Moth Plant

Garden Problems

Moth plant vine grows rapidly, forming large, heavy, long-lived tangled masses. Its seeds can drift long distances on the wind. It is tolerant of shade, very tolerant of drought or damp, wind, salt, many soil types, and damage, but is frost tender. Moth p

Identify the problem
Moth plant is a fast growing evergreen vine to 10 m tall with smelly, milky sap and twining flexible stems that are covered in down and woody near the base. Flowers appear from December to May and form clusters of 2-4 bell-shaped white flowers, occasionally with pink streaks. The seeds are distinctive thick, leathery, pear-shaped pods.
Moth plant is one of the Dirty Dozen in New Zealand's War on Weeds.
How to solve the problem
Cut and Paint
- Cut back the plant leaving approximately 20 leaves at the bottom close to the roots.
- Paint Weed Weapon Invade Gel on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves and onto the cut ends. It is systemic so it will kill down to the roots and is inactivated in the soil and will not affect neighbouring plants.
- Death of Moth plant can take up to 14 days.
- Caution: moth plants are poisonous and an irritant. Wear appropriate gloves and protective equipment when working with them.
Spray
- Apply Weed Weapon Rapid Action or Extra Strength plus Dye & Stick to all foliage of the moth plant, it is important not to miss any sections.
- The addition of Dye & Stick to Weed Weapon Extra Strength will improve efficacy.
- Further application may be necessary for extensive mature moth plant.
- Learn more about How to Get Rid of Weedy Vines
Did you know?
- Moth plant is also known as Araujia sericifera, kapok vine, mothvine, cruel plant, milkvine, milk weed, wild choko vine, Physianthus albens.