Weeds

Evergreen shrubby tree growing to 5-10m tall. Has darker green leaves than European Olive, but can still be mistakenly planted.

Priority weed: Containment in Greater Sydney

Smaller trees (up to 10cm in diameter) can be cut down and the stump treated with herbicide immediately. Larger trees require stem injection using a drill and herbicide. Once the leaves have fallen off, the tree can then be cut down and the stump removed.

Attempt control when balloon seed pods are green or not present. Smaller seedlings can be easily pulled out by hand. Mature vines can be cut from where they grow, with the aerial parts left to die and the ground parts controlled by pulling out or spraying with herbicide. Stems can also be scraped and 'painted' with herbicide. 

All parts of the plant are mildly toxic so gloves must be worn. 

A many-stemmed, woody vine with sharp claws which dig into trees and artificial structures, eventually killing the tree or bringing down the structure. It has dark green leaves with prominent veins, often growing in pairs, yellow trumpet-shaped flowers and the distinctive claws on the stems. 

Weed of National Significance and a Priority Weed in Greater Sydney

Herbicide is usually necessary. Consult Council's Sustainability team for advice and assistance if this weed is present on your property.

Cut all climbing stems well above the ground (1–2m high) and leave the aerial parts to die. Peel the lower stems off the host, cut again as close to the ground as possible and paint the cut surface immediately with a glyphosate herbicide. Chemical control should be done in spring to autumn while this plant is actively growing. Follow up is essential as stems and tubers may re-sprout. 

A sprawling low-growing shrub with long, prickly stems, sometimes grown in baskets or gardens where it can easily escape, or the berries eaten by birds and spread into bushland.

Madeira Vine has glossy, dark green leaves with aerial tubers resembling ginger. All parts of the plant can easily break off and form new vines which strangle all plants.

Weed of National Significance and Priority Weed in NSW

Take care to not let parts break off. Placing a tarpaulin or white material below the plant can help to view and catch plant parts.

Carefully remove all aerial parts and dig our underground tubers with a knife or narrow trowel. Stems can also be scraped and 'painted' with herbicide, or the end of the cut vine placed in a container of full-strength herbicide to absorb and displace the herbicide throughout the plant.

Mother-of-millions is a rapidly reproducing succulent growing between 30cm and 1m in height. It has narrow, pencil-shaped leaves brown-green in colour, with small nodes on each leaf which can break off and form new plants. It produces masses of orange-red flowers between May and October.

Each part of the plant can grow a new plant if broken off and touching the soil. As such, control should be carefully done by hand. Firstly, place a white bag underneath the affected area, then carefully pull up each plant and place in a black plastic bag. Transfer all plant parts into the black plastic bag and leave in the sun for several weeks to ensure the weed is decomposed. Following this, dispose of the bag in council's red-lidded bin.

Note that herbicide is ineffective to control Mothers-of-millions and follow up of the affected area will be required. Attempting control in winter months while the plant is in flower is recommended.

Wear gloves to prevent the milky sap sticking. It is usually practical to hand pull rooting parts of the vine, taking care to remove and dispose of all seed pods. Stems can also be scraped and 'painted' with herbicide.

A cactus up to 2m tall with yellow flowers and purplish red fruit. Opuntia is historically one of Australia's worst weeds and remains a Weed of National Significance. Infestations covered Queensland in the early 20th century and required release of a moth (biological control) to manage.

Weed of National Significance and Priority Weed in Greater Sydney

An invasive shrub with golden yellow flowers and dark green, oval leaves. It often grows amongst other vegetation in shaded gardens and can get out of control very rapidly.

Known by many common names, Trad is an aggressive weed which overtakes and completely carpets areas of moist soil. It has small, white flowers and can be confused with the native Commelina which has blue flowers.

Very small infestations can be pulled out by hand but every single stem node must be removed. Larger infestations can be raked first and then followed up by hand weeding. Plants can be composted under black plastic in full sun. Trad is also vulnerable to spraying with most herbicides, however follow-up is always needed.

A climbing vine with arrow-shaped leaves and masses of papery fruits and flowers. It smothers other plants and carpets disturbed ground.

Removal is best when flowers are green or absent. Carefully prune and remove papery flowers. Stems must be dug with a trowel or knife to remove the underground tubers. Stems can also be scraped and 'painted' with herbicide.