Alligator weed

• Vigorous perennial weed growing both in water and on land.
• Stems are hollow.
• Leaves are dark green with a distinct midrib, 2–12cm long, 0.5–4cm wide, arranged in opposite pairs along stem.
• No leaf stalk.
• Flowers are white, paper-like, ball-shaped, on short stalks 2–7cm.

• Optimum growth occurs in fresh water with a high nutrient level.
• Can tolerate brackish water.
• Can establish in semi-aquatic areas, wetlands, stream and creek banks, and on land.

• Visit Weeds Australia to access a distribution map (select the distribution tab).

• Forms new shoots in spring from nodes on existing stems.
• Does not produce viable seed.
• Regrowth occurs quickly from stems or underground rhizomes.
• Flowers appear around mid-summer.

Environmental

• Poses extreme threat to waterways and wetlands.
• Restricts water flow in creeks, channels and drains.
• Reduces water quality.
• Reduces water bird and fish activity.
• Kills fish and submerged native water plants.
• Replaces native wetland plants.

Economic

• Damages pumps and irrigation equipment.
• Poses extreme threat to irrigated croplands.
• Increases water loss through evapotranspiration.

Social

• Impedes water sports and boating access.
• Endangers swimmers.
• Creates favourable habitat for mosquitoes.

• In water, stems break and float away to form new mats.
• Also spread by cuttings in soil or on equipment.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Mechanical control

• Successful mechanical removal of alligator weed is extremely difficult since the plant is able to re-establish from very small pieces.
• Spread is likely to occur by 2 methods if care is not taken:
  • re-establishment from stem fragments
  • spillage in transit or at dump sites.

Herbicide control

Biological control

Three biological control agents from South America have been introduced into New South Wales. Two of these insects are established and contribute to control of alligator weed growing in water but not on land:

• flea beetle (Agasicles hygrophila)
• stem-boring moth (Arcola malloi).

• Alligator weed is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• It must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with alligator weed under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
• At a local level, each local government agency must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on alligator weed. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.