Hawkesbury landholders are being urged to check roadsides, fence lines and areas beneath trees for boneseed as weed-control teams move to treat known infestations before the invasive shrub begins flowering.
The Western Sydney Weeds Authority says its officers have been controlling boneseed at known locations across the region, with the woody shrub expected to begin flowering within the next month.
Treating the plants before they produce fruit is critical because their black berries are eaten by birds, which then spread the seeds into surrounding bushland, farms and roadside vegetation.
“It's essential to get this weed before the flowers die and black berries form,” the authority said.
Residents have been advised to look for seedlings beneath trees, along powerline corridors, beside roads and around fence boundaries.
One identifying feature is the presence of fine white hairs on the leaves.
Boneseed can sometimes be confused with fireweed, but the authority says the leaf shape is different and boneseed generally produces smaller flowers.
Early detection is important because bird dispersal can allow infestations to spread well beyond the original plant.
Residents who believe they have found boneseed are being asked not to ignore it.
Suspected plants can be reported to the Western Sydney Weeds Authority by emailing inspections@wswa.nsw.gov.au or by lodging a weed notification form through the authority’s website.
Further identification information is also available through the NSW WeedWise directory.
The seasonal warning follows continuing efforts by the authority to control priority weeds before they flower, fruit and establish new infestations.
For Hawkesbury property owners, particularly those adjoining bushland, roadsides or rural corridors, the coming weeks provide an important opportunity to identify plants before birds begin spreading their seeds.
