General description

Tree fern < 12 m tall. Sori do not have indusium.

What you need to know

To help protect our environment:

You must not breed, distribute, release or sell rough tree fern. As rough tree fern is a National Pest Plant Accord species, these restrictions apply within the Auckland region and across the whole of New Zealand.
You must not plant rough tree fern within the Auckland region, unless you are transferring an existing plant on your land to another location within the boundaries of the same property.
You must destroy any rough tree fern 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

Forest and riparian margins, gullies, light gaps, roadsides, disturbed sites.

Impact on environment

Highly efficient competitor that may displace vegetation. Can alter nutrient cycling.

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. Ensure correct identification and it is not a native tree fern.

Recommended approaches

Physical control

Method: Dig out

Plant parts requiring disposal: Spores on leaves

Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill if practical

Biocontrol

Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.

Community agrichemical control recommendations

No qualifications
Cut stump and paste freshly cut base of stems with metsulfuron gel

Basic Growsafe certified
Cut stump and spray freshly cut base with 1g metsulfuron-methyl per 1 L of water

Certified Handler/Experienced agrichemical user
Foliar spray seedlings with 5g metsulfuron-methyl per 10L of water 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.

Similar species

Cyathea medullaris

The native mamaku has black stipes in comparison to the paler stipes of C. cooperi.

Search tags

RPMP status

National Pest Plant Accord Species
Whole region (Sustained Control)

Rough Tree Fern

Cyathea cooperi

General description

What you need to know

Habitats

Dispersal

Impact on environment

Control

Site Management