Willoughby Council wants you to ditch this plant
Willoughby Council has called for local residents and organisations to avoid use of Spanish Moss, or Old Man’s Beard, warning of the harm the weed can cause native flora.
Huw Bradshaw
June 24, 2025
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.
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.
