New Zealand bur

Also known as: New Zealand burr

Has robust, woody main stems, decumbent and seldom rooting, forming loose mats to 13cm tall and to 60cm or more across. Young stems are reddish-pink. The pinnate leaves are 6-12 cm long, with 9-13, conspicuously veined, blue-grey leaflets. Flowerheads are globular, with red stamens. Burrs are 2-2.5cm wide, with barbed spines, on long stems to 20cm

Scientific classification

Species: New Zealand bur (Acaena affinis)
Genus: Acaena
Family: Rosaceae

Information to be completed
Toxicity: Alpine Rockery · Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Matforming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

New Zealand bur pictures

Distribution of New Zealand bur

Distribution map

South America, subantarctic islands

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of New Zealand bur

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New Zealand bur care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Cut back old flower stems after flowering

Propagation

Please see cultivation notes

Growing

This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act (Northern Ireland) as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild IN NORTHERN IRELAND Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information

More growing and care information →