Weed Control Guide - Groundcover and Creepers

NasturtiumNasturtium is a low threat plant pest which is easily controlled with glyphosate basedherbicide and a penetrant. It is a low priority for control.Tutsan (Hypericum)Tutsan is a small semi-evergreen, shrub or semi-groundcover plant that grows up to1.5 m high. It is sometimes mistaken for other weeds such as Japanese Honeysucklebut is recognised by the 5-petalled, yellow Hypericum flowers from November toFebruary followed by round red berries that ripen to black, and by its reddish semiwoodystems which have oval leaves growing in opposite pairs. The leaves arebluish-green underneath and usually turn red in autumn. Tutsan is readily seengrowing in waste areas, old gardens and roadsides and it tolerates a wide range ofenvironmental conditions. This weed thrives along disturbed bush margins,shrubland and low-growing habitats, invading regenerating sites and forming densestands that prevent establishment of native plant seedlings.Small plants can be controlled by digging them out and leaving them on site to rotdown. Larger plants can be cut down and stump swabbed (spring-summer only)with metsulfuron (e.g. Escort). Alternatively, infestations can be sprayed fromNovember to January with glyphosate (e.g. Roundup), or metsulfuron or triclopyr(e.g. Tordon). Whichever herbicide is used a penetrant such as Pulse must be used.The timing of herbicide application is important and follow up control will benecessary to get any plants that re-sprout from the roots or from dormant seed inthe ground.