Good Plants Gone Bad!
Delightful but destructive: chocolate vine in full flower
Most of the weedy species invading natural areas are ornamental plants that have ‘jumped the garden fence’ and gone wild.
These plants were originally valued for their dramatic foliage, pretty flowers or colourful berries - but over time, their weedy habits have made them more trouble than they are worth. Their rampant habits threaten the ecosystems of our natural areas - our coasts and dunes, tussocklands and alpine areas, parks and reserves, wetlands and bush areas.
Because climate and growing conditions vary so much around New Zealand, every region in New has its own ‘worst weeds’.
Many of these ‘good plants gone bad’ are still being grown in gardens - it’s no accident that the weediest natural areas are those closest to urban settlements.
Take a good look at what’s growing in your garden and in local areas around you - and don’t be fooled by good looks. Even pretty plants can be problem weeds!
To find out more about the worst weeds in your area, check out these regional Weedbusters Plant Me Instead booklets.