Centranthus ruber
Red valerian
Family: Valerianaceae
Origin: Mediterranean
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- Whole region — Sustained control
- Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
General description
Perennial herb < 80 cm tall. Leaves are blue/green, variable and < 17 x 5 cm. Flowers are pink/red/white and borne in November – June. Fruit is < 4 mm long.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment, from 1 September 2021, you:
- will not be allowed to breed, distribute, release or sell red valerian within the Auckland region.
- will not be allowed to plant red valerian within the Auckland region, unless you are transferring an existing plant on your land to another location within the boundaries of the same property.
- must destroy any red valerian on land that you occupy if it has been planted in breach of the above rules and you are directed to do so by an authorised person.
Habitats
Coastal habitats, cliffs, shingle beaches, volcanic rock, rock walls, roadsides, wasteland.
Dispersal
Seeds dispersed by wind.
Impact on environment
Displaces native vegetation. May compete with threatened short stature plant species.
Control
Site management
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
Recommended approaches
Physical control
Method: Dig out
Plant parts requiring disposal: Seeds
Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill
Biocontrol
Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.
Community agrichemical control recommendations
No qualifications: Foliar spray in summer with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water
Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user: Foliar spray with 200ml glyphosate green per 10L and 20ml penetrant
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
