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Yellow soldier (Lachenalia reflexa)

Yellow soldier was introduced to Australia as an ornamental plant and has naturalised in Western Australia, where infestations occur. It has not been found in NSW, but its abundant viable seed can drive rapid population expansion if it becomes established.

Key facts

Type: Weed, herb.

Native to: South Africa.

Established in: WA.

Best time to act: Hand removal is best from July to October, and winter is the preferred time for herbicide application when plants are actively growing.

Identification

  • This bulbous herb has two opposite, strap-like leaves, 6–35 cm long and 1.5–2.5 cm wide, with serrated edges and a slightly V-shaped cross-section.
  • It produces usually 1–7 bright yellow, upright tubular flowers, swollen in the middle, on short stalks 4.5–10 cm above the ground.
  • The flowers appear in winter and early spring; the plant dies back in summer and regenerates from an underground bulb in autumn.
  • Its papery fruit capsules burst open when ripe, releasing smooth, shiny black seeds about 2 mm long; small bulbils may also occur at the base of the leaves and flower stems.
  • Look-alike: It resembles other Lachenalia species; none of these species have naturalised in NSW.

Where it grows

In Australia it grows in winter-rainfall areas, prefers alkaline soils, and has invaded woodlands, heathlands and limestone scrub in Western Australia.

Why it matters

  • It can outcompete native plants and reduce food and habitat for native animals.
  • A single plant can produce many seeds, and dense infestations can develop.
  • Its seeds often germinate after fire where bare ground and reduced competition provide favourable conditions.

How it spreads

  • People have spread it by planting it as a garden ornamental.
  • It spreads mainly by seed, which can be moved by water, soil movement and garden-waste dumping.
  • Bulbils can be spread by earth-moving equipment and by people dumping garden waste.

Control options

  • For small infestations, hand removal is suitable: cut the roots with a knife and pull out the bulbs, taking care because soil disturbance can trigger weed-seed germination.
  • Herbicide options listed under Permit 9907 include fluroxypyr, glyphosate and metsulfuron-methyl; check the current permit and product label and comply with their directions.
  • Apply herbicides to actively growing plants, preferably in winter; spot spraying, wiping leaves and splatter guns are described application methods.
  • After fire, treat germinating seedlings soon after they emerge; if you think you have found yellow soldier in NSW, contact your local council weeds officer.

Hygiene and washdown

  • Avoid moving soil or garden waste from infested areas, and prevent earth-moving equipment from carrying bulbils to new sites.
  • Inspect and clean vehicles, plant and footwear before leaving an infested area, paying attention to tyres, radiators, belly plates, tracks and floor mats.
  • Wash down at a designated bay where runoff is contained and can be monitored for seedlings.
  • Record each washdown so the client has evidence of clean entry and exit.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): National Environmental Alert List. One of 28 weeds named on the National Environmental Alert List as early-stage invaders with serious potential to harm the environment.
  • Queensland: Not prohibited or restricted. Not listed as prohibited or restricted matter in Queensland. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: Not a priority weed. Not a state or regional priority weed in NSW. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Not declared. Not declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Other Victorian laws may still apply.
  • South Australia: Not declared. Not declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Other laws may still apply.
  • Western Australia: Permitted, not declared. Listed as a permitted organism in WA, so it can be brought in, but it is not a declared pest.
  • Tasmania: Not declared. Not a declared weed in Tasmania. Other laws may still apply.
  • Northern Territory: Not declared. Not on the NT A to Z weed list, and Weeds Australia does not list it as declared in the NT. Check the NT declared weeds list before moving or planting it.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

  • Western Australia: Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (WA), administered by the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Sources