What does it look like?
Cape ivy is a hairless, scrambling, perennial plant which often forms a dense tangled shrub 2-3m tall with individual vines that may grow/climb up to 5m.
It has wiry to woody stems with few branches and very fleshy, leathery leaves with coarse serrations on each side. Dense clusters of yellow, ragwort-like flowers are produced from March to August, followed by fluffy seeds.
Cape ivy grows in drier, more open sites, including: scrubland, coastal, rocky areas, cliffs, bush edges, regenerating lowland forests and inshore islands
Why is it a problem?
Cape ivy can become an aggressive weed once established and can scramble over large trees. It has a moderate growth rate with layering stems, which form dense, tall thickets.
Cape ivy tolerates salt, wind, drought, semi-shade and damage. Its long-lived seeds are also easily dispersed by wind, though often its spread is further aided by garden dumping of seeds and fragments. All of these factors result in this species out-competing native species and being a nuisance to control.
Control methods
Physical control
Hand pull or dig out small plants and dispose of roots at a refuse transfer station, burn, or bury deeply.
Herbicide control
- It’s most easily controlled when in flower, as this is not only when it is highly visible but is also just prior to the plant producing seed.
- Spray with glyphosate (360g/L) at rates of 20ml/L water + penetrant or 2L / 100L + penetrant if using spraygun; Or,
- Spray with metsulfuron-methyl (600g/kg) at 2g/10L water + penetrant or 20gm / 100L water with spraygun + penetrant; Or,
- Cut & paint stem/stump with glyphosate gel (120g/L strength) or, metsulfuron gel (10g/L) to the entire cut stem.
- CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
More information
Cape ivy can be common on steep areas and can provide safe harbour to rodents.
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