WINCHESTER civic chiefs are looking at ways to better tackle the chronic problem of invasive species.
Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed are problems around the district, a committee heard.
Cllr Neil Cutler, deputy leader of the city council, said he was looking at ways to beef up civic policy against the plants.
He told the scrutiny committee: "There is the chance for a most robust policy to deal with invasive weeds. It takes three years to get rid of it (Japanese knotweed). We have a statutory duty to get rid of Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam.
"It has been a particularly good years for things to grow", said Cllr Cutler, who is a farmer.
These non-native species were introduced in British gardens and have muscled out native species often in sensitive habitats such as meadows and riverbanks.
The meeting also heard about goldenrod being an issue in Kings Worthy.
The Hampshire Chronicle recently reported on an alien species, Gunnera, or giant rhubarb, recently added to the banned list which is thriving on The Weirs, near Wharf Mill in Winchester.
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