Seedlings establishing in summer can bear flowers by the autumn, representing how quickly juvenile plants can grow. If left, plants reach several metres in height within 2 to 3 years. Eventually woolly nightshade trees lose thrift after 15 years of age and die branch by branch. Although the majority of the fruit fall to the ground beneath the parent plant, many berries are still eaten by birds. Birds have spread seed into almost every vacant piece of urban land in Auckland, as well as hedge rows, farm land, gullies and bush margins.
Seed is the only means of dispersal.
Physical Control For seedlings and small plants - simply pull or dig out, preferably when soil is damp.