Fireweed
Senecio madagascariensis
Species Info General
Family: Asteraceae
Fireweed has been found on Molokai and is known to be present in pastures and along disturbed roadsides across the island. Fireweed is not a Target Pest for MoMISC. If you have identified Fireweed and would like to safely remove and dispose of the plant, please follow the steps below and see additional resource links at the bottom of this page.
Hand pulling of fireweed
Fireweed can often be found iust off the side of the road, in pastures, and in lawns. It can be distinguished by its yellow flowers with 13 petal-like rays.
Fireweed can be easily pulled up. Grip the plant by its base, close to the ground. Pull the plant up, taking care to not scatter too many seeds. If the plant is small enough, the bag can be placed over the plant before it is pulled to better prevent spread of
seeds.
Place the fireweed inside a garbage bag. Double or triple bags may be necessary to securely contain the plant. Bagged plants can be safely disposed with household trash at the landfill.
Follow-up for seedlings will be required, but a little action now can go a long way to preventing another infestation of fireweed.
