False tamarisk

False tamarisk is an evergreen shrub which is less than 2m tall. It invades riparian margins and braided riverbeds, which disturbs nesting birds.

Description

• Flowers are small, pink and borne in racemes during summer.
• Seeds are dispersed by wind and water.
• Habitats include riparian margins and braided riverbeds.

What you need to know

Colonises riparian margins and braided riverbeds. Reduces available habitat for nesting birds and provides cover for predators.

Management approach

False tamarisk is an unwanted organism regulated under the National Plant Pest Accord.

National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)

The NPPA prevents the sale, distribution and propagation of specified pest plants within Aotearoa/New Zealand and is administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, multiplied, communicated, released, cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

See the MPI website for more information on the NPPA.

Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consult your local council for appropriate disposal. Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Site management

Follow up treated areas three times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after two to three treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical control

Dig out.

Plant parts requiring disposal: All parts.

Compost stems and roots in a composting bag or contact your local council for disposal locations.

Chemical control

No qualifications: Cut stump and paste freshly cut base of stems with metsulfuron gel.

Basic Growsafe certified: Cut the stump and spray the freshly cut base with 2g metsulfuron-methyl per 1L of water.

Certified handler/experienced agrichemical user: Foliar spray with 5g metsulfuron-methyl per 10L of water and 20ml penetrant.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Biological control

Biological control is currently not available for this species.