THIS spring, enjoy our high country while helping to preserve its beauty and biodiversity, says Gippsland Ag News.
While bushwalking, mountain biking or hiking, people are encouraged to report invasive hawkweed and help protect our environment and agriculture.
Hawkweed poses a significant threat to our local ecosystems, spreading quickly and releasing chemicals that prevent other plants from growing. This is why you must report it immediately if you see it.
All hawkweeds have hairy leaves and stems. Leaves form a low growing rosette.
King devil hawkweed (Hieracium praealtum or Pilosella piloselloides) has yellow flowers with square-ended petal clusters of up to 25 flower heads per stem.
Mouse-ear hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella or Pilosella officinarum) also has yellow flower with square-ended petals solitary flower on each stem.
Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum or Pilosella aurantiaca) has bright orange flowers with square-ended petal clusters of five to 30 flower heads per stem.
Beware of look-alikes when identifying hawkweed, be aware of similar-looking plants that are often mistaken for hawkweed, like common dandelion and native yam daisy which are hairless and have a single flower per stalk.
Knowing your hawkweed means timely and targeted intervention, but even if in doubt it is better to still report.
If you think you have seen hawkweed, call Agriculture Victoria on 136 186, email at weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au, or report online at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/hawkweed
