Plants/flora

The vegetation communities of the bushcare site and South Lawson Park can be broadly divided into two categories.

A. Degraded indigenous plant communities — Modified Bushland

Some of the indigenous plant communities that grow along the upper reaches of Lawson Creek have been degraded by introduced plant species (see weed list below), or by infrastructure development, such as pipe and power line construction. Weeds dominate or intermingle with small stands of indigenous plants. Infrastructure development disturbs natural soil profiles, and this can lead to severe erosion.

B. Intact indigenous plant communities

Despite degrading human impacts, expanses of thriving, intact indigenous vegetation can still be found throughout the bushcare site and South Lawson Park. There are four indigenous vegetation communities in the Park.

• Open-forest, characterised by two tree communities with open canopies, that allow a reasonable amount of penetration by sunlight. The sunlight supports a shrub layer, and a ground layer of grasses and herbs.

• Densely vegetated stream (or riparian) strips.

• Swamps.

• Small patches of rainforest.

To view the locations of each of these plant communities, visit the Blue Mountains City Council website at https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/development/developing-land/property-search and click on View Interactive Maps. Search South Lawson Park and access Menu/Vegetation community.

1. Open-forest

These forests are also referred to as eucalypt forests, or “gum tree” forests. They are characterised by four medium to tall tree species. Shrubs, grasses and herbs are also present. At South Lawson Park the open-forest community is comprised of two tree groupings.

A. Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint) – Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple)

B. Corymbia gummifera (Red Bloodwood) – Eucalyptus sieberi (Black or Silvertop Ash).

The open-forest community is the most extensive form of vegetation in South Lawson Park. The trees and shrubs of the open-forest community have evolved to grow on sandstone based soils, which are characterised by low to average fertility and high levels of drainage.

Here is a list of Open-forest tree, shrub and ground-layer species that grow on the bushcare site and in South Lawson Park (not exhaustive).

Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle

Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple, tree

Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosa Hairpin Banksia

Banksia serrata Old Man Banksia

Billardiera scandens Apple Berry, climber

Cassytha pubescens Devil’s Twine, climber

Caustis flexuosa Old Man’s Beard

Corymba gummifera Red Bloodwood, tree

Dampiera stricta, small shrub

Daviesia corymbosa Narrow Leaf Bitter Pea, shrub

Dianella caerulea, Blue Flax Lily

Dillwynia retorta, shrub

Entolasia sp. Right-angled grass

Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint, tree

Eucalyptus sp. likely racemosa Scribbly Gum, tree

Eucalyptus sieberi Black or Silvertop Ash, tree

Gompholobium sp., shrub

Goodenia bellidifolia, 

Grevillea sp., shrub

Hakea dactyloides, shrub/small tree

Hakea salicifolia, shrub/small tree

Hakea sericea Needlebush, tall shrub

Hakea teretifolia Dagger Hakea

Hermarthria uncinata Matgrass (in disturbed regeneration area), grass

Isopogon anemonifolius Drumsticks, shrub

Kunzea ambigua Tick Bush, tall shrub, small tree

Lambertia formosa Mountain Devil, shrub

Leptospermum polygalifolium Tea-tree, small tree

Leptospermum trinervium Flaky-bark Tea-tree, small tree

Leucopogon lanceolatus, shrub

Lomandra gracilis, ground-cover

Lomandra longifolia

Lomandra obliqua

Lomatia silaifolia

Lycopodium deuterodensum Club moss

Microlaena stipoides Weeping Meadow grass

Patersonia sericea Native Iris

Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung, shrub

Persoonia mollis, shrub

Petrophile pulchella, shrub

Platysace linearifolia, small shrub, white flowers

Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax, shrub

Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern

Stephania japonica Snake Vine

Xanthorrhoea species Grass Tree with brown fruits (capsules)

2. Blue Mountains Riparian Complex

The banks of Lawson Creek feature richer than average soils, due to the presence of deposited alluviums. These soils support moisture loving plants, such as ferns and the small tree species, Black Wattle. Banksias, hakeas, acacias and tea-trees are also present, sometimes in dense groves.

Acacia elata Cedar Wattle, tree

Blechnum nudum Fishbone Fern

Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle, small tree often dense groves

Cyathea australis Rough Tree Fern

Gahnia sp. a sedge with sharply edged leaves

Gleichenia dicarpa, Coral Fern, in dense groves on stream banks

Homalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart or Native poplar, small tree

Leptospermum polygalifolium Tea-tree

Pittosporum undulatum, small tree

Todea Barbara King Fern

Viola hederacea Violet

3. Blue Mountains swamps

The sedges, ferns, small trees and shrubs of the Lawson Creek swamps grow in peat soils. This type of soil is rich in decomposed vegetable matter, and maintains a high moisture content.

Swamps play a valuable ecological role, as they are a form of natural dam. The large amounts of water stored in the peat soils of the swamps are released gradually. Accordingly, connected streams and waterfalls maintain a regular flow, even during dry periods. Many indigenous animal species rely on these flows for survivial.

Baumea rubiginosa (likely; no inflorescence available) A slender, bright green sedge.

Acacia ptychoclada Wattle, shrub

Blechnum wattsii, fern

Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebush, tall shrub

Gleichenia dicarpa Coral Fern

Leptospermum juniperinum Prickly Tea-tree medium to tall shrub; damp soils and swamp margins

Leptospermum polygalifolium small tree on swamp margins

Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax, tall shrub on swamp margins

4. Rainforest (Closed-forest)

The small patches of  shady, valley floor rainforest are dominated by the tall trees Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum) and Sassafras (Doryphora sassafras). Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata), Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis), King Fern (Todea barbara), and a variety of Blechnum ferns are also present in the South Lawson Park rainforest glades.

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An excellent Blue Mountains flora reference book is Native Plants of the Blue Mountains, by Margaret Baker and Robyn Corringham, Three Sisters Publications. Available at local bookshops, the book is very reasonably priced, has great illustrations and lots of information about the natural ecosystems of the Blue Mountains.

Another great way to become familiar with the flora of the Lawson Creek catchment is to view our eight minute film, Bushcare Blue Mountains: South Lawson Park, at https://www.bushcarebluemountains.org.au/resources/videos/ . Many thanks to Vera and Craig at Seconds Minutes Hours Productions for their wonderful cinematography.

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Animals/fauna

Approximately one hundred indigenous fauna species have been recorded on the bushcare site and at South Lawson Park. The list includes terrestrial species such as birds and marsupials, and also stream (Lawson Creek) and groundwater (Lawson Creek swamp) dwelling species.

The fauna list is comprised of casual observations and formal surveys.

1. Casual observations of fauna have been made in the South Lawson Park area for many years, either at bushcare sessions or by local residents. Confirmation tools are field guides; WIRES; photographs; clear sighting of familiar species; online research; trained keying; confirmation by numerous residents; successive sightings; authority confirmation.
2. Two formal fauna surveys (denoted by FS 2018) were conducted on November 9 and November 11 2018, by J Bear, R Pattingale and Bushcare Group members (See: Archives / Fauna survey 2018).
3. Macroinvertebrate (water bugs) sampling results from both BMCC Aquatic Systems Officer testing and also volunteer StreamWatch testing extend back to ca.2005.
4. Stygofauna (groundwater/swamp fauna) densities were recorded during the Stygofauna Monitoring Project 2011-2013 (See: Archives / Stygofauna Monitoring Project 2011).

Note: * = introduced species.

Birds/avifauna

Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis (FS 2018; 2 x Waratah St feeding on Privet seed March 2020)

Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen (FS 2018)

Australian Raven juv. Corvus coronoides (reported, no date)

Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca (100m north of BMX track in wetland July 2023; frequent paddocks north of Waratah St 2023)

Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata (Ferris Lane October 2019)

Brown Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia amboinensis (Lawson Creek feeding on Homalanthus populifolius fruit March 2020; 16/05/21 Waratah St ecological rerstoration area)

Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla (FS 2018)

Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae (FS 2018)

Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes (18.09.18 Waratah Street east)

Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans (frequent; 2017 & 2018, photo, Waratah St east; FS 2018; 2 pairs east Waratah St 19/06/22)

Eastern Blackbird Turdus merula* (FS 2018)

Eastern Koel Eudynamys orientalis (FS 2018)

Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris (FS 2018)

Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus (frequent; call 2018 Waratah St east; FS 2018; call Waratah St east 19/06/22; sighted Waratah Street east riparian area 08/03/23)

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis (17.06.2018, Waratah St; FS 2018; east Waratah St 19/06/22)

Galah Eolophus roseicapilla (17.09.17, detention basin)

Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum (24/02/20, flock of 10-14, Cataract Falls, Cataract Creek, Lawson)

Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis (FS 2018)

Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus (17.09.17, detention basin; FS 2018)

Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa (17.06.18, M, Waratah St; FS 2018)

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae (frequent 1995-2018; FS 2018)

Leaden Flycatcher juv. Myiagra rubecula (reported, no date)

Lewin’s Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii (FS 2018)

Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera (FS 2018)

Magpie-lark, ‘Peewee’ Grallina cyanoleuca (FS 2018) Nest constructed from mud, grass and Peewee saliva.

Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles (FS 2018; pair Waratah St November 2023)

Mistletoe Flowerpecker Dicaeum hirundinaceum (reported, no date; FS 2018)

New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae (FS 2018)

Pied Currawong Strepera graculina (frequent; FS 2018)

Powerful Owl Ninox strenua (Night call recorded in Honour Ave Lawson, J Bear, mid-September 2019)

Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus (FS 2018)

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii (authority sighting Adelina Falls April 2019)

Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus* (frequent 1995-2015; FS 2018)

Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata (frequent, east Waratah St 1995-2018; FS 2018)

Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus (frequent, bower at east Waratah St 1990s; FS 2018; immature male or female east Waratah St 19/06/22)

Silvereye Zosterops lateralis (FS 2018)

Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae (not seen, heard 1990s Waratah St east)

Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus (FS 2018)

Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata (FS 2018)

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita (FS 2018)

Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus (FS 2018)

Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae (1981; approx 2000; 2015 Waratah St east)

Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides (2000, pair, Livingstone/Honour ave carpark)

Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax (30/11/2021 over Lawson Parklands)

White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis (16/05/21swamp edge Waratah St ecological restoration area; east Waratah Street riparian area 08/03/23)

White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) (14/10/2023 paddocks north of Waratah St)

White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaea (FS 2018)

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus (2 x Cataract Creek July 2018 photo; probable trace east Waratah Street 16.09.18; 4 birds x Lawson oval/Lawson Creek feeding on Hakea sp. 20/10/19; 6 including juveniles settling on Hakea sp. in west Waratah Street ecological restoration site 15/05/22)

Yellow-faced Treecreeper Caligasvis chrysop (FS 2018)

Butterflies (Insects)

Supplied by Carol Probets 20/02/17. Sighted at Bellevue Park, Lawson. Nine species of butteflies:

Candalides hyacinthina Varied Dusky-blue

Delias sp. Jezebel sp.

Dispar compacta Barred Skipper

Grass-dart species probably Ocybadistes walkeri Greenish Grass-dart

Hesperilla idothea Flame Sedge-skipper

Netrocoryne repanda; Bronze Flat

Tissiphone abeona Varied Sword-grass Brown

Toxida peron Dingy Grass-skipper

Vanessa itea Yellow Admiral

Beetles (Insects)

Chauliognathus lugubris Plague Soldier Beetles (August 2014 photo)

Lawson Creek macroinvertebrates (Insects)

Order:

Hemiptera, Bugs (13.10.17 keyed, mid-Lawson Creek)

Emphemeroptera, Mayfly nymphs (13.10.17 keyed, mid-Lawson Creek)

Odonata

Suborder: Epiprocta, Dragonfly nymphs (13.10.17, keyed, mid-Lawson Creek)

Suborder: Zygoptera, Damselfly nymphs (13.10.17, keyed, mid-Lawson Creek)

Lawson Creek Swamp stygofauna / Fresh groundwater fauna

Stygofauna Monitoring Project 2010 -2011 (See: a. Archives / Stygofauna Monitoring Project Report 2011: Extract; b. Streamwatch)

Family:

Ostracods   (Crustaceans)                                  469 qty.

Syncarids     (Crustaceans)                                    53

Mites                                                                         36

Oligochaetes  (Worms)                                        373

Cyclopiod copepods    (Crustaceans)                134

Harpacticoid copepods   (Crustaceans)              14

Nematodes  (Roundworms)                                646

Crayfish (Crustacean)

Euastacus sp.; Crayfish (2016, mid-Lawson Creek, P, photo; 20/02/2023 upper Lawson Creek tributary – large specimen; upper Lawson Creek tributary juvenile specimens 03/03/23). Threatened by poor water quality, illegal traps and fox predation.

Frogs (Amphibians)

Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet (frequent, heard Lawson mid-swamp, 2009-2018; FS 2018). (North Lawson swamp, 2016, photo).

A green frog probably Litoria phyllochroa Leaf-green Tree Frog (seen 1988 Waratah St east)

Limnodynastes peronii Striped Marsh Frog (frequent; heard upper Lawson Creek 16/09/18; FS 2018)

Litoria verreauxii Verreaux’s Frog (FS 2018)

Uperoleia laevigata Smooth Toadlet (FS 2018)

Snails, slugs (Molluscs)

Arion ater* European Black Slug (centre Waratah St 2016)

Limax maximus* Leopard Slug (FS 2018)

Spider 4 x sp. unknown (FS 2018)

Mammals: marsupials

Antechinus sp. Antechinus sp. (traces/specimens Waratah St, August 2018)

Perameles sp. Probably Perameles nasuta Long-nosed bandicoot (1995 seen, firm; traces 2018, Waratah St east,  firm; 2020-23 western ecological restoration area #1 likely traces frequent)

Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider (trace Waratah Street east, July 2018; seen FS 2018; approx. 28/03/22 Ferris Lane, report by resident: folded skin between the front and hind legs and saw it leap between trees)

Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum (April 2016 photo, Waratah St west; FS 2018)

Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum (July 2018 Waratah St east; FS 2018)

Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby (scats detention basin 2017; resident sighting, former golf course 2017; scats Waratah St, August 2018, June 2019, March 2020; scats Lawson swamp at parklands April 2023)

Mammals: Megabats- Flying Foxes

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying Fox (observed Honour Ave 2015)

Mammals: Microbats – True Bats

Microbat sp. x 1 unknown (FS 2018)

Reptiles

Chelodina sp. likely longicollis Eastern Long-necked Turtle. (Lawson Creek approx 2000; Lawson swimming pool Dec 2021; February 2022 with nests Lawson Creek Dr R Spencer media report Blue Mountains Gazette https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/7601592/shell-shock-at-lawson-dog-park/)

Eulamprus sp. possibly Eulamprus quoyii Eastern Water Skink (Lawson Creek tributary swamp/Waratah Street, 19/12/2021, approx 25cm full length)

Lampropholis delicata Dark-flecked Garden Sunskink (FS 2018)

Lampropholis guichenoti Common Garden Skink (frequently Waratah St east)

Morelia spilota Diamond Python (2008 Waratah St east)

Notechis scutatis Tiger Snake (2008 Waratah St east)

Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake (June 2013 detention basin; frequent 1984-present, Waratah St east)

Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake (1984-2012, Waratah St east)

Rankinia diemensis Mountain Dragon (2023 November Parkland regeneration site)

Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard (approx 2000 photo, Waratah St east; Parklands regeneration site April 2023)

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Weeds

The purpose of bushcare is to contribute to the  healthy functioning and preservation of the local, naturally evolved ecosystems, and their plants. For the purposes of bushcare, a weed is a plant species that has been introduced to these local ecosystems.

Introduced plant species have potential to grow and spread so vigorously that they overwhelm and replace locally evolved plants and their ecosystems. Why does this occur? The environmental conditions that prevail in an introduced plant species’ ecosystem of origin, for example certain herbivorous insects or levels of rainfall, regulate the growth of the plant species. However, under the different environmental conditions that prevail in local ecosystems, for example higher levels of rainfall or absence of certain herbivorous insects, introduced species can become a problem.

A local or regional weed can be an overseas plant species, or a translocated Australian indigenous species. Australian plant species have overwhelmed the ecosystems of other countries.

Quite threatening weed species may be declared a “Priority Weed” or a “Weed of Regional Concern”, under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015. Public authorities and private landowners are required to manage these weeds in a specified way.

Here is a list of the common, threatening weeds that grow on the South Lawson bushcare site. Over time, these plants tend to dominate, and then displace, local indigenous plant species. As a result, local indigenous animal species lose habitat, and cease to live locally.

• Arum lily, usually found in swamps.

• Blackberry, growing in swamps and modified bushland.

• Broom, a shrub or small tree found in forests and modified bushland.

• Creeping Buttercup, a spreading herb found in damp situations.

• English Ivy, a smothering climber.

• Gorse, a highly invasive shrub (two plants 2017), located in modified bushland.

• Grasses such as Panic Veldt Grass (Ehrharta erecta), Yorkshire Fog, Sweet Vernal-grass and Pigeon Grass are present.

• Japanese Honeysuckle, a vigorous climber.

• Juncus microcephalus, a perennial sedge found in damp situations.

• Montbretia, a herb that colonises stream banks and damp areas.

• Privet (both small and large leaved varieties), common in modified bushland & forest. Shades out local plant species.

• Pussy Willow grows in damp areas.

• Smaller quantities of Cootamundra Wattle, Himalayan Honeysuckle, Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii), and Turkey Rhubarb are present, with varying degrees of control having been achieved.

See https://weedsbluemountains.org.au for detailed photographs of Blue Mountains weeds and how to treat them.

Best of all, visit one of the two local provenance native nurseries in the Blue Mountains, and buy their plants. The nurseries are Wild Plant Rescue, Katoomba, and the Conservation Society Plant Nursery.

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(The South Lawson Park Bushcare Group website, including text and analysis, is managed by Peter Ardill. Australian Copyright Act 1968 applies. Text, media and all other contents of this site are subject to copyright. Many thanks to the members of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group, BMCC Bushcare Officer and Second Minutes Hours Productions for their contribution of images to this website)

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