Pampas Lily-of-the-Valley Brochure - Environmental Weed Identification and Removal

Aug 20, 2026

Pampas Lily-of-the-valley (Salpichroa origanifolia) is identified through its scrambling habit, paired unequal leaves, short hairiness, small white or cream bell-shaped flowers (6–8 mm), and yellow berry fruit (1–2 cm) with flattened seeds. As an environmental weed in Randwick, it spreads by natural and assisted means, persists, smothers other vegetation, and is difficult to remove due to an extensive woody root system that survives dry periods. Effective control relies mainly on bagged hand removal, while chemical control is generally ineffective; herbicide use must follow manufacturer labels and relevant legal obligations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Identification

Habit and leaves

Flowers, fruit, and underground structure

Why it is a problem

Methods of removal

Hand removal

Chemical control and safe herbicide use

Contact information

Pampas Lily-ofthe-valley Salpichroa origanifolia IDENTIFICATION Habit: Scrambling or climbing perennial herb, reproducing from roots and by seed. Leaves: Produced singly or in pairs at the nodes, each pair unequal in size. Leaves shortly hairy. Flowers: Small white or cream bell shaped flowers about 6-8mm long. Fruit: A yellow berry when ripe, 1-2cm long, containing several brown to pale yellow flattened seeds. Underground Structure: The plant has a thick, woody, extensive mostly horizontal root system up to 1 metre deep. WHY IS IT A PROBLEM? A native of South America, Pampas Lilyof-the-valley in the City of Randwick is considered an Environmental Weed. An Environmental Weed is any plant which is capable of spreading, either by natural means eg: wind, or unintentionally assisted eg: on wheels of vehicles. They become an ecological or management problem, as they are often very persistent and expensive to control. They may cause health problems, take over areas of bushland, or invade parks and gardens. The plant is a vigorous scrambler, which rapidly grows and can completely smother other vegetation. Once established, the plant is difficult to remove. The plant has a vigorous root system, which can survive long dry periods, andrecovers quickly when moisture again becomes available. METHODS OF REMOVAL Hand removal is the most effective method for effectively removing Pampas Lily-of-the-valley. Bag all vegetative matter and dispose of appropriately. Chemical control is generally ineffective, and while it can kill the above ground matter, the herbicide has virtually no effect on the extensive root system. When using herbicide to control weeds the user has a legal obligation to read the herbicide manufacturer’s label and apply the herbicide in accordance with that label. Responsible use of herbicides protects human health and the natural environment. For enquiries regarding Environmental and Noxious Weeds contact Omar Seychell on: Ph 9399 0686 Fax 9399 0687 or email: [omar.seychell@randwick.nsw.gov.au](omar.seychell@randwick.nsw.gov.au).

FAQs

How can Pampas Lily-of-the-valley be identified?

It is a scrambling or climbing perennial with paired but unequal leaves, short hairs, small white/cream bell-shaped flowers (6–8 mm), and yellow berries (1–2 cm) containing flattened seeds. It also has a thick woody mostly horizontal root system extending up to about 1 metre deep.

Why is Pampas Lily-of-the-valley considered an environmental weed?

It can spread by natural means such as wind or unintentionally via vehicles, persist in local areas, and become expensive to control. It can smother other vegetation and is difficult to remove once established.

What removal methods are recommended and how effective are herbicides?

Hand removal is the most effective method, with all vegetative matter bagged and disposed of appropriately. Chemical control is generally ineffective because herbicides have virtually no effect on the extensive root system, and any herbicide use must follow the manufacturer’s label and legal obligations.

Aug 20, 2026

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