Velvet groundsel is a prolific seeder, and the fluffy seeds are spread far and wide by wind. Stem and root fragments spread by garden dumping form new plants, and established plants also layer, with stems taking root where they touch the ground. Velvet groundsel forms large stands, crowding and shading out other desirable species.

If you have velvet groundsel in your garden, there are a few things you can do to make sure that it doesn’t escape into the wild! Remove all flowerheads before seeds start to form, and either burn them or take them to your local refuse transfer station. The same applies to any stem fragments from trimming, and root fragments from digging. The best option, though, is to remove velvet groundsel from your garden altogether, and plant a forest friendly alternative in its place. Contact Weedbusters on info@weedbusters.org.nz for more information.

Try the native rangiora (Brachyglottis repanda) which also has large, soft leaves, or kawakawa (Micropiper species) which grows well in the shade. Other options are leopard plant (Ligularia tussilaginea) which has large shiny leaves and yellow flowers on tall stalks.