Since 1 July 2017, the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, DAFWA, has become part of the new Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, DPIRD. The new department will continue to support MyWeedWatcher and looks forward to your input and weed reports.
Weeds to look for in July
July is the middle month of winter and during this cold period most weeds are growing slowly but steadily. Seedlings are getting larger and leafier, and are beginning to resemble the adult plant. Because of the dry and patchy start to this year’s growing season in many parts of the south-west, many weeds are smaller and less developed than in a normal season.
Now is a good time to re-check for the annual weeds mentioned in the MyWeedWatcher update: June 2017, namely bedstraw, doublegee and Peterson’s curse, and the perennials skeleton weed, ragwort, arum lily and Cape tulip.
The rosettes of weeds such as Paterson’s curse, skeleton weed and doublegee should be larger, leafier and easier to find in July. Perennial weeds such as arum lily and cotton bush are also becoming larger, with more shoots and leaves that will make them easier to detect.
Perennial weeds to look for in July
Many of the priority target weeds that are of particular interest to Weed Watchers in the south-west are long lived perennials and are visible year-round. This means that they can be found at any time of the year although some, such as Cotton bush, might be rather leafless and scruffy in winter before they start producing new leaves and shoots.
If you see any of these weeds, please report it to DPIRD, preferably by using MyWeedWatcher, or by contacting the Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881 or by emailing info@agric.wa.gov.au.
Report unknown weeds
If you think you’ve found either of these weeds, but you’re not quite sure what it is, report it anyway. You can report, map and identify biosecurity concerns or unfamiliar weeds using MyWeedWatcher or alternatively, contact the Pest and Disease Information Service on 1800 084 881 or email info@agric.wa.gov.au.
Facebook group: Weeds of Western Australia
We have started a facebook group called Weeds of Western Australia. Weeds of Western Australia is a group for those interested in the naturalised flora of Western Australia.
Become a member of our Facebook group by vising us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/WeedsofWesternAustralia.
Weeds of Western Australia is a public group that aims to be a forum for providing assistance in the identification of agricultural and environmental weeds/invasive plants, celebrating community weed management achievements, sharing ideas on weed management and advertising relevant events.
It is not for identifying common lawn or garden weeds, or ornamental plants.
Administration of this group is overseen by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, with support from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions