Identifying Weeds
Some of the weeds at Foote Sanctuary are arguably quite attractive, such as this Freckle Weed (aka polka dot plant, Hypoestes phyllostachya) here!
However, their very successful growth rates mean that they can out-compete natives and upset the balance of the ecosystem, having wide-ranging consequences on other plants, animals and the soil.
Plants can become environmental weeds when they escape from gardens into surrounding bushland, dune and creek edges. Plants from overseas and even native plants from other parts of Queensland and Australia have the potential to become weeds. Treat any new plants with caution. If you are not sure whether it's likely to overtake, leave it as a container plant or isolate it.
NEVER dump unwanted house or garden plants in local reserves, always pass them on, or put them in a rubbish bag and bin them.
The Sunshine Coast Council have resources on identifying local weeds here:
If you don't live on the Sunshine Coast, visit your local government web site or try https://weeds.org.au/identify/
