Yarrow

Broad-leafed docks (Rumex obtusifolius) grow prolifically throughout New Zealand. This is the most common dock weed found around farmyards, in damp arable & pasture land, wasteland and gardens.

The leaves are very large and broad (up to 35 cm long and 15 cm wide) hairy underneath, and have long stems. The plant can grow to 1 m tall. Flowers appear from July to April and are usually small, green (sometimes red) and inconspicuous, carried above the leaves in clusters. The root is a strong thick perennial taproot, enabling easy regrowth. Seeds are a reddish brown.

Oxtongue (Picris echioides) a tall (up to 1 m) bristly leaved annual or biennial with yellow dandelion like flowers. Prolific in the lower North Island and Hawkes Bay and more occasionally found elsewhere in New Zealand. Commonly found in arable land, pastures and roadsides.

Spurrey (Spergula arvensis) is a fine-stemmed, sprawling annual weed which is commonly found throughout New Zealand. It can often grow dense. Severely competing with and smother crop seedlings and establishing pastures. Spurrey germinates in the autumn and spring.

Twin cress (Coronopus didymus) is very commonly found throughout New Zealand. It is an annual weed that germinates in the spring and autumn. As a seedling it is a rosette that develops a scrambling habit out to 40 cm. Twin cress is common in cultivated ground, crops and open pastures. Can cause significant issues on dairy farms as it can taint milk.