Light infestations can produce 1 million seeds per hectare.
  • WHAT TO DO
  • This plant must NOT be given away, sold, or released into the environment. Penalties may apply.
  • Please report any sightings of this plant to council for advice on control options.

MORE INFORMATION

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/.../restricted/fireweed

 

In this section