Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum) is an invasive pest plant from South America which is widespread in Tasman.
However, in Golden Bay, this weed is still at relatively low levels. In our Regional Pest Management Plan, woolly nightshade is a Sustained Control Pest in Golden Bay only. This means that people in Golden Bay must control the weed before seeding every year.
Woolly nightshade is named for the distinctive dusty hairs that cover the leaves and stems which are released when the plant is disturbed and can irritate skin and the respiratory tract.
It is a shrub or small tree with a strong capsicum-like smell. It is also known as tobacco weed, for the tobacco-like leaf shape.
The plant produces purple flowers, followed by dense clusters of berries that ripen from green to yellow. Berries are consumed (and the seed subsequently spread) by birds. This pest grows quickly and can form dense tall stands.
Plants generally grow between two and four meters high but can grow up to 10 metres tall in the right conditions. The plant has a life span of up to 30 years.
It is allelopathic, meaning it prevents other plant species from germinating near it by producing toxins that poison the soil.
Our Biosecurity Officers recommend stump treating with Picloram gel, or foliar spray with 60ml Triclopyr and 10ml surfactant per 10L of spray.
We also recommend donning a dust mask and long sleeves when dealing with big infestations.