Popular and easy-growing foxglove flower declared a pest to protect environment
This tall ornamental flower native to Europe can be seen in gardens across the state but it can also be found in the Tasmanian World Heritage Area and even on the Stanley Nut.
Tasmania
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The Tasmanian government has declared the popular, easy-growing and self-seeding flower Foxglove a pest.
There have been calls to declare the plant a pest in Tasmania since as early as 2009 with the ornamental flower taking over bushland and its spread being observed in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area — it is even present on the Stanley Nut.
All parts of the plant can be toxic to humans and animals and from February 19 2025 the plant is declared a pest under the Tasmanian Biosecurity Act 2019.
Minister for primary industries and water Jane Howlett said the government was officially declaring the plant a pest to reduce its impact on Tasmania’s environmental values and agricultural productivity.
She said the importation, sale and trade of all reproductive foxglove species, hybrids and cultivars would be prohibited. The declaration does not include sterile varieties.
She said eradication of foxglove from all parts of the state was not feasible and existing foxglove plantings in garden settings outside of targeted areas would not be affected by the declaration.
“The management of foxglove will be targeted to designated areas, including areas within and around the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and other reserves,” she said.
Greens primary industries spokeswoman Tabatha Badger said the monumental decision to declare the plant a pest was “long-awaited”.
“The Greens have been proud to stand behind the community, who’ve been pushing for this for a number of years. We extend our appreciation for the mountain of advocacy and education work undertaken by those in the community.”
She said she hoped the Liberal government would ensure the weed management plan was adequately funded once it is approved and rolled out.
“The declaration, and defining focused control zones, will assist land managers dealing with eradication as a priority and help protect our greatest ecosystems and biodiversity in conservation areas,” Ms Badger said.
Originally published as Popular and easy-growing foxglove flower declared a pest to protect environment
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