Non-native plants and weeds

We are working with the community to monitor how non-native plants are introduced and naturalised in Queensland and to detect potential new weeds.

Naturalised species are those that have successfully established themselves outside their native habitat by reproducing there without cultivation or human intervention.

Many species have become naturalised in Queensland since European settlement. Most originated outside Australia and were imported for food, fodder, as ornamentals, or by accident. A few are native species that have spread to new areas.

In Queensland:

• naturalised species are increasing at a rate of approximately 10 new species each year 
• there are 1,279 naturalised species. More than 100 of these are declared pests and there are an additional 355 species listed as doubtfully naturalised.

The Weed Spotters Queensland Network is a statewide network of volunteers who have a vital role in detecting potential new weed species.

The Queensland Herbarium produces a census of Queensland flora that lists the native, naturalised and doubtfully naturalised species.

For information on the census contact the Queensland Herbarium.