Family: Amaranthaceae

Dysphania carinata, commonly known as Tasmanian goosefoot, is an annual herb native to Australia. It is recognized by its prostrate or ascending growth, small glandular hairs on its stems, and lobed leaves. This fast-growing plant thrives in dry, open, and disturbed sites, from lowlands up to elevations of 1,200 meters. Historically, it has no known ornamental or agricultural uses and is not intentionally cultivated.

While not considered a major environmental weed, Tasmanian goosefoot poses significant risks as an invasive species in disturbed areas and gardens, where it can form dense patches and act as an aggressive weed. It is toxic to livestock, such as sheep, due to cyanogenic compounds. The plant spreads easily as a contaminant—often in wool, soil, and agricultural equipment—and has become naturalized in multiple regions outside its native range, including Hawaiʻi, the Pacific U.S., and parts of Africa. Its tolerance to dry conditions and ability to produce numerous small seeds make it a species of concern in open and managed landscapes.

High Risk Traits:

• Highly adaptable to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized in multiple regions (Hawaiʻi, U.S., Africa)
  
• Aggressive weed in disturbed/garden areas
  
• Toxic to livestock (cyanogenic)
  
• Spreads easily via human activity (contaminant in wool, soil)
  
• No effective natural enemies in invaded areas
  
• Some herbicide resistance noted

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not parasitic, climbing, or thicket-forming
  
• Not shade-tolerant or aquatic
  
• Reproduces only by seed (no vegetative spread)
  
• Low to moderate seed production (<1000 seeds/m²)
  
• Controllable with certain herbicides