Common Lantana (Lantana camara) is a thicket-forming shrub that has spread from gardens into pastures, woodlands and rainforests. It forms dense, often impenetrable stands, reproduces by layering, and produces thousands of seeds that are spread by birds, animals, water and people. It can smother native vegetation, add fuel to fires, restrict access, and is poisonous to stock and humans if eaten.
Distribution records are indicative. Always confirm current status with your state biosecurity authority. Found in: disturbed land, roadsides, river banks, fencelines, pastures, woodlands, rainforest edges, shaded gullies, dry hillsides.
Management typically needs an integrated, long-term approach because plants can form dense thickets, spread by seed and vegetative growth, and regrow after damage. Preventing spread is a high priority. Follow-up is important after initial control to suppress regrowth and new seedlings, and to reduce reinvasion where disturbance creates gaps.
Set up a wash-down area and clean vehicles, machinery and tools before leaving infested areas. Keep potentially contaminated plant material, fodder and seed separate from clean areas.
Hand pull or grub out isolated plants and small infestations when soil is moist after rain. Roll and haul stems and roots away so plants do not regrow.
Inspect for seedlings after rain and for regrowth after clearing, burning, cultivation, frost or dry spells. Control seedlings and regrowth while plants are still small.
Thickets can be impenetrable for animals, people and vehicles and can restrict access to bushland and waterways.
Dense growth adds fuel to fires and can increase the chance and severity of fire in some plant communities.
Can invade native vegetation, shade out native species, and threaten biodiversity in conservation areas, including World Heritage-listed areas.
Can release chemicals into soil that prevent germination and competition from some other plant species.
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