Friday, 06 January 2012 11:39

New weed on the loose

Written by Adam Fricker

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

In a combined effort with Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council, DOC is asking local landowners for sightings of Lythrum salicaria, commonly known as purple loosestrife.

Once popular for planting alongside residential ponds and streams, purple loosestrife has jumped the garden fence to invade precious wetland habitats, river margins and has even been found marching into farmland. With a growth of up to two metres, it has potential to override natives and pasture alike.

Biodiversity ranger Craig Alexander has seen this first hand. "Purple loosestrife can be a real issue for farmers, invading pasture and waterways and clogging drains. Once established, you're looking at several years of active control to deal with the problem. Sadly it's not just a matter of digging it out."

"Purple loosestrife is easy to identify—just look out for the bright purple-magenta flower heads that are on show from December to February. By winter, all the foliage dies off to re-emerge in the summer so it is important to nip it in the bud while it is visible."

If you suspect you have seen purple loosestrife on public or private land, contact Craig Alexander on 03 341 9110 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More like this

Waterway restoration sees return of endangered mudfish

A critically threatened endemic freshwater fish found only in Canterbury has been discovered at a Craigmore Sustainables farm near Timaru.

Dates confirmed for annual hunting competition

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced that its annual Pureora Hunting Competition will open on 16 March.

Crackdown on wild goats

Wild goats, a growing problem for many farmers and landowners, are in the firing line.

National wild goat hunting comp launched

The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) in conjunction with the Department of Conservation (DOC) have launched a new National Wild Goat Hunting competition.

Vineyard Nexus: New weed paradigm

Writing a practical guide on non-chemical weed management had an unexpected result for Dr Charles Merfield, as he delved into the interconnected nature of the vines, groun cover and soils, and the damage done to all three by cultivating.

Featured

Competition snares over 33,000 wild goats

The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.

New healthcare model needed to address rates of rural obesity

New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.

Storm-damaged trees still causing havoc in Southland

Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees

Ashburton dairy farmers reinvent their system with return to spring calving

Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.

Open Country opens butter plant

When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.