Asparagus aethiopicus, also known as "Ground Asparagus"
Asparagus Fern was far and away the most common weed found on properties during the 2013 weed inspections in Forster. Originally popular as a garden and pot plant due to its striking foliage and hardy nature, it's now a major problem in many areas of Australia. Birds and other animals love the berries and spread the seeds far and wide, including deep into bushland.
Photo of Asparagus Fern branch, showing numerous small, thin leaves, as well as ripe and unripe berries. Be careful to wear strong gloves when tackling Asparagus Fern, as it has many thorns along its wiry stems.
Asparagus Fern identification and control video from the Pittwater Ecowarriors.
Asparagus species (particularly Asparagus Fern) were by far the most commonly found weeds during the Forster inspections in 2013. Once established in a garden, they spread easily into neighbouring yards.
This photo clearly demonstrates the potential for Asparagus Fern to dominate the ground storey and modify natural ecosystems, if left unchecked.
To controlAsparagus Fern,wearing strong gloves, remove any stems with ripe or unripe berries, and dispose of in the red bin.
Then locate and remove the crown of the plant. The "crown" is the woody growth that all the stems and roots grow from. Removal is most easily done with a knife, cutting the crown away from the roots.
The roots and water-bearing tubers can be left in the ground, as they do not re-shoot.
The crown should be disposed of in the red bin, stems without berries can be put in the green waste bin or compost.
Illustration: Virginia Bear
There are a number of different species in the Asparagus family, many of which are serious environmental weeds in Australia. Besides Asparagus Fern (Asparagus aethiopicus), two other Asparagus species were found in Forster during the inspections; Foxtail Asparagus(Asparagus densiflorus), pictured here on the left, and Climbing Asparagus (Asparagus plumosus), on the right. Both of these Asparagus plants are best controlled in the same way as Asparagus Fern.
Photos: Terry Inkson
Close-up photo of Asparagus Fern flowers and unripe berries. Photo: plantsrescue.com
Download the Asparagus Fern Weed Fact Sheet here.
Asparagus Fern is one of the"Big Bad Three" Click to download the poster.
The Weed Bulletin emails are part of the Forster Backyard Bushcare Program, an initiative of Great Lakes Council and National Parks and Wildlife.
