Local Weed. Spanish Heath – Erica lusitanica.
Spanish Heath - Erica lusitanica. Weed.
Spanish Heath – Erica lusitanica is a common weed in the area we live. Growing to bushes about a metre high it is often seen in bushland, peoples gardens and commonly on roadsides. We hadn’t seen this weed before on our bushblock but after the bushfire we noticed the first one so we quickly got to removing it.
Having it seen it around we were always on the lookout for it. The weed must have had seeds come onto our land most likely from birds as the nearest plants are at lease 500 – 1000 metres away. We made sure we quickly removed it before it finished flowering and set seeds. It is easily pulled out by hand when small, but can be cut or sawn off when a bit larger. removing this weed is the best way to avoid having to remove even more weeds from their offspring in the coming years.
Spanish Heath - Erica lusitanica. Flowers.
Prompt vigilance for weeds on our bush block is the best way we can ensure that we continue to have a healthy bushland environment filled with indigenous plants and supporting our local wildlife.
If you live in S-E Australia and you have this weed why not work on replacing it with our local heath the Common Heath – Epacris impressa. The Common Heath is an indigenous plant and the state floral emblem of Victoria and a beautiful flowering plant for any garden or bush block.
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