A large infestation of Inkweed (Phytolacca octandra) has been found in the ACT. The toxic nature of this plant presents a risk to PCS staff, contractors, members of the public as well as livestock and domestic pets. All parts of this plant are considered poisonous with symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to breathing difficulty and convulsions

This alert decsribes the actions needed if Inkweed is encountered.

For more information see ACT Government's Inkweed Safety Alert [ 0.2 MB ]

Also known as Spurges or Milkweed, these plants are becoming more widespread in Canberra gardens and are finding their way into public areas. We have been dealing with several small but persistent colonies on The Pinnacle Nature Reserve for many years.

This alert stresses the need for care when handling them:
Euphorbia has a white milky sap that causes skin irritation and caustic effects when it comes into the contact with the skin. In contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), the milky sap can produce extremely painful inflammation. Exposure to recently cut plants can also cause breathing difficulties.

For more information see ACT Government's Euphorbia Safety Alert [ 0.3 MB ]

Red Buffalo Burr (Solanum sisymbriifolium), also known as Sticky nightshade, is an invasive plant that has sharp prickles which can injure people, pets and native animals.

It is an erect plant (to 1.5 m high) that is hairy and covered in very sharp prickles. It is an annual or short-lived perennial. Multiple, severe frosts may kill the above ground parts of the plant but it will reshoot from rhizomes in spring. It can flower within 5 weeks of germination or regrowth from rhizomes. Flowering is usually during spring and summer.

It has been found along the light rail corridor and in Pialligo.

Report any sightings to Citizen Science websites/apps like Canberra Nature Map http://canberra.naturemapr.org/ with a close up photograph.

More information and photos at: https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Stickynightshade.

This is a highly invasive clump-forming warm season grass that has recently been located along Cotter Road near Camp Cottermouth.

Report any other sightings to Citizen Science websites/apps like Canberra Nature Map with a close up photograph.

More about African Feathergrass [ 0.3 MB  ]

This is a highly invasive drought, fire and herbicide tolerant weed that can invade undisturbed natural ecosystems. Coolatai Grass has not been detected in the ACT but infestations are present to the north and south in NSW.

Coolatai Grass Details [ 0.3 MB ]

Overview of identification and actions to take if found [ 0.3 MB ]

Detailed background, identification, control and reporting [ 1.6 MB ]

Fireweed Alert October 2011 [   390 kB ] : a guide to identification and actions to take if found