Welcome to our Pest Hub your go-to guide for advice on pest animals and weeds in Te Tairāwhiti.
Buddleia
What does it look like?
This weed is a woody and deciduous multi-stemmed ornamental shrub that grows up to 3 m tall.
Blunt angled stems, thin willow-shaped leaves (6-20 x 3-8cm), hairy underneath, and finely toothed. Flowers are cone-shaped hanging clusters (30x 5cm) made up of many purple or white fragrant flowers (5mm diameter) with orange insides.
The plant invades river beds, streamsides, disturbed areas, shrubland and forest margins. It tolerates a wide range of soils and temperatures, prefers wet to moderately dry conditions and is resistant to wind and damage. It can grow in shade or open areas, but seedlings require high light levels.
Most commonly spotted: Flowers from December to February.
Why is it a problem?
Buddleia is a quick-growing shrub that forms replacing thickets in a wide range of habitats. It very successful in out-competing other native species due to quick regeneration and producing vast numbers of highly viable seeds
Control methods
Pull or dig small plants. Leave on site to rot down.
For agrichemical control for refer to: Buddleia • Weedbusters
More information
Similar species: Several pink and mauve hybrids and cultivars are also sold. There are no known native plant species with a similar appearance.