Climbing asparagus

Scrambling or climbing perennial with stems that are no longer than 2m, green and branched. Climbing asparagus smothers low-growing native plants and prevents seedling establishment.

Description

• Leaves are scale-like, thin and dry.
• Some stem tips have three nodes that are flattened and leaf-like.
• Flowers are white and solitary.
• Berry is spherical and red.
• Roots are tuberous and fleshy.
• Seeds are dispersed by birds
• Habitats include forests, forest margins, shrublands, roadsides, wastelands, hedgerows, and gardens.

What you need to know

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

Management approach

Climbing 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, multiplied, communicated, released, cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

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

Site Management

Cut and pull climbing asparagus away from desirable trees and native plants before foliar spraying. Follow up treated areas three times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after two to three treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical control

Dig or pull plants out.

Plant parts requiring disposal: tubers, roots and seeds.

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations.

Chemical control

No qualifications: Foliar spray with 200ml glyphosate per 10L of water.

Certified handler/experienced agrichemical user: Foliar spray with 200ml glyphosate per 10L of water and 10ml penetrant.

Do not add penetrant when spraying against tree trunks.

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

Biological control

Biological control is currently not available for this species.