Wild Russell lupin are Russell lupins that are established by natural means. Russell lupins rapidly invade rocky braided river systems and the thick, bushes provide hiding places for predators of birds that are often endangered and would usually nest safely on these bare islands. The thick infestations also get in the way of water flow along these rivers, changing the ecosystem for the birds and aquatic species that rely on this habitat.

It causes sand and gravel to build up, changing the shape of rivers and contributing to flooding and erosion. Disturbed lowland and sub-alpine shrubland, short tussock-land and wetlands are vulnerable to this plant.

• Size: Quick growing herb that can grow up to 1 metre tall.
• Leaves: Clusters of leaflets that are usually hairless above and silky below, growing on multiple erect, hairy stems.
• Flowers(/seeds): Produces an upright flowerhead spike with many slightly scented, multiple-coloured flowers from September to February. Produces a large number of seeds with dark brown spots that can last for many years and are spread mainly by water and by humans scattering them along roadsides.
• Distinctive feature: Multiple erect, hairy stems with a tall, straight flower spike.
• Habitat: Found along roadsides, spread by water and human activity.

Over the life of the pest plan (10 years) the goal is to sustainably control the extent of Russell lupin within certain distances from waterways and property boundaries.

• On rural-zoned land in Otago no Russell lupin is allowed to be planted within:
  • 200m (at the time of planting) of the outer gravel margin of a braided river or if there is no outer gravel margin, 200m from the edge of the active channel
  • 50m from any non-braided river
  • 10m from any artificial watercourse
  • 10m from an adjoining property boundary
• Everyone on rural-zoned land must also eliminate all wild Russell lupin in the above boundaries.

You can hand pull or dig out small plants all year round and leave on site to rot. You can also cut the plant to the stump and apply herbicide or spray.

www.orc.govt.nz/wildrusselllupin