Clockweed, Gaura
BOTANICAL NAME:Gaura lindheimeri, Gaura parviflora
Family:
Onagraceae Status: These two clockweed species are declared noxious in class 5 throughout NSW (they cannot be propagated, sold or knowingly distributed). They have been popular garden plants, and Gaura lindheimeri would be present in many peoples' gardens. They are occasional garden escapes which have recently begun appearing as scattered plants on roadsides distant from the nearest garden on the far south coast, so they show some potential as environmental weeds. DescriptionGaura parviflora is an erect, unbranched annual herb 1 metre high, the whole plant being softly hairy with glandular and simple hairs (glandular hairs generally bear a small droplet of liquid at their tips). Leaves are oval to oblong, 2-12cm by 5-40mm wide, with minutely toothed edges. Flowers are borne on a dense spike to 40cm long. They are 4-petalled, white becoming reddish or yellow and each flower lasting only one day. Fruits are oblong and ridged. This species is a garden escape in a few locations in northern NSW, particularly along creeks.
Gaura lindheimeri is a branched perennial herb to 1.5 metres high, coarsely hairy with curved hairs. Leaves are oblong, 0.5-9cm by 5-15mm wide, with minute sparse teeth along the edges. Flowers are borne on a tall simple or branched open spike. They are 4-petalled, asymmetric, white with long-protruding stamens and style (the reproductive parts of the flower), each flower lasting only one day. Fruits are narrowly oblong and strongly 4-angled. This species is a garden escape around towns, and increasingly along roadsides.
DispersalFine seed is probably mostly spread by wind, from plants in gardens.
Look-alikesNo very similar plants exist.
ControlIt is no longer legal to propagate or sell these species. Advise your local Council weed staff if you see them being offered for sale, or the seller if they should turn up on charity stalls or at fetes and markets.
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