While some daisies make nice daisy chain necklaces, bur daisy is a serious threat to farming as it can contaminate sheep wool. If left uncontrolled, bur daisy replaces other plant species and this has a negative impact on our biodiversity. It produces many seeds that are quickly spread by stock movement and can produce new plants for many years.

Bur daisy is a small herb that can grow up to 40cm tall with many fine, green branches. It has thin green leaves that are very small. The plant produces small, pom pom-like clusters of bright yellow flowers that develop into very hard, brown burs, covered in tiny hooks.

Bur daisy flowers for most of the year but more over summer. So far it has only been found on one 10-hectare block of land at near Georgetown in the Waitaki Valley.

There is only one rule for bur daisy under our pest plan which is that everyone in Otago must eliminate bur daisy on the land they occupy. This is to ensure the number of plants are reduced and threats to economic wellbeing are minimised.

• You can grub out small plants, being careful to collect all seed heads
• You can weed wipe using a glyphosate-based herbicide
• You can spray the plant during spring using Tordon BK or triclopyr and a penetrant.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Disclaimer: Mention of product trade names does not endorse these products nor imply criticism of similar products not mentioned. The Otago Regional Council does not give any warranty that the information is accurate or complete or that it is suitable for all circumstances.