What does it look like?
Jasmine is an evergreen, scrambling climber that forms large, dense mats over trees and other structures. Leaves are opposite, usually with seven long-stalked, spear or egg-shaped leaflets. Flowers are white and very fragrant, forming large branching clusters. It prefers shrubland and forest margins, forest clearings, riparian zones, roadsides, abandoned houses, gardens, and waste places.
Why is it a problem?
The rapid growth and long-lived nature of Jasmine means that it competes with slower growing native species, preventing regeneration of seedlings and juveniles. It’s shade tolerant and survives in a range of soil types, including moderately saline concentrations and poor drainage areas, but it does not tolerate heavy frosts.
The fruit of Jasmine are small enough to be distributed by a range of birds, although it does not often produce seed. It usually spreads and creates new patches from underground runners.
Control methods
Physical control
Hand pull small plants any time of the year, ensuring all stem and root fragments are dug out. Dry out thoroughly and burn, compost, or dispose of at a refuse transfer station. Tops of the vines can be left in the trees to rot on site.
Herbicide control
Cut off foliage in trees. Leave to sprout and spray regrowth with 5g metsulfuron-methyl (600g/kg e.g. Escort®) + 10mls penetrant per 10 litres water, or 120mls Banvine® + 10mls penetrant per 10 litres 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
http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=3324
http://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Jasminum-polyanthum.html
https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/what-are-weeds/weed-list/jasmine
