Hairy senna

• Perennial shrub up to 3m tall.
• Single or multi-stemmed, becomes woody with age.
• Leaves are pinnate with 2–6 pairs of hairy leaflets 4–9cm long.
• Leaf stalks are ribbed with prominent conical gland at base.
• Flowers are yellow and clustered in groups of 5–8 on upper branches.
• Pods are hairy, cylindrical, 10–14cm long, each containing 50–90 round dull seeds.

• Occurs along roadsides, in disturbed areas, pastures, waterways and waste areas.

• Found along northern and Central Queensland coast.

• Reproduces by seed only.
• Flowering occurs during autumn and early winter.

Environmental

• Invades disturbed areas such as roadsides, fence lines, creekbanks, grazed pastures and rainforest edges.

• Seeds can spread by water, animals, footwear, machinery and vehicles.

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

Physical control

• Hand-pull seedlings and small plants when soil is wet, making sure that all roots and stem fragments are removed.

Herbicide control

• If plants are cut down, immediately treat stump with suitable herbicide, otherwise shrub will reshoot.
• There is no herbicide currently registered for control of hairy senna in Queensland; however, an off-label use permit (Permit No. PER11463) allows use of various herbicides for control of environmental weeds in non-agricultural areas, bushland, forests, wetlands, and coastal and adjacent areas. Visit the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for more information.

Read the Hairy senna fact sheet (PDF, 1.6MB) for herbicide control and application rates.

Biological control

• No known biological control agents.

• Hairy senna is a restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• It must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit.
• The Act requires everyone to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants and animals under their control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
• At a local level, each local council must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants and animals in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on certain species. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.