What does it look like?
Slender, scrambling or climbing perennial with tuberous roots, and long green, thin, wiry stems (2-4 m long) that are branched at the top. Leaves (5-15 mm x 1-1.5 mm) are flat cladodes (leaf-like structures, resembling miro) and are usually in groups of three at each node. Tiny whitish flowers appear from September to December and are followed from October to February by round berries (8 mm diameter) that ripen from green to orange-red and contain 1-2 seeds each.
Why is it a problem?
It forms dense patches on the ground or in sub-canopy in most forest types. It has tough, long-lived tubers that resprout easily, along with a moderate growth rate and well dispersed seeds. It tolerates moderate to heavy shade, most soil types, moderate to high rainfall, and hot to cold temperatures.
Climbing asparagus smothers forest floors and understorey to 4m, preventing the establishment of native plant seedlings and growth of established species. It raises light levels, causing the invasion of further weeds. It can ringbark and kill soft-barked shrubs and trees, and invades areas where epiphytes are usually found, replacing already vulnerable species.
Control methods
Physical control
Maintain rolling front of control, work out from inner bush. Dig out tubers. Dispose of at a refuse transfer station, burn, or bury. Other plant material can be left on site to rot down.
Herbicide control
Spray (spring-early summer only): Glyphosate (20ml/L). Do not add penetrant when spraying against tree trunks. Spray lightly, avoiding runoff, total coverage not required. Or
Spray (autumn and winter in frost free areas and on healthy growth) with glyphosate (10ml/L). Infestations of plants taller than 60cm should be cut at a height of 30-60cm then this lower vegetation can be carefully sprayed. The remaining cut material will die without the need for treatment. Spot spray any missed plants within 30-60 days.
Tubers usually resprout after spraying, stems break at ground level so plants cannot be pulled. Tuber fragments survive digging. Follow up at least 6 monthly. Seed longevity is probably short. 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
- http://apps.mpi.govt.nz/applications/nzpests-view/Article/705/Climbing-asparagus
- http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=3481
- http://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Asparagus-scandens.html
- https://www1.maf.govt.nz/uor-cgi/uor.pl/show?species_id=36678
- https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/what-are-weeds/weed-list/climbing-asparagus
- NPPA and the control of weeds | NZ Government
Management Programme
National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)
The NPPA is designed to prevent the sale, distribution and propagation of a set list of pest plants (the Accord list) within New Zealand. If allowed to spread further, these pest plants could seriously damage the New Zealand economy and environment.
More informationUnwanted Organism
An unwanted organism is any organism that's capable of causing harm to natural or physical resources (like forests and waterways) or human health. A number of introduced pests in New Zealand are classed as unwanted.
Taxonomies
FamilyLiliaceae
TypePlants
GroupVine
HabitatLand
Management ProgrammeNational Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)Unwanted Organism
