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Fleabane
Environmental Weed
Botanical name: Conyza spp.
Fleabane seedling
Photo: Ku-ring-gai Council
Photo: Ku-ring-gai Council Flower head close up
Photo: Adam Burrowes
Description
Originating in America, Fleabane is an upright annaul herb with a single stem up to 1 to 2m high. Found on disturbed sites, headlands, dunes and edge of bushland.
This plant starts off with a tuft of basal leaves, then develops an erect stem to 2m tall. The stem terminates in elongated seed heads wiht tiny dandelion-type flyaway seeds. Flowers are white to pink, flowering in summer. Seeds are small with fine white hairs.
Dispersal
Seed is wind dispersed.
Impact on bushland
A prolific seeder, Fleabane is a weed of disturbed areas. It can grow through desirable plants to reach light.
Control
Manual:
- Bag seed heads and any well developed buds, as these can continue to develop into seeds if left on the ground.
- Pull up rest of plant and shake soil off roots, and leave in a dry place.
- Pull out smaller plants.
See Manual Weed Control Techniques.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.
Similar species
Other species of the genus Conyza.