Groundsel bush is a native of Florida (United States) and coastal areas adjacent to the eastern side of the Gulf of Mexico.  It was introduced into the Brisbane region as an ornamental plant in 1900 and has spread along the coastal areas of south-east Queensland (north to Miriam Vale ) and down the New South Wales coast. Scattered plants have occurred as far west as the Chinchilla region.

Groundsel bush is a rapid coloniser of cleared,unused land and is particularly suited to moist gullies, salt marsh areas and wetlands. It also does well on high, cleared slopes.

Groundsel bush rapidly colonises disturbed areas, especially overgrazed pastures. It competes with pasture species for water and nutrients. Groundsel bush spreads rapidly from windborne seed, making clearing groundsel bush from paddocks a very time-consuming and potentially expensive task.

Why you should eliminate Groundsel before Winter

Most germination occurs in the autumn/winter period. Plants normally do not flower in the first year of growth. Plants that are 2m tall can produce from 500 000 to a million seeds.

Seeds from mature plants drift in the breeze like thistle seeds, most falling within a few metres of the parent bush.

Wind updrafts can carry seeds many kilometres. Seeds germinate readily with rainfall; however, if they become buried they can remain dormant for several years.Seeds are readily transported by wind, running water, vehicles and machinery. Soil disturbance in infested areas usually leads to substantial germination. Further infestation occurs unless the ground is sown to pasture or other competitive ground cover.

The secret to keeping on top of Groundsel is to be swift in its eradication.

Management

In grazing situations, good pasture management will greatly reduce Groundsel Bush invasions. Slashing, timely use of fertiliser and management of stocking rates can assist in control by maintaining a healthy pasture. Good pastures provide competition to limit re-invasion of groundsel bushes. Consult pasture agronomists on the best options for your property.

Hebicide Control

In conjunction with good pasture management and frequent slashing, young plants can be eliminated with Herbicdes. Amgrow Tree & Blackberry Killer is an effective Herbicide against Groundsel.

Please ask one of our team members for further information on Groundsel Control.

nformation sourced from - http://www.daff.qld.gov.au