Don’t let that cheery little yellow flower fool you – what looks like sunshine on a stem is actually fireweed, a toxic troublemaker ready to wreak havoc Sunshine Coast pastures.

Sunshine Coast Council pest plant officer Rhea Phelan has issued a call out to 4551 residents to be on the lookout for the pretty pest as an important biosecurity measure.

“Through collaboration from residents, Council and Biosecurity Queensland, we’ve managed to contain and limit the spread of fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) on the Sunshine Coast for 30 years,” Ms Pjelan said.

“In the last few years, it has started to take off again, in particular from the turfed areas in emerging estates such as the Aura suburbs.

“It’s important to remain vigilant with our combined effort to continue to protect our region from this toxic, prolific and potentially destructive weed.”

Fireweed is a small herbaceous plant with bright yellow flowers about 2cm wide and serrated leaves.

Fireweed invades pastures, is poisonous to horses and competes with native plants in natural areas and could have a significant impact on our local primary producers.

Seedlings usually appear in Autumn and it quickly produces flowers within 6 to 10 weeks with seeds remaining viable in the soil for several years.

“Fireweed can easily be confused with dandelion species as well as similar native plants,” Ms Phelan said.”

“You’ll be protecting our region’s farmers and our beautiful natural areas.”

If you think you might have fireweed on your property please contact Council for assistance with identification via phone, text or email [email protected].