These 2 invasive plants are native to Central and South America as well as the West Indies. They are very similar in appearance and difficult to tell apart, but both are classed as NEMBA Category 1b, invading a wide range of habitats including gardens, verges and grasslands throughout KwaZulu Natal.
Their bright green leaves have slightly serrated edges and the plant reaches a height of between 30 cm to 1m. Fluffy mauve / blue (sometimes pink to white) flower heads can appear all year round and are easy to spot amongst grasses and local flowering plants. They produce plenty of seeds that germinate easily.
Ageratum is toxic as it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are produced by plants as a defense mechanism against insects but in humans can cause liver damage.
To eradicate this plant, hand pulling works well but for large infestations use a suitable herbicide.
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