Pest plants and weeds

Weeds are plants that grow (often out of control) in an area it is not native to.

They are detrimental because they: 

• Negatively impact local biodiversity
• Take over bushland
• Impact food sources and habitat for native fauna
• Create a potential fire hazard, particularly on road verges.

There are six priority declared weeds in Murray:

• Apple of Sodom
• Arum Lily
• Blackberry
• Cape Tulip
• Cotton Bush
• Paterson’s Curse

Although not a declared weed, Watsonia is one of the most invasive weeds within Murray. They outcompete native flora for space, disturbing the soil with their corms and rapidly take over an area. They spread via seeds that are carried along natural waterways and roadside drains.

The Shire is also impacted by River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Flinders Range Wattle (Acacia iteaphylla) and the Sydney Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia). The first often cross-breeds with native flooded-gums (Eucalyptus rudis), producing a hybrid species with limited ecological value to the natural area.

To help maintain Murray's native environment, landowners should:

• Manage weeds on their property
• Refrain from planting anything on Shire owned or managed land
• Report a pest plant or weebdto the Shire. 

Useful links

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group 

Urban Bushland Council WA Inc

FloraBase

Weed it out