Problem weeds in our city

Alligator weed, woolly nightshade, old man’s beard, moth plant. There are many weeds in our natural areas in Hamilton, but these are the ones to focus on because of their high reproductive rate. You should all be familiar with these weed species and not let any of them get to the flowering stage. In Mangaiti Gully the most prevalent is woolly nightshade (see photo). This is a fast growing shrub / small tree with broad furry leaves and has a strong obnoxious smell when handling the plant. The berry like pods house hundreds of seeds that are distributed by birds. Small groves of woolly nightshade can develop underneath where birds roost at night. Alligator weed is a notifiable weed. You should not attempt to control it yourself. Notify Waikato Regional Council. Good reference documents are: Weedbusters managing weeds and Waikato Regional Council pest plant identification