Stop the sale, stop the spread

If you see these water weeds for sale online or anywhere in Victoria call 136 186 or use the online reporting form to report a State prohibited weed and we will remove it for free.

To report:

• Take a screenshot of the online advert and email it to weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au
• Send an email about what you've seen, include the address and photos of the plant if possible, to weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au
• Make a report by clicking on the Report a State prohibited weed button below
• Call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

World’s worst water weeds

Two of the world’s worst water weeds, water hyacinth and salvinia, are sometimes sold online as ornamental plants.

These water weeds quickly grow to cover and block waterways, harming native plants, wildlife, and reducing water quality for farming, the environment and recreation activities.

In Victoria, it's illegal to buy, sell, import, transport, or display for sale any plants declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.

The most common noxious weeds traded online

Some of the most common noxious weeds that have been found for sale online are the Victorian State prohibited weeds, the highest category of noxious weeds. State prohibited weeds pose a major threat to Victoria’s agriculture sector, natural environment and broader social activities, and are actively managed with the aim of eradicating them from the state.

State prohibited weeds water hyacinth and salvinia are two of the world’s worst water weeds and are sometimes sold online as ornamental aquatic or water plants. These water weeds quickly spread to cover and block waterways, which harms native plants and wildlife and reduces water quality for farming and recreation activities, such as boating and water skiing.

To learn more about these harmful water weeds, visit:

• Water hyacinth
• Salvinia.

Why these weeds?

The online trade of these weeds helps them spread fast.

Once introduced to a new area, these weeds quickly cover waterways.

Even these plants growing in a backyard pond can when they are carried by birds or floodwaters.

Once established, these infestations can be costly and very hard to control.

Along with water hyacinth and salvinia there are other aquatic. State prohibited weeds to look out for, including:

• Lagarosiphon ; and
• Alligator weed

How you can help

If you see a declared noxious weed for sale online, please don't contact the seller yourself. Agriculture Victoria will follow up on your report and arrange for the effective removal of the weeds.

Please report by:

• taking a screenshot of the advertisement and emailing it to weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au
• emailing details about your sighting, including the address and photos of the plant, to weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au
• making a report via the online form (above)
• calling the Agriculture Victoria Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

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