Environmental Weeds in Sydney North

• Noxious Weeds
• Other Significant Environmental Weeds
• Weed Alerts

Weed control

• Hand removal techniques
• Biocontrol

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Inkweed

Botanical Name: Phytolacca octandra
Family: PHYTOLACCACEAE  


Photo: Ku-ring-gai Council

 
Special note : Suspected of poisoning cattle.

 

Description:
 Native of Tropical America, Inkweed is a short-lived perennial up to 3m high.

Reddish stems smooth, thick. Leaves lanceolate, green turning red.

Small, greenish white flowers in dense spikes.

Purple-black berries with reddish juice.

Dispersal:
Birds.

Impact on Bushland:
A coloniser, it occurs on waste ground and in disturbed areas. Found in rich soil and occurs more frequently on deep shale soils.

Control:

Manual: Hand remove upper part of the taproot with knife or mattock.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.

Similar Species:

Suggested Alternatives:

References: