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Fireweed (senecio madagascariensis)Last modified: July 8, 2008 - 1:27 PM
FIREWEED is an erect hairless annual or short-lived perennial herb originating from south-eastern Africa. It grows from 10-50 cm high, with bright green, linear fleshy leaves, alternatively arranged on the stem. Leaf margins are serrate, entire, and/or lobed. Flowers are yellow, daisy like, and contain around thirteen petals. Flowers arranged in clusters at the end of branches. Seeds are small, light, and attached to a pappus of fine white hairs enabling seeds to be distributed great distances by wind. Seeds also distributed by birds, animals, machinery, and stock feed. Each plant is capable of producing 25,000 to 30,000 seeds in a single growing season. Germination occurs from March to June, but with the right conditions, can continue into spring and summer. Given ideal conditions, as is common in parts of Wingecarribee shire, Fireweed may even grow all year. Flowering normally occurs within six to ten weeks after germination, but is capable of flowering in less than three weeks. So, What Is The Problem? Fireweed is highly invasive, seeds prolifically, and given the ideal conditions, will quickly invade pastures, especially after drought has left pastures denuded and stressed. It is most common on disturbed soil, vacant blocks, overgrazed, neglected land, and on cultivated land during autumn to spring. Fireweed is poisonous to stock, especially horses and cattle. Toxic alkaloids in the plants cause extensive liver damage, and both green and dry plants are toxic. Once established, Fireweed is extremely difficult to eradicate completely and will require continual vigilance and treatment. Fireweed seed is spread easily by contaminated feed, stock and vehicle movement, so farm hygiene is an important management practice. With up to four complete lifecycles in a season, fireweed is capable of dispersing continual seed across the variable seasonal wind patterns throughout the year, covering all parts of the shire. How Can I Control Fireweed? Like all weeds, early and complete eradication is the best method. For isolated outbreaks of Fireweed, hand pull plants then bag them, and leave them to dry, before burning the dried plants. Please note that it is an offence to dump Fireweed at the Council waste depot. Smaller infestations can be spot sprayed using Glyphosate and larger infestations by boom spraying with Bromoxynil or other registered herbicides. Maintaining a vigorous pasture is essential to long-term success of Fireweed suppression. For controlling larger infestations, contact professional advice, as there are many options to try. Is Fireweed A Noxious Weed? Fireweed is a Class 4 declared noxious weed. The Noxious Weeds Act 1993 specifies that, the growth and spread of the plant must be controlled according to the measures specified in a local management plan. See the Class 4 management plan on Councils website or contact the weeds office for a copy. Failure to carry out Fireweed eradication is an offence under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993, and may involve legal action if landholders fail to destroy Fireweed. How Can I Get More Information? Contact Councils Weeds Office on 4869 2388. Contact details
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© 2008 Wingecarribee Shire Council |
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