Deciduous or evergreen groundcover herb < 1 m tall. Stems are creeping. Leaves are heart-shaped, < 7 cm long and green or variegated green/cream/yellow/red. Flowers are small, white and borne in spikes in summer.
To help protect our environment:
Damp and shady habitats, wetlands, riparian margins, forest, shrubland, gardens.
Possibly sets seed. Vegetative spread from rhizome or stolon fragments. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste and deliberate plantings.
Rapidly forms dense colonies. Potential to suppress native seedling recruitment and alter canopy composition.
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
English ivy can have similar leaves but has woody stems. Ivy does not have the unpleasant smelling leaves that houttuynia has.
