Singapore daisy
© Queensland Government
© Queensland Government
© Queensland Government
© Queensland Government
Native to tropical America, Singapore daisy is a vigorous ground cover that spreads rapidly and out-competes native plants. In Queensland, it also invades lawns, irrigated areas, and areas around drains.
You must manage the impacts of Singapore daisy on your land.
You must not give away, sell or release Singapore daisy into the environment.
Scientific name
Similar species
- Native beach flower
Description
- Vigorous ground cover or low-climbing plant.
- Leaves are lush, glossy green, usually 3-lobed, 4–18cm long, 1.5–8cm wide, in pairs along stem.
- Flowers are yellow to orange-yellow, daisy-like, 2cm wide, on short stalks above leaves.
- Seeds are elongated, brown, 4–5mm long.
Habitat
- Found in gardens, parks, bushland, disturbed areas, along roadsides and footpaths.
Distribution
- Found in South East Queensland and coastal areas of northern and Central Queensland.
Life cycle
- Flowers year-round, mostly from spring to autumn.
Impacts
Environmental
- Spreads rapidly and smothers seedlings, ferns and shrubs.
- Invades environmental areas.
How it is spread
- Spreads mainly by cuttings from slashing and pruning.
Prevention
Control
Physical control
- Hand-pull and dig up runners.
- Dispose of waste carefully, as smallest cutting can regrow.
Herbicide control
- Herbicides are effective.
Read the Singapore daisy fact sheet (PDF, 1.8MB) for herbicide control and application rates.
Biological control
- No known biological control agents.
Legal requirements
- Singapore daisy is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- You must not give away, sell, or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
- You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with Singapore daisy under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
- At a local level, each local government must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants and animals in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on Singapore daisy. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.
Further information
- Last reviewed: 27 Oct 2021
- Last updated: 27 Oct 2021