Weeds Sighted in Fernglade Reserve
Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Readily identified by its spines and purple flower, an individual Spear Thistle produces up to 8000 seeds. This incredible ability to reproduce on mass makes removal of this weed before it establishes control of an environment integral to control and eradication. Thistle displaces natural flora, competing for space and nutrients. |
Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
Gorse is a prickly evergreen shrub which is widely distributed across Tasmania. Gorse is a significant threat to all natural environments, acting as a shelter for pest species and increases risk of bush fires. Gorse is hugely efficient at spreading, with each plant producing a huge number of seeds. |
Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias)
Sea Spurge has spread around much of the Southern Coasts of Australia and much of Tasmania’s coast line. It establishes itself in dense infestations that displace native flora, influence the structure of the landscape and can have adverse effects on shorebird nesting habitats. Management of Sea spurge is extremely difficult and requires careful planning. |
Other weeds found in Fernglade:
Willow (Salix spp.)
Cordyline Elisha's Tears (Leycesteria formosa) Blackberrry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) Banana Passionfruit (Passiflora cinnabarina) Oxalis (Oxalis spp.) Arum Lilly (Zantedeshia aethipica) |
Californian Thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Variegated Thistle (Silybum marianum) Pittosporum (Pittosporum Undulatum) English Ivy (Hedera helix) Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.) Cumbungi (Typha latifolia) Broom (Genista mopnspessulana) Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) |
Information gathered from the following articles on http://www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au : "Spear Thistle Control Guide", "Weed Notes – Gorse (Ulex europaeus)", "Weed Management Guide – Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias)", "Blackberry"