• Flowering herb up to 2m tall.
• Leaves are ovate to oblong, 2–8cm long, 1–3.5cm wide, arranged alternately.
• Stems are thick, densely hairy, 5–20cm long.
• Flowers are small, yellow, daisy-like, 15–22mm wide.
• Each flower head produces many seeds 2–5mm long.
• Plant emits strong odour when crushed.

• Prefers open, disturbed sites with dry, sandy soils.

• Infestations occur at Labrador on the Gold Coast and on South Stradbroke Island and Wavebreak Island.

• Produces flowers during late summer.

Environmental

• Threatens native vegetation.
• Rapidly forms dense infestations on coastal sand dunes and beaches.

• Seeds spread by wind and water.
• Also spread on clothes, shoes and beach towels.

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

Herbicide control

• Herbicides are most effective control method.
• Check after 4 months and re-treat as required.
• Control programs have been undertaken on South Stradbroke Island and at The Spit on Gold Coast.

Biological control

• No known biological control agents.

• Telegraph weed is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must not give away, sell, or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with telegraph weed under your 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 telegraph weed. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.