Botanical Name: Asparagus scandens
Family: Liliaceae
Originating from South America, climbing asparagus (Asparagus scandens) is a sneaky, scrambling perennial that’s causing trouble in forests and gardens alike. With its wiry, branched stems that stretch 2–4 meters and its delicate-looking green cladodes, this plant might seem harmless. But don’t be fooled—its tiny white flowers (Sep-Dec) and orange-red berries (Oct-Feb) hide a weedy side that’s hard to beat.
Why Is It a Problem?
Climbing asparagus spreads aggressively, forming dense patches that smother native undergrowth and disrupt forest ecosystems. Its tough tubers resprout easily, and its seeds are readily dispersed by birds, particularly blackbirds. Once established, it raises light levels, inviting other weeds to invade and even ringbarks soft-barked shrubs and trees.
Where Does It Invade?
From lowland forests to coastal shrublands, forest edges, and epiphyte niches, climbing asparagus thrives in disturbed and intact environments, adapting to various soil types, rainfall levels, and temperatures.
What Can You Do?
- Physical Removal: Dig out the tubers and dispose of them responsibly—burn, bury, or take them to a refuse transfer station.
- Spraying: Apply glyphosate carefully during appropriate seasons (spring-early summer or autumn-winter). Avoid runoff and reapply to missed plants within 30–60 days.
- Follow Up: Tubers resprout, so follow up every six months. Replant treated areas with native species to prevent reinvasion.
A Cautionary Note
Always read and follow herbicide labels thoroughly to ensure safe and effective application.
Stop the Spread!
By taking action and staying vigilant, you can help protect native ecosystems from this tenacious invader. Let’s keep climbing asparagus where it belongs—in the pastures of its native South America, not in our forests!