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Snakeweed

Photo of Snakeweed

Snakeweed

Photo of Snakeweed

Snakeweed infestation



General information

Native to the tropical Americas, snakeweeds (Stachytarpheta spp.), also known as Porter weeds, are clumping perennial plants with tough, branched stems and woody roots.

Snakeweed is not a declared plant under Queensland legislation, however its control is recommended.

Scientific name Stachytarpheta spp.
Impacts
  • invades roadsides and disturbed land
  • it can become invasive to pastures in wetter areas
Description
  • leaves are 10 cm long, oval-shaped, tapering at the base into a short stalk, occurring in pairs along the stem
  • flowers can be white, dark blue, purple, pink and red
  • each flower has a 5 mm wide tube opening into five petals
  • flowers are borne on stiff spikes, 25 cm long
  • flower spikes have a 'snake skin' appearance that develops as the flower dries
Habitat and distribution
  • eight species have become weeds in tropical areas around the Pacific
  • introduced as garden ornamentals and are now a problem along coastal Queensland
  • found along roadsides and in neglected areas, pastures and sugar cane
  • occurs when pasture is overstocked and grazed down to ground level 
Control
  • a combined approach of different control methods including chemical with land management practices is most effective
  • see the snakeweed fact sheet for more information, including registered herbicides and application rates
Declaration details
  • not a declared plant under Queensland legislation but may be declared under local government law
Further information

Author: Sonia Jordan
Page maintained by Sonia Jordan
Last updated 11 December 2007
URL: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/xchg/dpi/hs.xsl/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/4790_7358_ENA_HTML.htm

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