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By Phil Burkitt
Farmers across coastal New South Wales are facing an escalating challenge from fireweed (Senecio. madagascariensis), a toxic and invasive plant originally from South Africa. Also known as Madagascar ragwort or Madagascar groundsel, the weed has spread rapidly through pastures, threatening livestock health and reducing agricultural productivity.
Here in the Hawkesbury, we have many paddocks with different land uses, ranging from orcharding to grazing or even parking when holding an event or it could just be one of our big back yards. This weed is common in our regen and it might help to become familiar with this species of weed and be able to recognize its infestation as it may impact some of us or some of our animals
Recognized by its bright green, fleshy leaves and clusters of small, yellow, daisy-like flowers, fireweed may appear harmless. However, this plant is toxic to humans if ingested and the plant contains alkaloids that are poisonous to livestock, particularly cattle. These toxins can cause severe liver damage, photosensitization, sunburn on unpigmented skin, and neurological symptoms such as aimless wandering and uncoordinated movement. So, it’s a serious issue for grazing animals.
Fireweed spreads primarily via wind-dispersed seeds, though it can also grow from stems in contact with the soil. This rapid spread undermines pasture quality and reduces the amount of grass available for grazing animals. Infestations will drastically reduce stocking rates and compromise farm productivity Managing fireweed is critical to protecting both animal welfare and the economic viability of rural properties.
Authorities and agricultural experts are urging landholders to act early. Control measures include spot-spraying with herbicides after autumn rains when seedlings are young and actively growing, maintaining healthy pastures to prevent bare patches where fireweed can establish, and using some grazing animals such as sheep or goats to eat plants before they flower.
Early detection is the key. If you can spot and control fireweed when seedlings first come up after autumn rain, you’ll save yourself a lot of work later. Once it flowers and sets seed, it’s much harder to manage. Physical removal is another option, but landholders are advised to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation and to remove plants before flowering to reduce seed spread.
As mentioned in previous Gazette articles relating to weeds The Hawkesbury River County Council which is soon to be named the Wester Sydney Weeds authority are a great source of information and are currently compiling a list of competent qualified and insured contractors. This list is soon to be posted on the website www.hrcc.nsw.gov.au and will be accessible for landowners to help control out breaks.
