Common garden escapees

Many invasive plant species have escaped from gardens into the bush. You can identify many of these weeds and learn about different weed species on the NSW Weed Wise website. Some species are not included because they are not established as weeds on the NSW south coast. These species are serious weeds in other areas with a similar climate.

Native plants as weeds

Some of the plants listed on this page are Australian natives. Native plants can become environmental weeds if they're planted outside of their natural range.

Native plants can be more dangerous to native vegetation than some exotic species. The reason for this is they have adapted to Australia's poor soils, and to reproducing after fire.

Species not to plant

If you have any of the species listed on this page in your garden, think about replacing them with species less likely to spread.

You should avoid plants with seeds spread by birds, even if the garden is not close to native vegetation. Birds can travel long distances so they can carry seed from built-up areas into the bush.

Alternatives you can plant

• Grow me instead: Alternative plants for New South Wales