![New Zealand farm in Christchurch.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/methven-gd621d1bcb_19.2e16d0ba.fill-420x314.format-webp.webp)
New Zealand weeds database , Pātengi Raraunga tarutaru o Aotearoa
Find information on 77 of the more troublesome weeds found in New Zealand agriculture and horticulture.
This site is dedicated to informing people about weeds in New Zealand. It has been designed both for members of the public and for students looking for information on weeds.
This database provides information on 77 of the more troublesome weeds found in New Zealand agriculture and horticulture. With over 2000 weeds in New Zealand, we do not cover all species, but you will find many of the weeds that commonly cause problems in our pastures, crops, lawns and gardens.
Each page has information on how to identify the featured weed (with photos) as well as information about the weed and some suggestions on how best to control it.
Understanding herbicides short course
Learn how to control weeds using herbicides with Massey's 3-day short course on Understanding herbicides. There is also a university distance course available on Controlling weeds. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Dr Kerry Harrington.
A – C
Black nightshade
Black nightshade grows berries when mature and has a purplish tinge on its stem and foliage.
![Black nightshade berries](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/black_nigh.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Black nightshade berries](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/black_nigh.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Black nightshade berries](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/black_nigh.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Black nightshade berries](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/black_nig.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Broad-leaved fleabane
Broad-leaved fleabane starts as a rosette and then grows tall upright flower stems.
![broad-leaved fleabane - flowering stems](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/broad-leav.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![broad-leaved fleabane - flowering stems](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/broad-leav.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![broad-leaved fleabane - flowering stems](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/broad-leav.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![broad-leaved fleabane - flowering stems](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/broad-lea.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Californian thistle
Californian thistle is a common perennial thistle with an underground creeping root system.
![Californian thistle leaves](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/California.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Californian thistle leaves](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/California.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Californian thistle leaves](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/California.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Californian thistle leaves](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/Californi.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Chickweed
Chickweed scrambles along the ground, has little white flowers, and a single line of hairs on the stem.
![Chickweed](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/chickweed_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Chickweed](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/chickweed_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Chickweed](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/chickweed_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Chickweed](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/chickweed.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
D – H
Galinsoga
Galinsoga is an upright annual weed that grows flowers with only five small white ray florets.
![Galinsoga flowers](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/galinsoga_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Galinsoga flowers](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/galinsoga_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Galinsoga flowers](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/galinsoga_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Galinsoga flowers](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/galinsoga.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Hairy buttercup
Hairy buttercup produces shiny yellow flowers and has sepals below the flower petals that point downwards.
![hairy buttercup](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hairy_butt.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![hairy buttercup](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hairy_butt.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![hairy buttercup](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hairy_butt.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![hairy buttercup](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hairy_but.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Hawksbeard
Hawksbeard starts as a flat rosette then produces branched leafy stems with yellow flowers.
![Hawksbeard weed](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hawksbeard.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Hawksbeard weed](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hawksbeard.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Hawksbeard weed](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hawksbeard.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Hawksbeard weed](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hawksbear.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Hemlock
Hemlock is a poisonous weed that can grow over a metre in height with large white flower heads.
![Tall hemlock growing in pasture.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hemlock_N2.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Tall hemlock growing in pasture.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hemlock_N2.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Tall hemlock growing in pasture.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hemlock_N2.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Tall hemlock growing in pasture.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hemlock_N.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Hydrocotyle
The hydrocotyle genus has 15 species with similar biology and control that are difficult to differentiate.
![hydrocotyle weed genus](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hydrocotyl.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![hydrocotyle weed genus](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hydrocotyl.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![hydrocotyle weed genus](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hydrocotyl.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![hydrocotyle weed genus](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/hydrocoty.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
I – P
Musky storksbill
Musky storksbill starts life as a rosette, with each leaf made up of a series of leaflets.
![Musky storksbill leaves forming from central point.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/musky_stor.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Musky storksbill leaves forming from central point.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/musky_stor.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Musky storksbill leaves forming from central point.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/musky_stor.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Musky storksbill leaves forming from central point.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/musky_sto.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Paspalum
Paspalum is a grass weed with short stout rhizomes, joining weeds together to form dense clumps.
![Paspalum (Botanical name: Paspalum dilatatum)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/paspalum_N.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Paspalum (Botanical name: Paspalum dilatatum)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/paspalum_N.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Paspalum (Botanical name: Paspalum dilatatum)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/paspalum_N.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Paspalum (Botanical name: Paspalum dilatatum)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/paspalum_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
R – S
Scotch thistle
Scotch thistle is the most common thistle species in New Zealand with spines on both the leaf surface and margins.
![Scotch thistle (botanical name: Cirsium vulgare)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/ScotchB1.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Scotch thistle (botanical name: Cirsium vulgare)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/ScotchB1.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Scotch thistle (botanical name: Cirsium vulgare)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/ScotchB1.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Scotch thistle (botanical name: Cirsium vulgare)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/ScotchB1.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Scrambling fumitory
Scrambling fumitory is a clambering annual weed that produces clusters of pink flowers.
![Scrambling fumitory leaflets and flower cluster.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/scrambling.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Scrambling fumitory leaflets and flower cluster.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/scrambling.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Scrambling fumitory leaflets and flower cluster.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/scrambling.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Scrambling fumitory leaflets and flower cluster.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/scramblin.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Scrambling speedwell
Scrambling speedwell is a small annual weed that grows along the ground and produces blue flowers.
![Scrambling Speedwell (botanical name: Veronica persica)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/scrspeedB2.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Scrambling Speedwell (botanical name: Veronica persica)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/scrspeedB2.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Scrambling Speedwell (botanical name: Veronica persica)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/scrspeedB2.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Scrambling Speedwell (botanical name: Veronica persica)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/scrspeedB.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Shepherd's purse
Shepherd's purse starts as a rosette and then grows an upright flower stem with heart-shaped seed pods.
![Shepherd's purse as a young rosette.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/shepherds_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Shepherd's purse as a young rosette.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/shepherds_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Shepherd's purse as a young rosette.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/shepherds_.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Shepherd's purse as a young rosette.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/shepherds.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
T – Z
Turf speedwell
Turf speedwell is a small perennial weed that grows along the ground and produces white flowers.
![Turf speedwell in flower.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/turf_speed.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Turf speedwell in flower.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/turf_speed.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Turf speedwell in flower.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/turf_speed.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Turf speedwell in flower.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/turf_spee.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Twin cress
Twin cress is a small weed, starting as a rosette and when mature sends out prostrate stems.
![Twin cress (botanical name: Lepidium didymum)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/Twin_cress.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Twin cress (botanical name: Lepidium didymum)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/Twin_cress.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Twin cress (botanical name: Lepidium didymum)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/Twin_cress.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Twin cress (botanical name: Lepidium didymum)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/Twin_cres.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Willow weed
Willow weed has leaves similar to a willow tree and grows clusters of small pink flowers.
![Willow weed (botanical name: Persicaria maculosa)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/willowB1.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Willow weed (botanical name: Persicaria maculosa)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/willowB1.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Willow weed (botanical name: Persicaria maculosa)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/willowB1.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Willow weed (botanical name: Persicaria maculosa)](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/willowB1.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
Winged thistle
Winged thistle establishes each autumn and has spines down the flower stem in spring.
![Winged thistle flower and stem.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/wingedB3.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-420.format-webp.webp)
![Winged thistle flower and stem.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/wingedB3.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-520.format-webp.webp)
![Winged thistle flower and stem.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/wingedB3.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-745.format-webp.webp)
![Winged thistle flower and stem.](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/wingedB3.2e16d0ba.ratio-5x2-5x3.width-1256.format-webp.webp)
![Adjunct Associate Professor Kerry Harrington](https://d2ub1k1pknil0e.cloudfront.net/media/images/Kerry_Harrington.2e16d0ba.fill-150x150.format-webp.webp)
Adjunct Associate Professor Kerry Harrington
- Phone
- Department
- School of Agriculture and Environment
- College
- College of Sciences
- Campus
- Manawatū
Until his retirement in late 2023, Kerry was the weed science specialist at Massey University. As well as teaching aspects of weed biology, identification and control, he supervised postgraduate students and undertook his own research.
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