How weeds affect our wildlife

Weeds often start out as attractive garden plants. Backyard plants often become pests when they start to invade our native bushland areas. These weeds smother native plants and remove food and shelter for our wildlife.

Richmond Birdwing Butterfly

Richmond Birdwing Butterflies were once seen in the Brisbane CBD. Since the illegal introduction of the deadly Dutchman’s pipe vine, this iconic butterfly is now in danger of becoming extinct.

The Dutchman’s pipe vine is a South American plant which is often mistaken for the native Birdwing Vine on which the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly lays its eggs. However, instead of providing food for its caterpillars, its leaves are toxic and as a result they die.

Help save the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly by removing weeds like the Dutchman's pipe vine from your garden.

How birds spread weeds

Many bird species in the Brisbane area feed on berries produced by weeds.

The seeds of the berries pass through the birds digestive system unharmed and are spread via the birds' droppings over many kilometres. These seeds will grow to produce more berries, leading to more seeds being spread by birds.

You can help restore our city's natural habitat by replacing the weeds in your garden with native plants.