Green cestrum is a native of South America. It was introduced into Australia to be used as an ornamental shrub for gardens.

Since that time, green cestrum has spread rapidly from people’s gardens and has become naturalised throughout eastern New South Wales.

Green cestrum’s most common source of spread is droppings from birds that have eaten the berries.

Seed is also readily spread through watercourses and by flood events.

In NSW green cestrum can be found growing in the Hunter Valley, the outer metropolitan areas of Sydney, the North Coast and the north-west, central west and south-west of the state.

Green cestrum is a medium-sized perennial shrub growing to 2-3 metres.

It flowers from late spring to early autumn.

Flowers grow in clusters and are yellow with a slight green tinge.

It produces clusters of shiny, black egg-shaped berries.

Leaves are a shiny green, pointed at each end and are arranged alternately along the branch. When leaves are damaged or crushed they produce a strong pungent smell.

Green cestrum is wanted in NSW for its effects on human health and animal health.

It is toxic to humans and animals, causing haemorrhaging of body tissue.

It displaces native plants and animals and causes loss of livestock.

It devalues land and reduces its carrying capacity.