The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

ECO has had an inquiry from a landowner in Tasmania who has a problem with foxgloves invading their bush, and wants to know how they were introduced here. I suggested that the Weedbusters site would help with control information, and that the Bot Soc and the NZPCN might have some knowledge about this. Anyone know?

This species creates massive amounts of seed which is very fine and easily spread. I understand light shade/semi-open canopy conditions make it easier for foxgloves to grow, so over time as the bush block heals foxglove levels may drop. If however livestock have access to the bush they will be damaging it and disturbing soil to favour the foxglove, plus grazing will preferentially remove competition. If using herbicide to control foxglove be careful of non-target impact and consider the need to regularly return for many seasons to check for newly germinated plants from the large seedbank. If time and resources are limited, focus on flowering plants to reduce seed set and increase in seed bank loading.