Removing Seaside daisies from our environment

Ranger Diary by Conservation Leading Hand Kim Hammond

I have noticed Seaside daisies (Erigeron glaucus) growing along the side of the road and along one or two other tracks in Lorne recently. We have removed them in the past and will continue to do so but I am hoping that if people realise it’s escaping from their gardens, they may also remove them and not plant them in future.  

They originate from the west coast of the United States and do very well in our climate.  Seaside daisies produce a lot of seeds, which are easily spread by wind and water.  

Unfortunately, hardy plants from similar climates to our own can readily spread and displace native vegetation, which in turn affects other elements of the ecosystem, particularly birds and animals that may lose a valuable food source because it’s been smothered by weeds.  

These invasive plants love moist, disturbed soil but have also been known to escape into dune systems.  

I have included photos so you can see what it looks like. It’s not very big and in my opinion isn’t very attractive.  

There are many alternative plants that could be grown in its place that would do equally well – Cut-leaved daisy or Rock Daisy (Brachyscome multifida) would be an excellent alternative or Pale fan-flower (Scaevola albida).