Snow poppy

Snow poppy is a low growing perennial herb developing from long underground rhizomes.

Description

• Stems ooze orange sap when crushed.

• Leaves are small, oval, heart-shaped, leathery and scalloped.

• Flowers are four-petalled and white with golden stamens.

• Vegetative spread from rhizomes, stem and root fragments. Possibly seed.

• Habitats include forests and moist soils.

What you need to know

Snow poppy forms dense mats, smothering native vegetation and preventing native seedling establishment.

Management approach

Snow poppy 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 snow poppy yourself. Report any sightings to us.