Report Invasive Plants

It is vital that any new weeds entering the Sydney Region are controlled immediately, before they can spread.  If you see an invasive plant growing on private or public land that you have reason to believe is a weed new to your council area or to the Sydney Region, it is important to report it.

But first, PLEASE check that it is not already listed. (Weeds officers are often very busy supervising control operations, so your co-operation in checking the status of the plant first is most appreciated).

Step 1 – Try to identify the name of the plant using the identification resources on this website:

  • Weeds of Sydney (illustrated)
  • Self Guiding Weed Identification Tools
  • Weed identification brochures

Step 2 – Send an email to the local council officer responsible for the area where the invasive plant was found or contact us

Please include the following information in your email:

  • Make the title of the email “Possible new weed”
  • Name of the plant (if you have been able to work it out)
  • Detailed description of the place where the plant was found
  • Date the plant was sighted
  • Your contact details

Please also email 2-3 photos:

  • Take photos of flowers or seeds (if any), stem, leaves and overall form
  • Include a pen, foot or ruler to indicate scale

High Risk Weeds list

 

Boneseed: have you seen this weed on your property?

Boneseed is an aggressive noxious weed that is found growing in small scattered infestations across Sydney. It is regarded as one of Australia’s worst weeds and the Sydney Weeds Committees are on a mission to “Make Boneseed History” within the Sydney and Blue Mountains region. This means, first removing all of the mature plants growing on public and private land, and then removing the seedlings that regrow in years to come.

Boneseed has bright yellow flowers and hard round seeds which are eaten and spread by birds. It is easily confused with Bitou Bush, a similar looking shrub weed that grows mainly on coastal areas. Spring is the flowering season for Boneseed and the ideal time to control it. Landholders are asked to be on the lookout for Boneseed plants that may be growing in their gardens and properties, or in nearby areas.

If you think you have Boneseed growing on your property, here’s what to do:

Identify and control it

See more information and photos at

Weed-Fact-Sheet-Boneseed.pdf

Call the noxious weeds officer from your local council to confirm it is Boneseed and the best way to control it.

Report it

We want to know if you have found and controlled Boneseed on your property, because you will be making an important contribution to the Sydney wide eradication project. If the Boneseed is growing near your property in areas such as roadsides or rail corridors, please also let us know so we can get it controlled by that land manager.

If you are not sure who to contact in your council, or you want to tell us about how you have controlled Boneseed on your property, please contact Sydney Weeds Committees on info@sydneyweeds.org.au

Translate this information »