This garden escapee was once a popular ornamental plant and could be found growing in hanging baskets, pots and rockeries all around the country. Unfortunately they have become naturalised in many parts of the country and has proven to be invasive, competing with many of our native plants.
What does it look like? The Asparagus fern can be identified by its spiky, pine like foliage and numerous berries which start off green and eventually turn bright red. The stems are highly branch and scramble along the ground and up other plants. The Asparagus fern produces tiny flowers only 3-5mm long, they are white or pale pink in colour.
Control Because the Asparagus fern has a dense network of tuberous roots underground, spraying with herbicide is not the most effective method. If spraying, repeat applications will most likely be required, Eraze, Roundup or Beat-A-Weed could be used. The most effective way to control Asparagus fern would be to scrape along each exposed stem creating a wound and then paint on either Eraze or Round Up. Alternatively you could dig up the plants, but keep an eye on the area as they often re-appear.
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