Houttuynia cordata
Houttuynia
Also known as:
Chameleon plant, yu xing cao, fish mint
Family: Saururaceae
Origin: Asia
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- National Pest Plant Accord Species
- Whole region — Progressive containment, council delivered
General description
Deciduous or evergreen groundcover herb < 1 m tall. Stems are creeping. Leaves are heart-shaped, < 7 cm long and green or variegated green/cream/yellow/red. Flowers are small, white and borne in spikes in summer.
What you need to know
To help protect our environment:
- You must not breed, distribute, release or sell houttuynia. As houttuynia is a National Pest Plant Accord species, these restrictions apply within the Auckland region and across the whole of New Zealand.
- You must not plant houttuynia within the Auckland region.
Auckland Council will manage houttuynia at all sites where it is known to occur.
If you see houttuynia anywhere in the Auckland region, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Habitats
Damp and shady habitats, wetlands, riparian margins, forest, shrubland, gardens.
Dispersal
Possibly sets seed. Vegetative spread from rhizome or stolon fragments. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste and deliberate plantings.
Impact on environment
Rapidly forms dense colonies. Potential to suppress native seedling recruitment and alter canopy composition.
Control
Recommended approaches
Do not attempt to undertake control of this species. Please report to Auckland Council.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.