Weedbusters

Not this lily

FOUND: nationwide

FEATURES: Arum italicum was originally considered a highly attractive garden plant. Now, it’s a rampant weed that’s toxic to stock and people (and it can cause severe skin irritation if you touch it). It forms stocky clumps of glossy, dark green, arrow-shaped leaves with distinctive cream markings along the veins. Leaves die off over the summer months, appearing again in early autumn. Yellow, finger-like flower spikes are surrounded by large, pale green, almost translucent bracts that appear in spring. They’re followed by spikes of bright orange-red berries that persist even when the leaves die back.

HOW TO CONTROL IT

Always wear gloves when dealing with Italian arum.

1. Dig out isolated plants, remove all root fragments and dispose of them at a refuse transfer station.

2. In heavy infestations, cut back the foliage and paint the root stumps with 1g metsulfuronmethyl + 100ml glyphosate + penetrant/1L water. Mulch the leaves and dispose of seeds at a refuse transfer station. Alternatively, spray with 3g metsulfuron-methyl + 150ml glyphosate + penetrant/10L water.