BILLYGOAT WEED (WEED)
Ageratum conyzoides, Fam. Asteraceae



Erect or semi-prostrate annual or short-lived perennial herbs, 0.3-1m. Stems and leaves softly hairy with a characteristic odour when crushed.
Form or habit: | Herb |
Latex: | Asteraceae |
Leaf: | Simple Alternate Opposite at base, later alternate, triangular shaped with heart-shaped to square base, regular rounded teeth along margin. |
Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
Flower colour: | pale mauve to almost white |
Flower description: | Small fluffy heads, borne in terminal clusters. |
Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
Fruit colour: | Brown |
Fruit: | Dry |
Fruit description: | ‘Seeds’ black, about 2mm long, tipped by ring of chaff-like scales. |
Habitat: | |
Distribution | |
Food source for: | |
Toxicity: | Toxic or irritant to domestic pets |
Origin: | Asia |
Weed: | Yes |
Weed status: | Environmental/garden escapee |
Notes: | Spread by: Wind, water. Invades/threats: Weeds of disturbed areas. Cause harvesting difficulties in cane crops. A. conyzoides is the more common species in this region then A. houstonianum which has seldom been recorded. Environmental weed. |
Information sources: |