Cat’s claw creeper

Cat’s claw creeper is a perennial vine with long stems that can grow in a wide range of conditions.

Description

• Long stems (15 metres) often rooting at the nodes.

• Two leaflets and a three-clawed tendril grow from each leaf stalk narrowly egg-shaped.

• Tubular yellow flowers are followed by dry, black, flattened seed capsules that are tapered at both ends.

• Seeds are wind-spread. A network of root tubers develop from stems touching the ground, with each tuber producing more runners.

• Habitats include riparian areas, forest and shrubland edges, and light gaps.

What you need to know

Cat's claw creeper grows vigorously into the forest canopy, produces abundant seed, is difficult to control and can grow in a wide range of conditions including drought.

Management approach

Cat's claw creeper 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.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of cat's claw creeper yourself. Report any sightings to us.