Albany GateWAy - Topic\Environment\Bushcarers\Envirnomental_Weeds_Page_1

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	Sydney Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia) This dense bushy shrub or tree to 10 metres is native to NSW. Introduced to WA as a garden plant, it has since escaped and is now found along many road verges and in reserves. If left to grow unchecked, it will gradually replace the area's unique flora. Most of our local plants are unable to grow under the Golden Wattle's dense canopy. Badly affected areas include Bayonet Head and Lower King. Control Hand pull seedlings. Cut trees at ground level and paint stumps with 100 mL of glyphosate 450 in 500 mL of water. Basal spray by applying 100 mL Access® in 5 L diesel completely around bottom 50 cm of trunk below all branches. Small trees can be sprayed overall with a mixture of 100 mL glyphosate 450 plus 1 g of Brushoff® and 25 mL Pulse® in 10 L of water.

	Victorian Teatree (Leptospermum laevigatum) This large, bushy shrub was introduced from Victoria. It was mainly used as a fastgrowing windbreak, but has long since escaped into surrounding bushland and has become a major threat as it easily outcompetes local plants. It has showy white flowers throughout spring and produces huge quantities of seed. Some of the worst affected areas include Lower King Road. Control Seedlings can be hand pulled. Larger shrubs are extremely difficult to pull out by hand and need to be cut down. Cut plants close to ground level and spray stumps with 100 mL of glyphosate 450 in 500 mL of water. For plants in non-sensitive areas, spray leaves with 1 gm Brush-Offâ plus 100 mL glyphosate 450 plus 25 ml Pulse® in 10 L water.

	Watsonia (Watsonia spp.) This native from South Africa was possibly introduced as a garden plant by early settlers whose ships called into Cape Town en route to Australia. Some species grow from corms and seeds. Dense sword-like leaves appear in winter followed by flowers on a long spike in spring. The flowers come in orange, pink and white varieties. The seeds develop as the flower stalk dries. Some of the worst affected areas include the Lower Denmark Road and areas off Marine Drive. Control MANUAL CONTROL: Dig up isolated plants and burn the corms and bulbils, or dispose of at a landfill site or in general rubbish bins. CHEMCIAL CONTROL: Spray with 100 g 2,2-DPA plus 25 mL wetting agent in 10 L of water (in areas where native plants also occur).

	Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) A fast-growing creeper with small glossy leaves and white flowers, produces red berries which are a source of food for birds. The seeds are thus readily spread in the bush. Once established Bridal Creeper smothers native vegetation. Its underground tubers form a dense, impenetrable mat. It is worth noting that Bridal Creeper is amongst the 20 most significant weeds in the country. Badly affected areas include Lake Seppings and Mt Clarence. Control Stems can be pulled before buds are formed or, if applying chemical control methods, use a sponge to apply a mixture of 10 g Brush-Offr in 1 litres of water in late winter or spring or spray with 2 g/ha Brush-Off® plus 0.25% wetting agent.To be effective this needs to repeated every year. Biological control is possible through a leafhopper or by infecting the plants with the Bridal Creeper rust fungus. For further information on these methods contact the Department of Agriculture.

Warning

Herbicides can be dangerous if not used properly. Follow instructions on label. Obtain independent advice before acting on information provided on this page.

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