Pest Plants

Pest plants threaten our native biodiversity.

They can suppress, out-compete or even kill native plants. When left alone, they can grow out of control, spreading rapidly and taking over entire properties. You may have seen plants like moth plant, jasmine or woolly nightshade in backyards around you, Controlling pest plants is an essential step towards restoring our native biodiversity.

To identify pest plants, we recommend Tiaki Tamaki Makaurau’s pest search. Otherwise, contact us at PFHW for assistance with ID and control.

Most pest plants can be controlled using a simple cut-and-paste method.

Trace the plant to where it emerges from the ground and cut it as low down as possible using secateurs or a hand saw.
Apply weed gel such as Cut and Paste Metgel or Weed Weapon (available at any gardening store).
Keep an eye on the plant, some species are particularly efficent at growing back.

Here are some common pest plants that we see often around the Howick Ward