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Weed of the Month - Fireweed

Fireweed
Senecio madagascariensis Poiret (Asteraceae)

Fireweed is a small, yellow and daisy-like plant with origins in south-eastern Africa and Madagascar Fireweed can be an annual but many plants survive through the summer. It flowers throughout the year, although peak time is winter to early spring. Ideal conditions for fireweed growth are dry summers followed by autumn and/or winter rains.

This is a serious weed particularly of coastal pastures in eastern Australia and in particular in the Hunter. Often associated with cattle pastures Fireweed invades pastures and native vegetation and can withstand drought conditions although the species is not normally considered toxic, in situations where large infestations occur fatalities have been reported for grazing animals due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. It is normally associated with slow growth and poor conditioning of cattle.

Vectors: Fireweed produces large numbers of seeds, which live in the ground for a number of years.
Physical control: Small infestations can be removed by hand. Frequent slashing is needed to prevent seeding.

Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered. However, integrated management strategies, are normally practiced. This includes a combination of herbicides control, mechanical methods and maintaining vigorous permanent pastures to compete with the species.