Maize growers in the Bay of Plenty are being warned to watch for an invasive cropping weed found in some of the region’s maize paddocks.

The Bay of Plenty regional council says noogoora burr is an aggressive plant pest that can rapidly invade riparian, grazing and cropping land, red while reducing its productivity.

Council plant pest officer, Andy McKay, says the weed has been found in the western parts of the region and the council wants to contain it.

Noogoora burr grows up to two metres in height. The seeds are held in a burr which attaches itself to clothing or animal fur.