Garden escapees and invasive weeds in Eurobodalla

Many invasive plants found in Eurobodalla started as garden plants. These common garden escapees spread easily into local bushland, compete with native species, and harm local biodiversity.

You can identify these invasive weeds and learn more about them on the NSW WeedWise website. Some species are not yet listed as weeds on the NSW south coast, but are serious threats in areas with climates similar to ours.

Native plants that can become weeds

Some Australian native plants can also become environmental weeds if grown outside their natural range. Find out more about native plants as weeds.

These native weeds can be just as harmful to local ecosystems as some exotic plants. This is because they are well adapted to Australian soils and often regenerate quickly after fire.

Garden plants you should avoid

If your garden includes any of the plants listed on this page, consider replacing them with species that are less likely to spread into the bush. Visit our bush-friendly garden guide for local plant alternatives:

Read our native garden guide

Even if you don’t live near bushland, avoid planting species with seeds that spread by birds, machinery, or surface water. These seeds can travel long distances and quickly reach natural areas.

  • Golden wattle (Acacia saligna)
  • Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus)
  • Alders (Alnus species)
  • Desert ash (Fraxinus angustifolia)
  • Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)
  • Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonii)
  • Sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum)
  • White poplar (Populus alba, Populus alba bark)
  • Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra cv. Italica)
  • Pepper tree (Schinus areira)
  • English elm (Ulmus procera)

  • Coast wattle (Acacia sophorae)
  • Buddleia, butterfly bush (Buddleja species)
  • Broom (Cytisus hybrids)
  • Dwarf broom (Cytisus racemosus nana)
  • Coastal teatree (Leptospermum laevigatum)
  • Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

  • Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
  • Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)

  • Balsam, busy lizzie (Impatiens walleriana, Impatiens Sodenii, Impatiens Sodenii - 2)
  • Californian poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
  • Freesia (Freesia alba X leichtlinii)
  • Gazania (Gazania spp.)

Bush-friendly garden plant alternatives

Help protect Eurobodalla’s natural environment by planting local native or bush-friendly species. Explore:

Tips to stop weeds from spreading

  • Fill the gaps: Cover bare soil with native or water-wise plants to prevent weeds from establishing.
  • Use mulch:  Apply a thick layer of straw or bark mulch to stop new weeds growing and keep soil moist.
  • Water wisely: Water deeply but less often, or use drip irrigation to target only your plants.
  • Pull weeds early: Remove weeds as soon as they appear, before they flower or seed.
  • Choose plants carefully: Avoid planting invasive or weedy species - use local native plants instead. Avoid planting invasive or weedy species. Instead, pick plants from the native plant guide that won’t spread into nearby bushland.
  • Manage garden waste: Dispose of weed clippings responsibly and clean your tools to avoid spreading seeds.

Learn how to dispose of weeds

Watch our YouTube video and find out how to correctly dispose of garden waste and weeds.

Contact us

For more information about common garden escapees or advice on weed control in Eurobodalla, contact Council's invasive species team on: