Bushy asparagus

A scrambling, multi-stemmed, bushy herb with white flowers that bloom in mid-spring to early autumn. Bushy asparagus smothers low-growing native plants and prevents seedling establishment.

Description

• Roots are tuberous and form a thick mat.
• Berries are red and seeds are dispersed by birds.
• Habitat includes forests, forest margins, shrublands, roadsides, wastelands, hedgerows, gardens, and coastal areas.

What you need to know

Forms dense stands that smother low-growing native and desirable plants and prevents seedling establishment.

Management approach

Bushy asparagus 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

Do not attempt to undertake control of firethorn yourself. Report any sightings to us.