Madagascan fireweed

Madagascan fireweed is present in the ACT.

About the pest

Madagascan fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) is a member of the daisy or Asteraceae family, which shares the characteristic daisy-like flower.

Why it is a problem

Madagascan fireweed contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to livestock and can cause liver damage.

It can grow in most soil types. It forms a persistent seed bank if not controlled before flowering and can rapidly take over cleared areas. One plant can produce 5,000 to 30,000 seeds in one season depending on conditions.

What to look for

• Madagascan fireweed is an annual or biennial herb 10–60 cm tall. It is erect with many branches.
• Leaves are bright green, fleshy and narrow, 2–7 cm long and 3–10 mm wide.
• Flowers are small, yellow and daisy-like with up to 15 petals, 1–2 cm in diameter and in clusters at the ends of branches.
• Flowering is mostly from spring to autumn, but times vary.

How it spreads

Madagascan fireweed primarily spreads through wind-dispersal and vegetative growth. It can spread very quickly as seeds are small and can germinate immediately after dispersal.

Further dispersal is likely to be the result of unintentional spread by human activity, including livestock, native or pest animals, clothing, vehicles and machinery, contaminated hay, silage, and grain products.

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