Bushy asparagus

What does it look like?

Two growth forms are known: (1) cultivar 'Sprengeri' is a trailing scrambler with stems up to 2 m that are branched towards tips with sparse cladodes (flattened leaf-like stems, 10-25 mm) that are flat in cross section, and (2) cultivar 'Meyeri' has erect stems to 700 mm forming a dense cylinder, and is covered in cladodes (5-10 mm) that are triangular in cross section. Both cultivars have small tubers, thin wiry stems, tiny pinkish flowers and bright red berries.
Birds spread the seeds. Tubers are spread by soil and water movement and resprout. It’s common as both a garden and house plant and is occasionally found in hedges.

Why is it a problem?

It has dense, patch-forming habit, tough, long-lived tubers that resprout. It has a moderate to slow growth rate, and seeds that are widely distributed. It tolerates moderate to high rainfall. It can smother shrubs and other low vegetation. It’s likely to invade bush edges, low-growing habitats and dune vegetation, especially near gardens.

Control methods

Physical control
Dig out tubers. Dispose these at a refuse transfer station or burn. Leave the rest of the cut material on site to rot down.

Herbicide control
Spray (spring to early summer only) using glyphosate (20ml/L). Do not add penetrant when spraying against tree trunks. Spray lightly while avoiding runoff. Tubers often resprout after spraying, and stems break at ground level so plants cannot be pulled. Tuber fragments usually survive digging. Always follow up on treated areas at least 6-monthly. Replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Related links

• Weedbusters
• NPPA and the control of weeds | NZ Government