Weeds
What is a weed?
A weed is generally defined as a plant that colonises and persists in an ecosystem where it did not previously exist. Weeds can be exotic (introduced) or native species that establish themselves outside their natural range, often outcompeting indigenous plants and disrupting local ecosystems. Australian Association of Bush Regenerators.
Weeds threaten our environment, primary production industries, community and shared spaces. They can damage our natural landscapes, agricultural lands, waterways and coastal areas by displacing native species, contributing to land degradation and reducing farm and forest productivity. Australia spends considerable time and money managing weeds to protect ecosystems and primary production. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Weed identification resources
The Molonglo Catchment Group (MCG) is a not-for-profit coordinator of Landcare and Park Care groups in the Molonglo and Queanbeyan River catchments of southern NSW and the ACT.
Their vision is to achieve a healthy, resilient and productive catchment: the Molonglo and Queanbeyan river system with all its diverse, interconnected tableland landscapes and communities. Click on the links below to read about just some of the weeds that are impacting our local environment.
We gratefully acknowledge MCG for their ongoing support and valuable assistance in supplying us with their weed factsheets.
African Lovegrass and Paterson’s Curse
Images courtesy of Weeds Australia
Blackberry and Cootamundra Wattle
Images courtesy of Weeds Australia
St John’s Wort and Thistles
Images courtesy of NSW Weedwise
Further information and links
Find information about weeds in Australia, including identification, management, legislation and resources. Browse the national weed profiles database or search by weed name.
Weeds | Department of Primary Industries
Information for everyone including farmers, home gardeners, landholders and more.
NSW WeedWise | Department of Primary Industries
Contains over 340 weed profiles including identification, control and biosecurity duty.
Privet and Sweet Briar
Images courtesy of Weeds Australia