SAcontrolledClass 3 declared weed · Multiple regions
TASprohibitedDeclared Weed · Statewide
Asparagus aethiopicus
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) is a perennial evergreen scrambling herb introduced as an ornamental and now a serious environmental weed, especially in coastal or damp areas. It forms dense, impenetrable thickets and underground mats that suppress other plants, reduce soil moisture and nutrients, and impact native animals. It spreads widely via birds dispersing seed and by dumping garden waste containing seed or plant parts. Long-term, repeated management is often needed due to prolific seed production and regrowth from rhizomes.
Identify it
Field cues
01Scrambling, sprawling or pendent stems up to about 2m long, often twisted and ribbed
02Short, straight stiff spines (5–10mm) on older stems
03Flat, narrow leaf-like cladodes in clusters of 2–5, about 15–25mm long
04Small white to pale pink flowers in clusters along a short stem
05Glossy red berries about 5–8mm wide with black seeds
Distribution records are indicative. Always confirm current status with your state biosecurity authority.
Found in: coastal dunes, rocky headlands, littoral rainforest, rainforest gullies, woodlands, riparian areas, wetlands, urban bushland, heathlands, sandstone sites.
Control is difficult because plants regrow from crown rhizomes and new seedlings emerge from the soil seed bank, so long-term follow-up is critical. Preventing spread is challenging where birds disperse seed, making prevention of flowering and fruiting important. Large infestations can be hard to remove without destabilising fragile soils, and plant material (especially crowns/rhizomes and fruit) can create new infestations if moved or dumped.
1
Remove crowns from small patches
Hand pull or dig out small plants, ensuring the entire crown (rhizome growing points) is removed from just below the soil surface. Bag and remove crowns and any fruiting stems for safe disposal.
2
Prevent fruit and crown movement
Keep crowns/rhizomes and fruit off the ground during handling and transport, and avoid dumping garden waste. Clean down tools, footwear and machinery before moving to uninfested areas.
3
Plan for long-term follow-up
Recheck treated areas for regrowth from surviving rhizomes and for new seedlings emerging from the soil seed bank. Repeat control actions as needed over time.
Registered herbicide options
GlyphosateGroup 9 · 360 g/L
Cut stump/scrape stem, rate stated as undiluted under PERMIT 11916. Source ↗
FluroxypyrGroup 4 · 200 g/L
Spot spray from mid June to late August, rate stated as 500 mL per 100 L water under PERMIT 9907. Source ↗
FluroxypyrGroup 4 · 333 g/L
Spot spray from mid June to late August, rate stated as 300 to 600 mL per 100 L water under PERMIT 9907. Source ↗
GlyphosateGroup 9 · 360 g/L
Spot spray application best done between flowering and berries forming, rate stated as 20 mL per 1 L water under PERMIT 9907. Source ↗
Metsulfuron-MethylGroup 2 · 600 g/kg
Spot spray application best done between flowering and berries forming, rate stated as 1-2 g/10 L water plus non-ionic surfactant (0.1% or 1 mL/L) under PERMIT 9907. Source ↗
Rhizome application after pruning shoots for access, apply a 3-5 mm layer of gel across the cut surface, rate stated as undiluted under PERMIT 9907. Source ↗
Use chemicals to the label. Always read the current APVMA-approved label before application.
Check permit conditions for your state, as some uses are limited to council or government staff.
Aquatic situations require products registered for use in or near water.
Why it matters
Impacts
High spread risk from fruit and plant material
Seeds are dispersed by birds over kilometres, and dumping garden waste containing crowns/rhizomes, tubers, or fruit can start new infestations.
Dense growth suppresses other plants
Forms dense, impenetrable thickets and underground mats that suppress ground flora, exclude desirable species, and reduce available soil moisture and nutrients.
Control can destabilise sensitive soils
Manual removal and soil disturbance can destabilise fragile coastal soils and leave sites open to reinfestation and invasion by other weeds.
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