03/06/2026
🌿 It's Weedy Wednesday!
If this Rock Fern (Cheilanthes sieberi) is in your paddocks, be aware that although it is a native plant, it can be toxic to livestock if eaten in medium quantities.
🐄Cattle appear to be more susceptible than sheep.
Rock fern is typically found in lighter soil regions, especially in and around rocks.
See the post below from Northern Tablelands Local Land Services for a full description of the plant and the symptoms of poisoning.
For more information, call Local Land Services on 1300 795 299
Be aware of rock fern in your paddocks 🌿
Rock Fern (Cheilanthes sieberi) is a native plant, but can be toxic to livestock if eaten in medium quantities.
While not especially palatable, livestock poisoning can occur during dry periods with low forage as stock seek green feed. Cattle appear to be more susceptible than sheep.
Rock fern is typically found in lighter soil regions, especially in and around rocks.
Look for:
🌿a short fern like looking plant, usually 15-30 cm in height
🌿small branching divided leaves, mostly less than 3cm wide
🌿fronds are crowded branching up from a low base
🌿the fronds have a distinctive fine, wire like, red - brown mid stem. Sometimes with fine white hairs, sometimes hairless.
Rock fern reproduces by spores. The small sori appear as black/brown dots on the underside of the leaf, when the sori burst they release tiny dust like spores.
Maintaining ground cover and soil fertility can assist other desirable species outcompete rock fern.
Avoid stressing livestock for three weeks after grazing rock fern. If poisoning does occur remove stock immediately. Poisoning symptoms may include weakness, staggering, blood in urine or bottling in the jaw. These symptoms are usually displayed over time rather than a quick onset, dependant of how much is ingested. If you have deaths or signs of toxicity, please contact your veterinarian or Local Land Services office for treatment advice.
For plant identification please reach out to your local agronomist or Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299.
