Willoughby City Council has pushed to increase awareness of an invasive weed known as Spanish Moss, or Old Man’s Beard. The plant is often used for decorative purposes in gardens.

A preliminary assessment undertaken by STEP Inc — a local community-based environmental protection group — found that the weed poses a serious threat to native ecosystems, in particular flora such as Turpentine, Lilly Pilly, Brush Box and Cheese Trees.

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The assessment concludes that “currently gardens act as a source of Spanish Moss for spread to bushland. Gardeners need to treat it as a threat to their trees and green spaces, not as an interesting ornament.”

The motion put forward by Willoughby Council seeks to implement a community consultation and education strategy raising awareness about the weed, and for council to “monitor and control” the weed.

The motion also advocates for Spanish Moss to be included as a prohibited plant under NSW biosecurity regulations. 

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