August Weed of the Month

Published on 22 August 2022

WHAT: Weed of the Month – Cats claw creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati)

WHY: Cats claw creeper is a vine weed which smothers and invades other vegetation killing trees, reducing food and shelter for native animals. It has many stems, can climb up to 30m high on trees and other structures as well as creep along the ground forming dense mats. Plants may be well established before they start to flower.

Leaves are opposite on the stem, with a three-pronged tendril at the end of the stalk between the leaflets (like a cat’s claw). They are dark green on top and a lighter green below, oval to oblong shape with a pointed shape.

Flowers are present in spring, they are yellow trumpet shaped, often with orange lines in the tube, 4-8cm long with 2cm long petals.

In our shire there are isolated pockets in Thora, Bellingen, Gleniffer and Valery.

This plant carries a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. Any person who deals with any plant, who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk, has a duty to ensure the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Non-chemical treatment: Manually remove where appropriate – Ensure plant material does not contact the soil. Biological controls may be available, contact Invasive Plants Officer at Bellingen Shire Council for more information.

Chemical treatment: Spot spray using 100ml of Glyphosate 360g/L mixed with 10L water.

Head to weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/CatsClawCreeper for more information on this and other weeds.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bellingen Shire Council Invasive Plants Officer – 02 6655 7300