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Spanish Heath | CW0006 |
Coast Action/Coastcare
August, 2001 |  |
Introduction
Botanical Name: Erica lusitanica
Family: Ericaeae
Origin: South West Europe
Figure 1. Spanish Heath (Erica lusitanica)
Distribution
Figure 2. Distribution of Spanish heath around Victoria
Weed Dispersal
Seeds spread naturally by water and wind. Inadvertent spread by contaminated soil on vehicles or dumped, seed laden garden waste.
Indigenous Look-a-likes
Common Heath, Epacris impressa
Less densely grouped, larger, more rigid and pointed leaves with a mid-rib underside. Less clustered, bigger flowers, white, pink or red.
Identification
Form:
Shrub - Rapid growing, evergreen, erect shrub, 0.5-2m high.
Leaf
Small, soft, narrow leaves (4-7mm x 0.5mm), densely grouped around the stems.
Flower
Small, drooping, white to pink, bell-like flowers, usually profuse, obscuring upper branches. Flowers from June to September.
Pods
Tiny, brown, oval capsules that split to release black, pepper-like seeds in Spring.
Figure 3. (a) Leaf, (b) flower and (c) pods of a Spanish heath plant.
Management
Permission should be sought from the land manager before any weed control is undertaken.
Removal methods
Remove small and scattered plants first and then target outer edges of larger infestations. Slash existing stands to prevent flowering and seeding if immediate removal is not possible.
Spanish Heath has a fine, fibrous root system.
Small Plants
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Hand pull, prior to seeding, minimising soil disturbance. Remove all roots as they will shoot again.
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Large Established Plants
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Dig out with a fork or mattock
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Alternatively, cut above ground level and immediately strip the bark back and paint exposed surfaces with herbicide
Disposal
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Stack and burn in a very hot fire or seal in plastic bag and take to tip.
Maintenance
Monitor site regularly for regrowth or new seedlings. Hand pull or dig out. Densely mulch if possible to minimise seedling regrowth.
Life Cycle
The life cycle may vary according to seasons and site conditions such as soil type, aspect and location.
Replacement Plants
- Replace Spanish Heath with appropriate indigenous plants.
- Encourage indigenous plant regeneration. Seek advice from your local indigenous nursery or your NRE Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator.
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Herbicide Recommendations
- Always consider manual weed removal methods before herbicide treatments, to avoid the unnecessary introduction of herbicides into the natural environment.
- Information on up-to-date herbicide treatment is available from herbicide companies.
- Users of herbicides should read the label fully, follow directions carefully and ensure that correct precautions and procedures are applied. To do otherwise is at the user’s own risk.
- It is advisable for at least one member of any environment group to have undertaken an approved chemical safety course. See local TAFE courses.
Did you know?
- Spanish Heath is an invasive plant and a very serious threat to indigenous vegetation, particularly in heathland or open forests.
- It is often mistaken for native plants due to its heath-like appearance.
- Dense regrowth and suckering will be encouraged by slashing.
- Spanish Heath spreads rapidly replacing native vegetation.
- Spanish Heath was introduced as a garden plant and is available from commercial nurseries.
- Some other Erica species have become weeds.
Feedback
New information is vital. Please inform your local NRE
Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator of your weed management results.
References
- Carr, G.W., Yugovic, J.V., Robinson, K.E. (1992). Environmental Weed Invasions in Victoria. Department to Natural Resources and Environment, & Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd, Melbourne
- Eltham Pest Plant Advisory Subcommittee. (1992). Weeds of our Bushland. Shire of Eltham, Melbourne.
- Regional Pest Plant Strategy Working Group (1991). Common Garden Plants that are Environmental Weeds in the Middle Yarra Region. Regional Pest Plant Strategy Working Group. Belgrave, Victoria.
- Walsh, N. & Entwhistle, T. (1996). Flora of Victoria. Vol. 3. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
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The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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