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Groundsel Bush

Groundsel Bush is spreading in Port Stephens

Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia) is a poisonous and invasive shrub or tree. It can tolerate waterlogging, drought, acid sulphate and saline soils. Plants seed prolifically and the light seeds spread over long distances through human activity or by wind.

Groundsel Bush belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and is native to North America.

Plants are considered poisonous to stock and can form dense thickets that prevent vehicular and animal passage. It can also block drains and transform open wetlands into densely wooded bogs.

Description

Plants upright, dense with dark bark. Leaf edges toothed similar to holly. Leaves light, bright green. Male and female plants separate. Female plants covered with persistent fluffy white seeds. Each seed weighs about 0.1 gram and is designed to fly on the wind or stick to animals, earth and equipment.

Treatment

Advise council of plants or to request confirmation of suspect plants. Carefully remove seeds heads and bag, ask council what to do with them. Kill plants by using an overall spray for small plants or by cutting at the base and poisoning the stump for larger plants.

Contact details
Weeds office
49800255 (ph)
graham.prichard@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

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This page: http://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/environment/1276/153183.html