Aquatic Weeds

Aquatic weeds really are in a class all their own. They are uniquely difficult to control because of the physical and chemical restrictions of working in waterways. Changes to our waterways (particularly due to run-off from agricultural and urban landscapes, and clearing of natural vegetation) mean that once aquatic weeds become established, they can run rampant. 

Aquatic weeds also have an excessive impact on the environments they invade. Blocking light and oxygen from the waterways they cover and physically impeding water flow, they can lead to the death of native water bugs, fish and native vegetation, devastating aquatic ecosystems. 

Given conducive environmental conditions, aquatic weeds can spread to choke water bodies in an astonishingly short period of time. 

If you come across any of the following plants, please contact Council's Weeds Officer on 6591 7222 for advice as soon as possible

For more information on any weed, click on its name.

  Senegal Tea Plant (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides) is a Class 1 Noxious Weed throughout NSW, and a State Prohibited Weed.

 Kidney-Leaf Mud Plantain (Heteranthera reniformis) is a Class 1 Noxious Weed throughout NSW, and a State Prohibited Weed.

 Alligator Weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) is a Class 2 Noxious Weed (Regionally Prohibited Weed) and a Weed of National Significance.

 Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) is a Class 5 Noxious Weed across NSW, and a Weed of National Significance.

 Longleaf Willow Primrose / Ludwigia (Ludwigia longifolia) is a Class 3 Noxious Weed (Regionally Controlled Weed).

 Parrots Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) Although not a classified Noxious Weed, Parrots Feather is a serious problem in the Great Lakes.

 Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is a Class 3 Noxious Weed (Regionally Controlled Weed) and a Weed of National Significance.

 Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a Class 3 Noxious Weed (Regionally Controlled Weed) and a Weed of National Significance.

Plant me instead

Shown below are three attractive native aquatic species, beneficial to waterways, wildlife and the local environment. Click on the botanical names for more information. Left to right: Water Snowflake (Nymphoides indica), Entire Marshwort (Nymphoides geminata),Native Water lily (Nymphaea violacea).