Deciduous fern, short woody trunk <1.5m high. Large yellow-green, tough leathery fronds (<3m long) , divided twice into leaflets. Fertile fronds with spores look like tiny bunches of grapes with green leaflets at base.
Wetlands, streamsides, damp bare land, especially peaty soils.
Spores spread by wind and water.
Competes with native species in specialised niches. One of the few weeds of bogs.
Check for new plants annually.
1. Report it immediately to the Auckland Council Biosecurity team, who will arrange for its control at their expense.
2. Dig out small infestations removing all roots.
3. Spray spring - summer (3g metsulfuron/10L water).
Caution: when using any herbicide or pesticide PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.