Tasmania has declared foxglove a pest, introducing regulations to control its spread and protect the island’s unique environment and agricultural sectors.
Under new biosecurity rules, it is now illegal to import, supply, sell, propagate or spread any non-sterile varieties of foxglove across the state.
Sterile varieties continue to be allowed and existing garden plants outside designated control areas can stay in place.
“This declaration aims to strike a balance between protecting important environmental values and agricultural assets, whilst at the same time not diverting resources away from high priority weed species for which eradication is still the target,” Biosecurity Tasmania said.
The toxic plant poses significant risks to both humans and animals, with all parts being extremely poisonous.
Its numerous small seeds spread easily through wind, water, soil movement and garden waste disposal, making it particularly difficult to contain.
Greens MP Tabatha Badger welcomed the decision, calling it a “long awaited and monumental step” towards controlling the “fast-spreading weed”.
“Now it’s been declared as a pest, we look forward to seeing a concentrated eradication effort take place,” she said.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Jane Howlett said management efforts will focus on specific areas, particularly around the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
“The management of foxglove will be targeted … eradication of foxglove from all parts of the state is not feasible,” she said.
