Environmental Weeds can be defined as any other plant that causes or has the potential to cause negative environmental, social or economic impact. There are many lists of environmental weeds published by WWF, Weed Organisations and Societies along with a range of other interested groups. Environmental Weeds have a serious negative impact on the natural environment. They destroy habitat and affect biodiversity. These plants come in a wide array of forms and include exotic water weeds that clog and choke waterways, rampant climbers that smother trees and simple free seeding shrubs that form dense thickets.
There is a significant national list of environmental weeds called 'The Alert List for Environmental Weeds'. This list highlights 28 species that are considered to have the greatest potential to cause serious environmental harm. Currently considered to have limited distribution they are targeted for eradication before they establish significant populations.
The plants listed include some common in urban landscapes including Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria elegans supsp. formosana) and Racehorse Tree (Tipuana tipu).
More information on 'The Alert List for Environmental Weeds'
Local Government
Perhaps the most obvious source of environmental weed lists is the pest animal and plant department within each local government organisation. Plants listed usually include those either causing the most damage locally or identified as having the potential to cause damage to local natural systems. Check out the website of your local government authority for more information on environmental weeds applicable to your location.