Foxgloves are just beginning to take a hold in the Waitākere Ranges, mainly on tracks. This is a serious weed that must be eliminated before it is too late. In the south it has destroyed much of the braided river communities, and it is starting to invade our alpine zones within conservation areas. We definitely do not want it to get away here, so it is very important to eliminate this from gardens and public sites before it becomes widespread in our natural ecosystems. Please, please pull them out if you see them.
Foxgloves are poisonous so be careful not to transfer the toxins to your eyes or mouth. Although I don’t bother with gloves it is recommended that when handling them that you wear gloves. Control options: Easy to pull out or spray with glyphosate (10ml/L).
By Len Gillman of Restoration Ruatuna