Willow weed usually grows less than 40cm tall and is commonly found throughout New Zealand during spring and summer. It thrives in cultivated land, well-aerated soils, banks and waste areas, and other moist locations. Crops and pasture can be suffocated at establishment due to its sprawling growth habit. Overseas reports indicate that digestion of willow weed has caused stock death, and some suspected poisoning in New Zealand has occurred.

Small pink flowers in an upright cylindrical shape are found at the tip of stems. Leaves are dark green and sword shaped in dry conditions, but turn brownish green in wetter areas. Reddish round stems up to 80cm in length lead off the taproot. A black blotch on the leaves is usually present.


Control

Boom spraying
New Pasture
2,4-DB Herbicide will control 4 leaf seedling willow weed – without damaging young grass and clover.
Preside* in mixture with Select* will control seedlings up to 4-6 leaf – again without damaging young grass and clover.
Preside – add Uptake spraying oil with all applications.
Do not spray red clover with 2,4-DB.

Established Pasture
Pasture-Kleen* Xtra Herbicide (2.5-4L/ha) will control seedling willow weed.
Some temporary suppression of clovers may occur.

Spot Spraying
Tordon MAX* Herbicide will control willow weed in pasture. Tordon MAX is grass friendly but will damage clover.

Select, MCPB, 2,4-DB, Tordon MAX, Pasture-Kleen Xtra and Preside are registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 Nos. P5202, P268, P179, P 7231, P7295 and P4815.