Crassula helmsii
New Zealand pigmyweed is a fast-growing aquatic plant originally from Australia and New Zealand.
First introduced to the UK in 1911 as a pond oxygenator, it has since escaped into the wild—and it's now widespread across Cumbria.
New Zealand Pigmyweed isn’t just an aquatic plant—it’s a survival expert.
It can grow:
Leaves up to 2cm long in opposite alternate pairs.
The leaf bases are joined around the stem to form a collar.
It can grow (reproduce) from broken stem fragments, so easily transportable!
This invasive species thrives in:
Its fleshy, succulent leaves make it easy to spot—but hard to control.
New Zealand Pigmyweed may look harmless, but it causes serious issues:
And here’s the kicker:
Just a 2cm fragment is enough to start a new infestation. It easily clings to:
Help us stop the spread of New Zealand pigmyweed in the Eden and make sure you Check, Clean and Dry your kit every time you move between waterbodies!
