Blue mist flower is an erect, evergreen, perennial shrub that grows approximately two metres tall and occupies forest edges, inhibiting regeneration.
Description
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Leaves are large, hairy, and ovate.
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Stems are covered in reddish-purple stripes.
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Flowers are fluffy pink/purple and are borne in terminal corymbs from November – January.
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Seeds are small and husky, dispersed by wind, water, and animals.
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Habitats include shady and damp sites, disturbed and regenerating forest, gullies, drains, ditches, riparian areas, forest margins, and roadsides.
What you need to know
Blue mist flower forms dense stands, potentially excluding native plants.
Management approach
Blue mist flower is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.
Control
Do not attempt to undertake control of blue mist flower yourself. Report any sightings to us.
Blue mist flower. Photo credit: Trevor James