Scientific name: Conyza bonariensis
Skip to: Fleabane Characteristics, When and Where Will Fleabane Grow? How Does Fleabane Spread? How Do I Remove Fleabane?
Fleabane Key Identifying Features:
- Prolific seed producer
- Starts as small rosettes
- Leaves are long and narrow with rounded, lobed edges
- Typically produces white, pink and purple flowers when the plant is at maturity
- When unmown, it can grow up to 1m tall
- Has a taproot
Fleabane is a common broadleaf weed found in lawns, gardens, parklands, curb sides, and areas with disturbed soil. This weed spreads through its seeds, so controlling Fleabane before the plant matures is key to stopping its spread. In this blog we take a look at what Fleabane is, its key identifying features, plus the best way to remove it.
Characteristics
Fleabane is part of the Asteraceae family of plants. When this plant grows in unmown areas, it can reach a height of 1m, with long and narrow leaves featuring lobed edges. However, when growing in a lawn, it will generally stay at a lower height if the lawn is mown. It’s flowers are white, pink and purple, and will flower for most of the year. Fleabane’s flowers won’t produce petals but will turn white and fluffy as the plant matures.
When and Where Will it Grow?
Fleabane is a widespread weed that can be found in most regions of Australia.
How Does Fleabane Spread?
Fleabane only spreads by its seeds, which are produced at the centre of its flower. The seeds are around 1.5 – 2mm long and have a tuft of white fluffy material at the base of the seed. This fluffy material aids in wind dispersal, allowing it to travel long distances. The seed is also easily spread underfoot or by animals.
This weed is known to be a prolific seeder, with one plant having the ability to produce up to 110, 000 seeds! Therefore, getting on top of this weed as soon as you notice it growing is highly important in stopping its spread.
How Do I Remove Fleabane?
If there is only a small amount of Fleabane present, the best and easiest way to remove it is to simply pull it out by hand. While the plant is still young, the tap root will only be small, making this an easier task.
If the weed is more widespread and an herbicide is needed, we recommend using either our All Purpose Weed Control (safe on Buffalo lawns) or a Dicamba and MCPA based herbicide (not safe on Buffalo lawns) like Amgrow Multiweed.
All Purpose Weed Control will treat a broad range of lawn weeds including Bindii, Clover, Oxalis and Thistles, while being safe for use on a broad range of grass types including Soft Leaf Buffalo, Couch, Kikuyu, Zoysia, Rye and Fescue Lawns.
Getting on top of this weed early is key to preventing its spread, and ensuring your lawn is healthy and lush can help stop weed pressures. If you need some tips on helping thicken up your lawn to help prevent weeds, check out our blog on Why a Thicker Lawn is Better at Blocking Out Weeds.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs.
