Cherry species

Cherry species are evergreen or deciduous spreading shrubs or trees less than 10m tall, often with multiple short trunks with dark cherries. They prevent seedling establishment and may be a food source for invasive mammals.

Description

• Thick, leathery, narrowly oval to lance-shaped leaves, with slightly serrated margins.
• Spikes or clusters of small fragrant greenish-white, pink, or cream flowers in late winter and spring.
• Grape-like clusters of fruit resembling dark purple to black cherries in late spring and summer.
• Seeds are dispersed by birds and other animals. Localised spread by vegetative growth from the roots.
• Human-induced dispersal by intentional plantings and dumping garden waste.
• Habitats include forests, plantations, shrublands, grasslands, near waterways, and roadsides.

What you need to know

Forms dense stands that prevent seedling establishment. May provide food resources to invasive mammals.

Management approach

Community Led

These organisms have not been legally declared as pests but may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment. They may be capable of causing adverse effects to the values of Waitaha/Canterbury.

Consider removing these invasive species from your property and consult your local council for appropriate disposal. Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Site management

Follow up treated areas three times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after two to three treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical control

Dig or pull out plants.

Plant parts requiring disposal: fruits and seeds.

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations.

Chemical control

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

Certified handler/experienced agrichemical user: Cut stump and spray the freshly cut base with 1g metsulfuron-methyl per 1L of water.

Drill and inject trees with 1g metsulfuron-methyl per 1L of water if safe to do so. Drill 18mm holes (tangentially angled downwards) in a spiral up the trunk.

For 50mm stems drill one hole. For 100mm stems drill two holes. For larger stems drill holes 150mm apart. 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.

Biological control

Biological control is currently not available for this species.

Safety note

Large trees must not be drilled that are closer than 1.5 times the height of the tree from paths, walkways and property.

Trees over 4m in height should be treated and then removed by a qualified arborist.