Orange hawkweed
Hawkweeds (Hieracium species) have potential to be serious weeds in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia, including the Australian Alps and Tasmanian grasslands. Prompt treatment of known populations of hawkweeds has limited their spread so far.
Orange hawkweed is on the Alert List for Environmental Weeds, a list of 28 non-native plants that threaten biodiversity and cause other environmental damage. Although only in the early stages of establishment, these weeds have the potential to seriously degrade Australia's ecosystems.
Under the 'NSW Noxious Weed Act 1993', all hawkweeds are listed as Class 1 noxious weeds. Although orange hawkweed had been sold in nurseries in New South Wales until relatively recently, it was first recorded as naturalised in 2003.
A draft NSW Orange Hawkweed Strategy has been developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders to address the above threats and aims to eradicate orange hawkweed from New South Wales.
Currently in New South Wales, orange hawkweed is only known to occur in Kosciuszko National Park. Information on the management in Kosciuszko National Park is detailed in the Kosciuszko National Park - Orange Hawkweed Control Program Annual Report. However, there may also be additional unknown infestations outside of Kosciusko National Park as orange hawkweed was used as a horticultural plant in New South Wales. The draft NSW Orange Hawkweed Strategy aims to address this by raising awareness of orange hawkweed state-wide.
Page last updated: 29 February 2012
