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Are you growing the next Paterson’s Curse?

Legend has it that Paterson’s Curse, one of eastern Australia’s worst noxious weeds, escaped from the garden bed of the Paterson family home near Albury.

By Latrobe City Council - 14th December 2005 - Back to News

The Patersons had the first seeds brought from Europe to beautify their garden, and then could only watch helplessly as the weed infested previously productive pastures for many miles around.

Paterson's Curse is now a dominant pasture weed through much of New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, and also infests native grasslands, heathlands and woodlands. The plants contain alkaloids, and when eaten in large quantities by livestock, cause reduced weight or even death in severe cases.

In recent months another ‘escaped’ garden plant, Aristea ecklonii, has been discovered on several roadsides in Latrobe City. The discovery has the City’s weed management officer, Peter Steller, questioning whether it may be the next Paterson’s Curse.

"Aristea ecklonii is native to western and southern Africa. A perennial grass like herb that grows to about 70 cm. In late spring, Aristea has bright blue flowers set in a loose Watsonia like flower head," Mr Steller explained.

"There are now several small populations derived from garden plants existing on isolated pockets of roadside around Moe, Newborough and Yallourn North. This plant is also known to exist as a pest in small populations on the central coast of New South Wales in disturbed woodland, and the Sydney area.

"A number of garden plants such as Aristea have the potential to escape into the environment and become pest weeds. Gardeners need to give careful thought to species selection when adding plants to their garden," Mr Steller said.

"Ornamental plants like Bridal Creeper, Wild Watsonia and some Broom species have already gone from garden favourite to declared noxious weed.

"Many plants are recognised as potential pests by the horticultural industry and nurseries do not stock them. However there are a number of plants that while not a widespread problem, can easily get out of control in one particular area; so it is very important to find out as much information as possible about species before purchasing them and planting them in the garden," Mr Steller said.

"Information can be obtained from horticultural staff at the place of purchase, or for other sources of information contact your environment officer at your local council, the Department of Primary Industries or Greening Australia Victoria. For those with access to the Internet, simply type the name of the species you are considering into a search engine, followed by the word ‘weed’, and see what comes up," Mr Steller said.

"Above all, never dump garden refuse in a nearby reserve or on a roadside. Apart from the likelihood of incurring a hefty fine, it’s a recipe for creating ecological disasters.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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