Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum) is a highly invasive plant species that poses a significant threat to our native ecosystems and biodiversity. It’s also known as known as tobacco weed or kerosene plant because of its pungent smell. In some places it is called bugweed. Originating from South America, it has rapidly spread across New Zealand, outcompeting native vegetation and altering habitats. It’s toxic to stock, suppresses native plants and causes allergies to humans. Woolly nightshade is one of the pest plants Horizons is actively working with landowners to control. If you see woolly nightshade call our pest plant team on 0508 800 800 to discuss control options. To find out more see the handy guide on the
Weedbusters website
Watch Mike the Weed Wizard talk about woolly nightshade.
There’s been an increase in the number of sightings of woolly nightshade around Palmerston North city and nearby Feilding. The Horizons pest plant team needs the community’s to help find where else it is in this area, so they can prevent its spread.
Reporting woolly nightshade sightings around Palmerston North and Feilding will help us build a picture of where it is. By documenting its distribution, we can better understand its impact on our local environment and take action to stop its spread. Get involved - join Woolly Busters today!
On your phone, download the iNaturalist app from the Apple App or Google Play stores.
Create a Login with your email and under the Projects tab search for ‘Woolly Busters’ and join!
If you think you’ve found a woolly nightshade, use the ‘Observe’ tab to either take a photo or upload from your images. The app should identify your image as from the nightshade family, it can also be referred to as bugweed.
Once on the ‘Details’ page, input woolly nightshade into the ‘What do you see’ section and add your location.
Then, access ‘Projects’ and tap on the toggle for ‘Woolly Busters’.
Answer the questions as best as you can
Infestation size = number of plants
Treatment status = if you have or have not controlled the plant
Control method = if you have removed the plant, how did you do that?
Presence of berries or flowers = If you saw any berries or flowers on the plant.
To finish up, click ‘Share’ and your observation will be pinned on the map.
If you don’t want to use the app, you can email your photo to us on help@horizons.govt.nz saying where and when you spotted woolly nightshade.
If you'd like more information on control methods call our pest plant team on 0508 800 800 or see the handy guide on the
By working together, we can combat the spread of woolly nightshade and safeguard our native ecosystems. Join Woolly Busters today and be part of the solution!
You can track Woolly's whereabouts by clicking on the link to the map below.
Where's Woolly Map