Bears Breeches

Acanthus mollis

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DESCRIPTION

This clump-forming perennial has very long, shiny, deeply cut leaves up to 50cm long and 30cm wide.

Also known as Oyster plant, or Sea Holly, Bear’s Breeches originates in Southwest Europe and in NZ have proven to be long-lived and quite robust.

The flowers, which emerge from purple brachts, have white or pinkish petals, often with coloured veins. The seed pods are shiny black oval or oblong capsules around 3-4cm long and containing 1cm wide flattened seeds. The seeds are spread by birds or water but it can also be spread through root fragments.

HABITAT

Having escaped from the garden this weed is often found around houses, shaded roadsides, near riverbanks and in pasture but usually still near houses. Distribution is throughout both the North and South Island.

MANUAL REMOVAL

The roots are thick and deep-rooting so care must be taken when digging out not to leave any roots. Leaves can be mulched but make sure any roots, root fragments, and seeds are disposed of at a refuse transfer station.

HERBICIDE CONTROL OF BEARS BREECHES

Stump Swabbing of Herbicide to Kill Bears Breeches

Cut the stem close to the ground and remove the cut foliage and stems for mulching. The fresh-cut stump must be liberally swabbed

with either:

• MSF600 as a thick paste 1-2mm thick on the cut stump.
• TRICLO Herbicide mix 50ml per litre with water or diesel and apply liberally with a paintbrush.

Cut'n'Paste Herbicide Gels to Kill Bears Breeches

Glimax Professional gel applied to the freshly cut stump or on the underside of the leaves if you don't want to cut them back or spray them works well

Herbicide Sprays to Kill and Control Beers Breeches

• TRICLO Herbicide at 60ml per 10 litres of water + SuperWetter  at 10ml per 10 litres of water, applied to the whole plant.
• GrassMate can be used at the same rate as TRICLO Herbicide but only the Triclopyr active ingredient seems to be effective and the picloram in GrassMate will kill clover so only use this instead of TRICLO Herbicide if you have some on hand
• MSF600 at the gorse rate of 5g + SuperWetter at 10ml per 10 litres of water. MSF600 will kill ryegrass and clover though.

IMPORTANT: It is essential to follow up with a second spray programme once any regrowth or fresh growth has become evident.