Conyza bonariensis

Other common names:

Fleabane, asthma weed.

Description:

Flaxleaf fleabane grows up to 1 metre tall and has erect multiple-branching stems covered with stiff hairs. It's leaves are grey-green in colour, deeply indented, coarsely toothed and are covered in fine hairs (QLD Government, 2012). The weed flowers year-round producing petals at first, which turn into fluffy puff balls (pappus), very similar in appearance to the dandelion weed. Flaxleaf fleabane is a major cropping weed in South East QLD and Northern NSW.

Susceptible Turf:

Warm-and cool-season turf grass varieties. The weed is commonly found in disturbed areas, including roadside and high traffic areas.

Control options:

• Pesticides: See available tabs below for registered products. Use as per label instructions.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Weeds should be targeted when young; pesticide resistance has been seen. Use a combination of approaches listed on this page.
• Cultural: Soil disturbance can create unfavourable germinating conditions.
• Mechanical: Hand removal of small weed populations.

References:

Queensland Government (2012). Flaxleaf fleabane, A weed best management guide, Northern IWM fact sheet version 03/12, pp. 10 (https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/65903/Flaxleaf-fleabane.pdf accessed 3/01/20).

Disclaimer:

Turf Finder or its developer accepts with no responsibility for any consequences whatsoever resulting from the use of any information or product(s) listed herein. Products are to be applied as per label instructions.