What is a weed?
The definition of a weed:
a plant growing where
it is not wanted where
it also takes over and
displaces native species.
Most of the plants that
are now weeds in Western
Australia were introduced
deliberately, as garden
ornamentals, pastures, or
food crops.
Some introduced plants
have been promoted for
use in gardens because of
their low maintenance and
water-wise properties.
However, without any of
the diseases or predators
(such as insects that eat
their seeds) that keep
them in control in their
natural environment,
these plants have thrived
and spread into areas
where they are not wanted
such as bushland and
neighbours’ properties.
Many of the weeds in
Western Australia come
from Europe, South Africa,
the Americas and eastern
Australia.