Weed profile: False yellowhead
False yellowhead
False yellowhead
Dittrichia viscosa
Originally from the Mediterranean region, it is not clear how false yellowhead was introduced to Australia but it may have escaped from a garden. It was first recorded in Albany in 1955, and has since spread throughout southern Western Australia. It is occasionally found in swamps but mainly occurs in highly disturbed areas such as roadsides, railway lines, fire breaks and walking trails. False yellowhead is a prolific seed producer and a threat in the higher rainfall regions of southern Australia. It is known to release substances that inhibit the germination of nearby plants, and to be toxic to stock. It can also cause contact dermatitis in people.
Status
- National Environmental Alert List weed (definition)