Environmental Weeds in Sydney North

• Noxious Weeds
• Other Significant Environmental Weeds
• Weed Alerts

Weed control

• Hand removal techniques
• Biocontrol

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Fleabane

Botanical Name: Conyza spp.
Family: ASTERACEAE  


Photo: Ku-ring-gai Council


Fleabane seedling
Photo: Ku-ring-gai Council


Flower head close up
Photo: Adam Burrowes

 

Description:
 Originating in America, Fleabane is an upright annaul herb with a single stem up to 1 to 2m high. Found on disturbed sites, headlands, dunes and edge of bushland.

This plant starts off with a tuft of basal leaves, then develops an erect stem to 2m tall. The stem terminates in elongated seed heads wiht tiny dandelion-type flyaway seeds

Flowers are white to pink, flowering in summer.

Seeds are small with fine white hairs.

Dispersal:
Seed is wind dispersed.

Impact on Bushland:
A prolific seeder, Fleabane is a weed of disturbed areas. It can grow through desirable plants to reach light.

Control:

Manual: Bag seed heads and any well developed buds, as these can continue to develop into seeds if left on the ground.
  Pull up rest of plant and shake soil off roots, and leave in a dry place.
  Pull out smaller plants.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.

Similar Species:
Other species of the genus Conyza.

Suggested Alternatives:

References: