Gisborne moth plant season alert: How to spot and safely remove the weed

Watch out for the moth plant – an invasive weed with sap that is toxic to bees, butterflies and even dogs, Gisborne District Council says. Photo / Supplied

Gisborne District Council is urging people to help stop the spread of the invasive weed moth plant in Tairāwhiti.

This is moth plant season and the council says the weed is a serious threat to the environment.

“It smothers native plants and its sap is toxic to bees, butterflies – even dogs,” the council said in a release.

“Pull out the stem and roots completely, then hang the plant off the ground to dry.

“Dispose of it in your general waste (not compost) and wear gloves because the sap can irritate skin.”

The council says the best time to act is before pods form and release hundreds of seeds.

“If pods are already there, seal them in a bag and put them in your general waste.

The best time to act is before moth plant pods form and release hundreds of seeds. Photo / Supplied

“Every plant removed now helps protect our environment.”