Saffron Thistle flower
When: Sunday, 30 November 2014, 8.00am to 11.00am; come for half an hour or more – you will make a difference.
Where: The Fair planting site, intersection Tay and Ian Nicol Streets, North Watson (map).
What: Control of Saffron thistles by pulling and chipping.
Bring: Sun protection, water, leather gloves if you have them; we will bring some pairs of gloves and tools.
Enquiries: secretary@majura.org or 62477515
Saffron thistle young plant and rosette
Saffron thistle, Carthamus lanatus, native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia is arguably the most widespread thistle in Australia and a declared pest plant in all States and the ACT.
It is very hardy, rigid and prickly and competes with other plants for moisture, light and nutrients. Seeds buried in the soil can survive for over 10 years but rarely germinate at depths below 5 cm; most seeds germinate within 3 years of release. A key part of Saffron thistle control is to exhaust the soil seed bank using a combination of chemical and mechanical practices.
Friends of Mt Majura successfully controlled Saffron thistle at the old sheep camp on Majura ridge. For three consecutive years we pulled and chipped the troublesome weed and numbers are significantly down to just a few isolated plants germinating each year. We hope to achieve similar results at grassy woodland behind The Fair.
The Saffron thistles have not yet flowered and placing in bags is not required at this stage.
Waltraud Pix
