Willow
Pencil Willow
© Pato Novoa Creative Commons
Pussy willow buds
© M K Albis Creative Commons
Tortured willow
© Tom De Gomez Creative Commons
The term 'willow' refers to several different tree and shrub species, including weeping willow. Willow species are Weeds of National Significance (WONS).
Willows are among Australia's worst weeds because of their invasive tendencies, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts. They can invade riverbanks and wetlands, causing erosion and blocking waterways. Willows are a serious weed in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, causing millions of dollars in damage. Smaller numbers are also found in southern Queensland.
However, weeping willow Salix babylonica, and 2 hybrid species of pussy willow Salix x calodendron and Salix x reichardtii are permitted species.
You must manage the impacts of willows on your land.
You must not give away, sell or release willows into the environment.
Scientific name
Description
- Deciduous trees or shrubs that form large, dense root-mats.
- Leaves are long, narrow, with finely toothed edges (except on pussy willows).
- Flower stalks have numerous tiny flowers.
- Seeds are small with long, silky hairs.
Habitat
- Grows along riverbanks and creeks.
Distribution
- The known distribution of restricted willows in Queensland is confined to a few occurrences in Southern, Central and Northern Queensland.
Impacts
Environmental
- Invades riverbanks and wetlands.
- Roots spread into beds of watercourses, slowing water flow, reducing aeration and causing flooding and erosion.
Economic
- Has aggressive root system in urban environments, which readily damages footpaths and drains.
How it is spread
- Spread by fragments of stems or twigs breaking off and growing new roots in water.
- Spread by birds, especially grey swallow and black willow.
Prevention
Control
- Costly to control.
- Herbicide and/or mechanical techniques are effective.
Legal requirements
- Willows is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- You must not give away, sell or release willows into the environment. Penalties may apply.
- You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with willows under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
- At a local level, each local government must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on willows. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.
Further information
- Contact the Customer Service Centre
- Weeds of Australia