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Parthenium weed
Parthenium weed
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Parthenium weed infestation
General information
Native to South and North America, parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus)is an annual herb with a deep tap root and an erect stem that becomes woody with age.
Parthenium weed is a declared Class 2 plant under Queensland legislation and a Weed of National Significance (WONS).
| Scientific name |
Parthenium hysterophorus |
| Impacts |
- invades pastures, disturbed bare areas along roadsides, heavily stocked areas around yards and watering points
- reduces beef production
- costs cropping industries millions of dollars per year
- pollen contains potent allergens that can cause reactions such as dermatitis and hay fever
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| Description |
- grows up to 5 m in height, developing many branches in its top half when mature
- pale-green leaves, deeply lobed and covered with fine soft hairs
- small creamy white flowers on stem tips
- flowers contain 4-5 black seeds that are wedge-shaped, 2 mm long with 2 thin, white scales
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| Habitat and distribution |
- grows in most soil types, most dominant in alkaline, clay and loam soils
- first recorded at Toogoolawah in 1955 and north of Clermont in 1960
- well-established in Central Queensland, west to Longreach and northern and southern Queensland
- infestations also found in New South Wales
- seeds can spread by water, vehicles, machinery, stock, feral and native animals and in feed and seed
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| Control |
- hand pulling of small areas is not recommended
- a combined approach of different control methods including chemical, biological, mechanical and herbicide integrated with land management practices is most effective
- see the parthenium fact sheet for further information
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| Declaration details |
- a declared Class 2 species under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002
- control of declared pests is required by landholders
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| Further information |
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Author: Sonia Jordan
Page maintained by Sonia Jordan
Last updated 05 November 2007
