Landholders are urged to be on the lookout for Green Cestrum

Published on 26 May 2022

Liverpool Plains Shire Council Mayor, Cr Doug Hawkins OAM urges all landowners and land managers in the Liverpool Plains local government area to be on the lookout for Green Cestrum (Cestrum parqui).

Cr Hawkins said that Green Cestrum is very toxic to humans and animals alike. This includes sheep, horses, pigs, poultry and especially Cattle. It was introduced into Australia as a garden plant and has now been spread by seed by numerous birds into rural areas from urban gardens. Any part of the plant can be toxic. Stressed and/or new stock to a paddock are at an elevated risk of being poisoned.

“A recent call to the Liverpool Plains Shire Council from a concerned landowner advised that several cattle had died of suspected poisoning along a local creek system. The investigation revealed Green Cestrum to be the cause,” he said.

Council’s Authorised Biosecurity Officer was quick to identify plants varying from new emerging germinations to plants higher than 2 metres and in full flower. Investigations revealed an area where the cattle had been congregating was a site where the 2 metre plants had been eaten to around a foot high.

“When moving cattle into new areas and especially riparian areas, it is advisable for landowners to thoroughly inspect the area before introducing livestock to eliminate the risk of poisoning from this highly toxic plant. A good place to check for Cestrum is under Pepper Trees especially in riparian areas but can also found under other trees and shrubs where birds commonly roost.” Cr Hawkins said.

Legal Obligations - Biosecurity Act 2015

A general biosecurity duty applies to all dealings (as defined) with this species. Any person who deals with this species who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk posed by the plant, a carrier or a dealing, has a duty to ensure the biosecurity risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable.

For further information please refer to:

NSW Weed Wise App: weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Or call Liverpool Plains Shire Council Authorised Biosecurity Officer Mike Whitney on (02) 6746 1755.