Identifying weeds after a flood

Flood events are often a method in which weeds are easily spread. These can include common weeds like water hyacinth or less obvious weeds like tropical soda apple, Chilean needle grass, or parthenium weed.

The North Coast has put together this informative video to help you learn more about identifying weeds after a flood.

Look out for new weeds after flood

Flood waters can carry and introduce new weed species onto paddocks, banks, and along roadsides.

Monitor areas inundated by flood water for the next 12 months. Some weeds may not be visible until a year or two after the flood. If you find weeds that you don’t know what they are, get help with identification early before they spread further.

• Weed propagules (seed or vegetative parts) can be readily dispersed in flood waters.
• Weed seeds can easily attach to vehicles and equipment in the muddy conditions after a flood. Ensure that vehicles and equipment, including those of contractors and advisors, are clean and free of weeds before entering or leaving your property. Consider providing a designated wash down area for this purpose.
• Reduced ground cover from flood-lost pastures or crops can allow weeds to more readily grow and establish.
• If you moved stock to higher ground or to different properties during the flood be careful not to spread weeds from these holding areas when you return stock to the flood impacted areas.

If you see a plant that you suspect to be a weed growing on your property that was not there before the flood event, report it to your local council weeds officer or to NSW Department of Primary Industries. Local Land Services also offers a range of weed identification resources as well as regionally specific guides to help identify priority weeds in NSW.