Plants are essential to everyone's lives. Welcome to Plantlife.

Pirri-pirri-bur

(Acaena novae-zelandiae )

A non-native invasive plant.

Originating from Australia and New Zealand, this spiny plant allegedly first entered the country via seeds in imported wool. Introduction since then is mainly through the dumping of garden material in the wild. From there its hooked burs mean it is easily spread by sheep and other animals (including us).

Distribution

Spreading in the UK and has become established at many important wildlife sites.

Habitat

Wet slopes, rough pastures, dunes, grassy areas and woods.

What's the problem?

Pirri-pirri-bur becomes especially invasive when it establishes on cool, damp cliffs and upland habitats – often the very types of site where threatened native plants occur. It has also proved a problem in dune habitats, such as those on the island of Lindisfarne.

What are we doing about it?

Find out more about Plantlife's invasive plant programme by clicking here.

Become a member