Ferny asparagus
Botanical Name
Asparagus plumosus
Family
Asparagaceae (asparagus)
Also known as
Asparagus setaceus
Where is it originally from?
South Africa
What does it look like?
Scrambling or climbing evergreen fern-like perennial with feathery flattened stems that look like leaves, in bunches of 7-20 from each stem node. Tiny white flowers are followed by small berries that ripen from green to black.
Why is it weedy?
Spreads easily and establishes in natural areas, twining up into supporting plants.
How does it spread?
Berries containing seeds are spread by birds. Also spread by dumping of garden waste.
What damage does it do?
Twining habit as it grows inhibits the growth of supporting plants.
Which habitats is it likely to invade?
Forest margins, farm hedges, roadsides. Prefers moderate to high light intensity. Tolerates dry conditions.
What can I do to get rid of it?
1. Hand pull small infestations; dig out all roots.
2. Cut and spray: cut stems at 60cm above ground and spray or paint remaining stems with metsulferon-methyl 600g/kg (5g/1L).
3. Overall spray: where vegetation beneath is not desirable, overall knapsack spray with glyphosate (100ml/10L + penetrant).
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and directions for the purchase, use and storage of the product, are followed and adhered to.
What can I do to stop it coming back?
Check regularly for regrowth or seedlings.
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