List of common weeds of Queensland Facts for Kids

Weeds are plants that grow where they are not wanted. They are also known as invasive plants. These plants often make many seeds. They are very good at growing and spreading in places that have been disturbed. Weeds can take over quickly.

Weeds can cause problems for many things. They can reduce the number of native plants and animals, which is called biodiversity. They can also harm farms and affect how much food we can grow. Weeds can change the environment and even affect people's health.

Common Weeds in Queensland
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Common Weeds in Queensland

Many different weeds grow in Queensland. Some are already common, while others are new threats. Weeds marked with "WoNS" are considered "Weeds of National Significance". This means they are a big problem across Australia.

African Tulip Tree

The African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata) comes from tropical Africa. It grows very fast and can take over areas, especially near streams. It forms dense groups of trees that push out native plants. It is a Class 3 weed. You can find it in Southeast Queensland and in gardens.

Alligator Weed

Alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is from South America. It can grow on land in wet soil or in water as thick floating mats. It is a Class 1 WoNS weed. This means it is a very serious threat. It could spread to all coastal and inland areas of Queensland.

Camphor Laurel

The camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) comes from Asia. It is a large, attractive shade tree. However, it aggressively replaces native plants. It is a Class 3 weed. You can see it in gardens all over Queensland.

Fireweed

Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) is a daisy-like plant with bright yellow flowers. It comes from Madagascar and Southern Africa. It competes with plants grown for animal food, like pasture species. It is a Class 2 weed. It is found along the New South Wales coast and up to Brisbane.

Lantana

Lantana (Lantana camara) is a heavily branched shrub from Central and South America. It can grow as thick clumps or climbing vines. It smothers native plants. It is a Class 3 WoNS weed. It grows in most coastal and sub-coastal areas of eastern Australia.

Mesquite

Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) comes from North and South America. It has spread a lot in Queensland. It can form very thick, thorny bushes that are hard to get through. It is a strong plant that can handle dry weather. It is a Class 1 WoNS weed. It is found in Western Queensland.

Mother of Millions

Mother of millions (Bryophyllum spp.) is a succulent plant from Madagascar. It is good at growing in dry areas. This plant is very poisonous to farm animals. It makes many tiny plantlets on its leaves, which makes it hard to get rid of. It is a Class 2 weed. It is often grown in gardens and found in the Central Highlands and Burnett regions.

Ochna

Ochna (Ochna serrulata), also known as the Mickey Mouse plant, comes from Africa. It is an ornamental plant, meaning people grow it for its looks. Birds eat its fruits and spread its seeds easily to new places. It is widely planted in gardens.

Parkinsonia

Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata) is a small shade tree from tropical America. It was brought here as an ornamental plant. Its seeds can float, and it forms thick, thorny bushes along rivers and streams. It is a Class 2 WoNS weed. It is found in inland Queensland.

Parthenium

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) is from tropical America. It grows quickly in weak pastures and disturbed areas. It is linked to health problems like allergies in people. It is a Class 2 WoNS weed. It is mostly found in Central Queensland.

Prickly Pear

Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) is a spiky cactus from the Americas. It can survive dry conditions. It was a huge problem in the early 1900s. However, its numbers were greatly reduced by using biological control, which means using natural enemies to control it. It is a Class 2 weed. It is found in Central and Southern Queensland.

Willow

Willow (Salix spp.) trees come from the Northern Hemisphere. They are popular garden plants. But they can be invasive in waterways. Their roots grow very strongly and can block rivers and streams. It is a Class 1 WoNS weed. It is found in cooler parts of Queensland.