Wild Russell lupin

Wild Russell lupin is a perennial herb around 1.5m tall with hairy stems that branch from the base. It invades braided river systems and provides hiding places for predators where birds nest.

Description

• Clusters of 8-15 leaflets that are usually hairless above and silky below.
• Flowerhead spikes are erect bearing many slightly scented, pea-like blue, purple, orange, yellow, pink or white flowers in spring and summer.
• Seed pods are straight and contain mottled dark brown hairy seeds.
• Seeds are dispersed by explosive pods, water and soil movement. Human-induced intentional dispersal along roadsides.
• Habitats include riverbeds, grasslands, dryland pastures, shrublands, roadsides, and wastelands.

What you need to know

Rapidly invades braided river systems and provides hiding places for predators on bare islands where birds nest. Dense infestations interfere with water flow along these rivers, changing the ecosystem for plants and animals.

Management approach

This is a declared pest managed under the Canterbury Regional Management Plan 2018 – 2038 (PDF file, 10.6MB) within the sustained control programme.

Sustained control

Pests in the sustained control programme vary greatly in their distribution across the region. Some are found in low numbers, while others are already well-established pests. The intention of the sustained control programme is to reduce the impact on values and spread of a pest onto neighbouring properties.

Rules

Rurally zoned land occupiers must eliminate Russell lupin and not plant it within:

• 200m from the edge of the outer gravel margin of a braided river or the active channel of a braided river if there is no gravel margin
• 50m from any non-braided river
• 10m from any artificial watercourse
• 10m from an adjoining property boundary.

We will work with rurally zoned land occupiers to ensure the goal is achieved.

Control

Site management

Seeds in the ground germinate in bare areas. Sites with strong tall regeneration of native species can usually be left for falling light levels to eliminate. This process can be assisted by slashing lupins and/or interplanting with natives.

Physical control

Dig out seedlings and small plants (all year round). Slash mature plants and leave on site to rot down. This can help control them, especially when combined with interplanting with desirable native species.

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations.

Chemical control

All year round: Cut larger plants close to the ground and paste the stump with herbicide gel containing glyphosate, triclopyr, or metsulfuron. Wipe plant leaves with herbicide containing glyphosate, triclopyr, or metsulfuron.

Active growth periods (spring-summer): Foliar spray with 20ml glyphosate plus 2ml penetrant per 1L of water or 6ml triclopyr plus 1ml surfactant per 1L of water.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed and take care when using near waterways.