Climbing asparagus threatens native plants by smothering seedlings and saplings, and strangling larger trees. This vine can grow in shaded forested areas and is difficult to control once established. Find out how to recognise climbing asparagus and check out our tips for control.
On this page:
Download this factsheet
(118 kb, 16 seconds to download, 56k modem)
Why is this a pest?
Climbing asparagus is a scrambling vine that is capable of smothering seedlings and saplings. It can also shade out or strangle larger trees. Climbing asparagus is able to grow in semi-shade so it can invade forest areas, making it a serious threat to native plants. Once established, climbing asparagus is difficult to control. It spreads by:
- birds eating the berries and dispersing large amounts of seed
- root tubers and stems running along the ground
- inappropriate and illegal dumping of garden waste.
A native of South Africa, climbing asparagus was originally brought into New Zealand as an ornamental garden plant. It is now classed as a ‘containment pest’ in the Waikato region, requiring the removal of all plants (total control). Infestations of climbing asparagus are mainly found on the Coromandel Peninsula, Raglan and the Te Akau coastline.
How to recognise this pest
Climbing asparagus is capable of reaching several metres in length. Its slender stems branch and wrap around host plants. It grows strongly in bush margins, tree fall gaps, hedges and in wasteland areas.
Identifying features
- Climber – reaching several metres in length.
- Feathery, fern-like leaves, 5-15 cm long and in groups of three.
- Leaves lie in one plane (will lie flat on your hand).
- Underground mats of small, white tuberous roots.
- Small white flowers in spring, followed by large numbers of orange-red berries.
Who is responsible for control?
All landowners/occupiers are responsible for controlling climbing asparagus on their property and are required to work with Environment Waikato in areas where control programmes are in place. Climbing asparagus is also banned from sale, propagation, distribution or commercial display.
How to control climbing asparagus
Climbing asparagus wraps itself around its hosts, making it difficult to spray without affecting other plants. Physical control is preferable to herbicide control as it causes less damage to other plants.
Physical control
First cut back the leaves and stems of the plant, then dig out all roots and tubers. Tubers should be burned and totally destroyed.
Herbicide control
Best results are achieved from spring to early summer.
- Cut stems 60-100 cm above ground level and spray the remaining foliage with herbicide until wet, but not dripping.
- Alternatively, a weed wiper can be used to apply herbicide. Allow the wiping area to become fully saturated before starting, and make sure it remains moist and clean.
Follow-up management
After initial control it’s important to:
- re-visit the site at least annually to control re-sprouting tubers
- replant the area once regrowth is no longer a problem to stop weeds from reinvading.
Summary of herbicides and application methods for control
When using herbicides:
- read the instructions on the manufacturer's label closely
- always wear protective clothing
- always minimise the risk to desirable plants
- contact the supplier for further advice.
| Herbicide |
Application |
| Roundup® Renew |
Spray application (summer) |
| |
Weed wiper application |
Disclaimer: Although this content has been prepared in good faith from a number of sources believed to be reliable, Environment Waikato does not give any warranty that all information contained is accurate or complete, or that advice given will be appropriate in all circumstances. Mention of product trade names implies neither endorsement of those products nor criticisms of similar products not mentioned.
Useful contacts
For additional advice and information on effective methods of control, contact your Plant Pest Officer, chemical company representative, fram supply store or garden centre.
Plant Pest Officers in the Waikato Region 0800 BIOSECURITY (0800246 732)
Enquiries on policy and procedural matters, call Environment Waikatos Freephone 0800 800 401.
For more information on plant pests visit Weedbusters.
Related publications
Visit our Waikato Regional Pest Management Strategy.
'What makes a pest a pest? - A guide to Waikato's pest management future' download (730 kb, 104 seconds to download, 56k modem), order or pick up for free from our offices.
Pick up or order 'Plant me instead - Plants to use in place of common pest plants' for free from our offices.
Download the National Pest Plant Accord.
Pick up or order 'Poisonous plants and fungi in New Zealand - A guide for parents, schools and child minders' for $15 from our offices.