Description:
Also known as Ground Asparagus, Asparagus densiflorus and Protoasparagus
densiflorus
Originating in South Africa, Asparagus Fern is a multi-branched prostrate
perennial shrub or scrambler forming a dense mat of tuberous roots. Branches grow
to 60cm with a covering of small spines.
Flowers are bell-shaped, white-pale pink clusters, flowering in late summer.
Fruit are red berries to 8mm wide containing 1 to a few black seeds about
4mm in diameter, occurring winter/early spring
Dispersal:
Seeds are spread by birds, water and dumping. Asparagus Fern can also reshoot
from rhizome pieces left in the ground or dumped as garden waste.
Impact on Bushland:
This weed is invasive and poses a significant threat to the bushland environment.
This weed may cause distress to neighbouring properties both through the plant
stems spreading over boundary lines and birds depositing seeds in their droppings.
These seeds germinate readily and will start new infestations. Due to the plants'
invasive nature, treatment to contain this weed must start immediately. As this
weed is likely to continually grow and spread, total removal is recommended.
Control:
| Manual: |
The growing points of Asparagus Fern must be removed below the surface. The
numerous water tubers can be left in the ground, as they contain no food and the
plant cannot reproduce from them. |
| |
Wear thick gloves. With secateurs cut off stems about 20cm above soil level
and bag. Don't cut too low or you may lose sight of where the crown is. Larger
berries will ripen if left lying on the ground. |
| |
Check where stems join crown. Use knife, peter lever or mattock to cut
around crown to sever roots and water tubers. These may be left in place.
Lift out crown, checking it is entire and bag. |
| |
Follow up: seed lasts a few years in the soil, so you need to watch out for
seedlings. Use a knife to ease these out - usually the whole plant will come up
easily. Seedlings may sprout where you have removed larger mature plants. |
| Chemical: |
Please contact your local control authority for
advice on chemical control. |
Similar Species:
Suggested Alternatives:
References:
National Trust Handbook National Trust, WEEDeck Sainty and Associates
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