Asparagus fern

Asparagus fern is a perennial herb that forms thick mats on the ground or sub-canopy and can grow up to two metres long.

Description

• Plant looks almost leafless but has very small dark green lance-shaped leaves between 5-15mm long.

• Asparagus drepanophyllus is leafless during flowering.

• Stems are widely branched and thorny.

• Flowers are white/cream with a strong odour.

• Fruits are purple/black berries, 6mm in diameter.

• Roots are fibrous.

• Seeds are dispersed by birds. Vegetative dispersal via root fragments.

• Habitats include cliffs, rocky outcrops, roadsides, gardens, shrubland, and woodlands.

What you need to know

Asparagus fern grows quickly, forming dense infestations and excluding native species. It can potentially impact sensitive and rare habitats such as rocky outcrops, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems.

Management approach

Asparagus fern is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

To help protect our environment:

Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consult your local council for appropriate disposal. Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Physical control

Dig or pull out small plants and seedlings

Plant parts requiring disposal: all parts

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations

Chemical control

Foliar spray with 20ml glyphosate plus 2ml penetrant per 1L of water.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.