Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) is a restricted invasive plant that has been located for the first time in the North Burnett region. Council’s Land Protection Officers (LPO) have confirmed that Fireweed was located in the Woowoonga area, north of Biggenden with Queensland Herbarium during a targeted surveillance program.
Fireweed is a yellow flowering daisy-like herb, with seedlings appearing from March through to June. Fireweed is toxic to livestock, therefore land managers need to make themselves aware of this weed, especially when ground cover is limited as this is when it is most likely to be ingested. Fireweed is spread by wind, livestock, pasture, seed, hay, turf, mulch and with transport. Heavy infestations can produce 1 million seeds per hectare.
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
Fireweed can easily be mistaken for the closely related, native Senecio species. It is the responsibility of land managers to mitigate the impacts of Fireweed on the environment. Council’s Environment Officers can help with the formal identification of Fireweed. If you suspect you have this species on your property and would like to have it identified, please leave the suspect plant in situ, take photographs if possible and contact Council on 1300 696 272 to arrange an onsite inspection. More information about Fireweed and related species can be located on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website www.daf.qld.gov.au
For further information please contact Council’s Environment team on 1300 696 272 or email admin@northburnett.qld.gov.au.
Media Contact
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