Queen of the night

What does it look like?

Growing up to 2.5 metres tall, this species has oval leaves measuring 5–15 cm long and 1–2 cm wide and gives off an unpleasant smell when crushed. In summer, it produces clusters of greenish white flowers that release a strong fragrance at night, followed by glossy white berries 5-10 mm in diameter.

Queen of the night can invade disturbed and open forest, forest margins, secondary forest, stream edges and shrublands, and prefers damp sites

Why is it a problem?

Queen of the Night produces seeds that can remain dormant in the soil for many years. It’s also a fragment spreader, meaning that it’s able to reproduce from creeping roots and stem fragments.

Due to a preference of damp and shady conditions and the ability to grow well in most soils, this species does well in native forest, eventually out-competing native species. It is also poisonous to animals, though not palatable.

Control methods

It can be difficult to distinguish from many native species (apart from the foul smell when crushed), so best controlled when in flower. Wear gloves when handling.

Physical control
Pull out small plants (all year round), leave on site to rot down.

Herbicide control

• Cut down and paint stump (all year round) with 100ml Tordon Brushkiller per 1L water or 100ml triclopyr (600g/l) per 1L water.
• Spray (spring-summer) using 150ml triclopyr (600g/l) +penetrant per 10L water.

CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Related links

• MPI listing: Queen of the night
• NZPCN listing
• Weedbusters listing