The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Identification => Topic started by: Twotwo on August 02, 2015, 10:25:06 am

Title: What is this
Post by: Twotwo on August 02, 2015, 10:25:06 am

This woody weed has become more prevalent in our horse paddock, the horses do not touch it.
It starts flowering mid July for about a month, there is no or very little sign of it the rest off the year so I presume it is an annual/ biannual.
Topping doesn't help as it is too short, we will have to mow! I do not what to spray,other than sport treatment with roundup.
I am planning to get some sheep to help with field management, but am worried will it be toxic to them.

Title: Re: What is this
Post by: philcaegrug on August 03, 2015, 11:52:26 am

Hi Twotwo it's Red Bartsia ( I had to look it up too ???) It appeared on our land a few years ago and is a semi parasitic plant.  I've pulled up all that I found and it didn't appear this year.
 :fc:

Title: Re: What is this
Post by: doganjo on August 03, 2015, 02:35:28 pm

Toxicity:

Possibly toxic but field cases are unconfirmed.
http://www.herbiguide.com.au/Descriptions/hg_Common_Bartsia.htm (http://www.herbiguide.com.au/Descriptions/hg_Common_Bartsia.htm)

Title: Re: What is this
Post by: Twotwo on August 03, 2015, 05:55:36 pm

Thank you, thank you, I had searched high and low to find out what it was.

Think I shall have to start pulling the odd bits and spray the worst. As it is semi parasitic, that explains why even with some seaweed fertiliser the field hasn't improved.