Habitat

Rough grassland – along roadsides, woodland margins and railway banks.

Key ID features

• Forms large patches of heart shaped leaves. In winter has clusters of tiny mauve-pink vanilla-scented flowers. 

• Spreads via branching underground stems not via seed dispersal. 

• Can spread over 1m a year.

Distribution

Locally common in England and Wales.

Impacts

Spreads to form dense stands that outcompetes native species, reducing biodiversity.

Do’s & Don’ts

• DON’T spread soil contaminated with winter heliotrope -even a tiny fragment of the cut rhizome can re-grow.

• DO hand pull or dig-up and leave to dry on a sheet. Can be composted or burned (in line with local restrictions) once completely dried.

More Information

For more information visit the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website.