Report woolly nightshade to Council

Woolly nightshade (solanum mauritianum) is an invasive lowland shrub, previously been found in Marlborough.

A sustained control programme by Council’s Biosecurity team and contractors has reduced a significant infestation in Croisilles Harbour, where it was found in 2022.

Woolly nightshade has also been found in the Port Hardy area on Rangitoto ki te Tonga/D’Urville Island, Moetapu Bay, Moenui and Queen Charlotte Drive near Havelock.

Council will carry out all the control work required for this pest at no cost to the landowner so if you see it please contact the biosecurity team.

First recorded in New Zealand in 1883, woolly nightshade is now widely established in northern parts of the country.

It’s an aggressive and fast-growing plant and once established forms dense, exclusive colonies, crowding out other plants and preventing native plant regeneration.

Each plant can produce thousands of seeds which are dispersed by birds that eat the berries.