Asparagus fern

• Fern with long, flat branching thorn-less stems, twining up to 3m.
• Leaves are lance-shaped, flat with distinct midrib, dark green 5–15mm long, occurs in groups of 3.
• Flowers are small, white or pinkish white, solitary or in 2–3 per axil on short stalks.
• Fleshy, globular fruits up to 5–7mm in diameter.
• Fruits ripen from green to orange-red, containing 1 black seed.
• Roots are fibrous with short rhizomes, often with narrow tubers, stems arise from a small central crown.

• Sub-tropical to temperate high rainfall regions.
• Invades shaded woodland, heathland, sclerophyll forest, cool rainforest, riparian and coastal habitats and disturbed areas.

• Visit Weeds Australia and click on the distribution tab to access the distribution map.

• Usually flowers May–October.
• Fruit appears from September and can remain until next flowering.
• Germinates September–February.

Environmental

• Becomes dominant ground cover, displacing native plants, even in undisturbed systems.

• Spread by fruit-eating birds, foxes, rabbits.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Physical control

• Remove berries, seeds and entire crown of underground stem with sharp knife to prevent regrowth.
• Follow up to control seedling germination and regrowth from missed tubers.

Herbicide control

• Herbicide control is effective.
• Use spot spray and cut-stump methods.

Read the Asparagus fern fact sheet (PDF, 1.5MB) for herbicide control and application rates.

Biological control

• No known biological control agent.

• Asparagus fern is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• It must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment. Penalties apply.
• You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with Asparagus fern under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
• At a local level, each local government agency must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on asparagus fern. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.