Ferny asparagus

Ferny asparagus is a scrambling perennial with white flowers and dark berries. It smothers native plants and prevents seedling establishment.

Description

• Stems are widely branched and no longer than 2m.
• Flowers are small, white and occur in late spring and early summer.
• Berries are purple to black.
• Seeds are dispersed by birds, vegetative spread by root fragments which can be aided by water and soil movement.
• Habitats include forests, forest margins, shrublands, roadsides, wastelands, hedgerows, gardens, and coastal cliffs.

What you need to know

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

Management approach

Ferny 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 cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, multiplied, communicated, released, caused 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 ferny asparagus yourself. Report any sightings to us.