Bridal Creeper (Asparagus declinatus) is an introduced ornamental plant from South Africa that has become a highly invasive environmental weed in cool temperate areas. It forms dense mats of stems and narrow waxy foliage that smother ground and shrub layers, and develops extensive underground rhizomes and tubers that suppress other ground flora and hinder regeneration. It spreads mainly by bird-dispersed seed (up to 10km) and can also spread via soil movement containing roots and tubers.
Distribution records are indicative. Always confirm current status with your state biosecurity authority. Found in: urban bushland, coastal habitats, waterway banks, rocky outcrops, open woodlands, closed forests, plantations, roadsides, waste areas, native vegetation.
Control is difficult because plants have extensive underground rhizomes and tubers and can also spread by seed dispersed by animals over long distances. Long-term, repeated control and monitoring are often needed, and preventing seed production and movement of contaminated soil or plant material helps limit reinfestation and spread.
Remove berries and seeds to reduce spread by animals and reduce new seedlings establishing nearby.
For small infestations, dig out the entire rhizome-and-tuber mass or remove rhizome growing points during hand pulling to prevent rapid regrowth.
Inspect sites regularly for reshooting from rhizomes and for seedlings, and repeat control where plants reappear.
Seed is dispersed by birds and other animals, including long-distance movement reported up to 10km, and seed can also spread in water, garden waste and via earthmoving equipment.
Dense above-ground growth smothers ground covers and shrubs, while thick underground rhizome-and-tuber mats suppress other ground flora and prevent recruitment and regeneration of native plants, reducing shelter and food for native animals.
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