Weed Biosecurity Alert
Fireweed, Senecio madagascariensis a restricted invasive plant has been discovered for the first time in the South Burnett region.
Targeted surveillance by Council NRM Officers has detected isolated to scattered infestations of fireweed on 15 properties near Benarkin and Blackbutt. Further delineating surveying is currently being undertaken from the eastern boundary with Somerset Regional Council with areas west of Blackbutt to be surveyed as soon as possible. An official sample sent to the Queensland Herbarium has now been positively identified as Fireweed.
Fireweed is a yellow flowering daisy -like weed that can be toxic to livestock, which generally becomes appealing when there is limited ground cover.
In ideal conditions the weed presents with:
- Multiple branches
- Long wide leaves (6cm x 2cm)
- 50cm tall
In Dry harsh conditions the weed presents with:
- Few Flowers
- No Branching
- Less than 20cm tall with narrow leaves
It is spread by wind, livestock, pasture, seed, hay, turf, mulch and with transport. Heavy infestations can produce 1 million seeds per hectare.
For formal identification please remove the suspected weed from the soil and seal in a plastic bag or container and bring into a Council Customer Service Centre for identification or leave the suspect plant in situ and contact Council on (07) 4189 9100 to arrange an onsite inspection by Council NRM Officers.
For more information and support please contact Council’s NRM Department on (07) 4189 9100.
