Weed of the month: Green Cestrum

Published on 27 November 2023

Green Cestrum is a poisonous weed that has been causing havoc in parts of Australia for 150 years.

Imported from South America in the 1870s by some enthusiastic gardeners, the plant has since spread through eastern and southern Australia.

Particularly favouring sub-tropical and warm environments, you will often find it along waterways, fence lines, forest edges, woodlands and grasslands. 

Not only is the weed invasive, but it contains a deadly poison, carboxyparquin, which is toxic to people, pets, livestock and native animals.

All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the berries, and it continues to be poisonous even after it has been cut down and sprayed.

For this reason, it is necessary to keep stock out of the area where the weed is being treated until the plant matter has completely disintegrated.

Kempsey Shire Council Local Government Area is considered a core infestation (containment) zone, which mean that landholders in this area who find Green Cestrum on their land should:

• actively mitigate spread of the plant from their land
• should not buy, sell, move, carry or release the plant into the environment
• should reduce the impact of the plant on assets of high economic, environmental and/or social value.

For more information:

NSW WeedWise - Department of Primary Industries

Weed Futures

Kempsey Shire Council