Gorse is a harmful weed that can grow rapidly and it is reported very problematic to eradicate.

What is a weed? A weed is an unwanted plant, and one of the most prevalent weeds in Ararat is gorse according to the region's Landcare group.

It's botanical name is Ulex europaeus and it is a prickly, upright shrub with bright yellow flowers.

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Gorse was introduced to Australia in the 1800s by British migrants as a hedge plant but quickly became one of Victoria's most aggressive and destructive weeds.

Ararat Landcare Group which was formed in 1999 has attempted to abolish gorse from public Ararat land since 2002.

Residents are welcome to join the effort to remove gorse from Ararat.

The Landcare group states the best removal methods include application of a registered herbicide, cultivation, mulching and physical removal.

OTHER NEWS:

Gorse is one of 32 weeds listed of National Significance based on its invasiveness, socio and economic impacts and the potential to spread.

The shrub can produce up to six million seeds per hectare per year and can be spread by vehicle tyres, animals, water and even birds.

The dense gorse shrub can grow to several meters high and wide. It reduces livestock grazing capacity, offers shelter to different pests such as rabbits, foxes and feral cats and its presence can greatly reduce land value.

MORE NEWS:

The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) leads a combined approach to reducing gorse across private and public land, sourcing funding from across government for community-led activities to reduce gorse in local areas. www.vicgorsetaskforce.com.au

For more information about Ararat Landcare email Facilitator@upperhopkins.org.au.

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