Pest plants – fountain grass and gazania

Fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) and gazanias (Gazania spp.) are declared pest plants.

Council requests that residents pull them out as soon as possible if they are found on private property. Please dispose of them in your green organic waste bin.

Council workers continue to remove these plants from our public areas, including verges and roundabouts. We are planting non-invasive species once infestations are eradicated.

For help in dealing with these pest plants see below:

• Fountain grass - This is a tufted perennial which grows up to 1.5m high with pink/purple seed heads. It has commonly been planted as an ornamental grass. Fountain grass is invasive to native vegetation and high seed production makes it difficult to control. Find out more
• Gazania - This is a perennial herb from South Africa with an average height of 30cm. It has been planted as a popular ground cover in our area. Flowers are brightly coloured and typically have yellow or orange petals. Gazania is invasive and rapidly out competes native plants. Seeds spread up to 1km. Find out more

See the Department of Primary Industries and Regions for more information on identifying and controlling weeds.