Download Balloon Vine - Information Sheet

CLASS 4 NOXIOUS WEED
Cardiospermum grandiflorum
Balloon Vine
WHAT IS IT?
Originally from tropical Asia, Africa and America,
Cardiospermum grandiflorum is a vigorous climber that
grows as high as it can be supported. The stems and
flower stalks are densely covered in rusty hairs. The
leaves are thin and divided into 3 leaflets, which are a
further divided into three and have irregularly toothed
edges. White flowers occur in mid-summer, followed in
autumn by pale green balloon-like papery capsules
enclosing 3 black seeds. It commonly grows in wet
areas especially along urban creeks.
WHY IS IT NOXIOUS?
The seeds of Cardiospermum grandiflorum are spread
by wind and water, and can easily escape from gardens
into nearby bushland reserves and neighbouring
properties. It forms dense tangles that smother other
more desirable plants and is costly to remove.
WHAT IS YOUR LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY?
Due to its highly invasive nature, Cardiospermum
grandiflorum is listed as a Class 4 Noxious Weed under
the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. This means that;
• you are not permitted to sell, propagate or knowingly
distribute the plant, and
•
The plant must be prevented from spreading into
tree canopy, and
•
The plant must be prevented from growing within 1
metre of a property boundary or 20 metres of a
watercourse, and
•
The plant must be prevented continuously from
flowering and setting fruit
•
If these controls are not maintained then the plant
must be totally removed or destroyed
By law, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to control the
growth and spread of
Cardiospermum grandiflorum on YOUR land.
HOW SHOULD YOU CONTROL IT?
Hand-pull, or dig out, all seedlings and smaller plants. Cut all climbing vines at chest height
and leave the aerial stems in the canopy to dry out. Pull out the bases,
ensuring that the tap root is removed. If the base is to large to pull out
then scraping 450 mm lengths of the stem and applying a Glyphosatebased herbicide such as ‘Roundup’ may prove effective.
If you have any enquiries please contact Hornsby Shire Councils
Bushland and Biodiversity Team on 9847 6832.