As the Limestone Coast landscape comes alive this spring with native plants and pasture, the region also experiences an increase in pest plants. 

Limestone Coast Landscape Board Landscape Operations team leader Deb Lang is urging the community to be vigilant this spring to keep on top of seasonal weeds on their property.  

“There are a number of pest plants that thrive during spring and it is an ideal opportunity for landholders to manage their weed infestations,” Ms Lang said. 

Limestone Coast Landscape Board landscape officers work with community groups and local landholders on what weeds to look out for and provide assistance on how to control them.  

“Spring weeds we’re focussing on this season include Cape tulip, false caper, Salvation Jane, variegated thistle and boneseed,” Ms Lang said. 

Weed infestations can reduce carrying capacity on properties and potentially cause harm to stock. An integrated weed control program involving identification, weed removal and applications such as spraying with herbicide can improve land productivity significantly. 

“An integrated weed control program can assist in preventing the spread and new incursions from becoming established, which not only benefits productivity on properties but most importantly the long-term sustainability of the landscape,” Ms Lang said. 

The impact of pest plants on the broader landscape is also considerable with weeds out-competing native vegetation, harbouring pest animals and reducing native biodiversity across the Limestone Coast. 

Landholders are reminded now is also an ideal time to plan to control summer weeds such as blackberry, wild rose, innocent weed, caltrop, Bathurst burr, African lovegrass and silverleaf nightshade.  

For more identification assistance or advice on weeds in your area, contact your local Landscape Officer by calling the Limestone Coast Landscape Board in Mount Gambier on 8735 1204 or Keith on 8755 1620.