We have seen woolly nightshade being cultivated as a shrub, with
people completely unaware that it is a noxious weed, that we are attempting to eradicate.
It is an aggressive, rapidly growing shrub or small tree reaching up to 9
metres in height. Its oval leaves are large, grey-green and are covered with
furry hairs. It has a strong unpleasant kerosene-like smell when the leaves are
rubbed or crushed. Flowers are purple with yellow centres and grow in clusters
at the ends of branches. Berries ripen to yellow and when broken open contain
hundreds, if not thousands, of seeds which birds distribute.
When the bushes are small to medium in size, they are easily
pulled out roots and all. Large plants can be cut off at the base and the stump
poisoned (cut’n’pasted or painted with a bit of concentrated weed killer) otherwise
they will regrow.
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