Are Asparagus Ferns Invasive?

Native to southern Africa, asparagus fern is a twining environmental invasive plant. Infestations are scattered widely around Australia, from Albany, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Lord Howe Island. In New Zealand it is the most damaging and widespread of all the asparagus plants.

How do you get rid of asparagus fern?

Herbicide applications are recommended for medium-to-large infestations, but can also be used for small infestations. Suitable methods are cut and paint, basal bark spray and foliar spot spray. Apply when plants are actively growing.

Will asparagus fern spread?

Asparagus fern spreads by bird-dispersed seeds and vegetatively by tubers, which sprout far from the main plant. Asparagus fern can be found spreading along roadsides and invading secondary forest systems. Colonies are readily formed which displace native vegetation and prevent native species from reestablishing.

Should you cut down asparagus ferns?

Don’t be too hasty cutting down the ferns
Therefore, the key is to leave the ferns alone until they are totally brown. This change in color signals that they are done for the year and can be removed. If possible, it is best to remove the dormant, brown ferns in the late fall or early winter (mid-November to December).

Is asparagus fern invasive in Florida?

Asparagus fern now is often called a garden thug and is now listed as a Category 1 invasive exotic plant by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.

How do you keep asparagus fern from spreading?

Mow It Repeatedly
Using a string trimmer, pruning shears or similar tools, cut the asparagus fern plant down to the soil level. Doing this repeatedly can help control and get rid of asparagus ferns in several ways. First, it prevents the plant from producing berries and seeds, thus helping to halt its spread.

Do asparagus ferns come back every year?

An Asparagus Fern is a perennial plant.
Then they are plants that return year after year without needing to be replanted.

What is the lifespan of an asparagus fern?

What is the Lifespan of Asparagus Fern Plant? With proper care, the asparagus fern plant can live for over 10 years in which they can continue to grow.

How do you keep asparagus ferns small?

Mist the plant daily and provide a nearby pebble tray to keep the tiny leaves from turning brown and dropping. The fern may dry out to the point it appears dead, however, outdoor springtime temperatures generally revive them. Keep the plant well watered in all situations and repot every few years.

What is asparagus fern good for?

Their drought tolerance also lowers the need for supplemental irrigation during summer heat. The long stems hang down gracefully, so it’s an outstanding plant for hanging baskets and containers. Asparagus ferns are among the more drought tolerant plants in containers.

Can asparagus fern survive winter?

Asparagus ferns cannot withstand freezing temperatures, so anything below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the plant.

When should asparagus ferns be cut back?

fall
Ideally, asparagus should be cut back in the fall but it is important that you wait until all of the foliage has died back and turned brown or yellow. This will normally happen after the first frost, but it can happen without frost in areas that do not receive frost.

Do asparagus plants spread?

Because asparagus is a perennial, you’ll need to designate a place in the vegetable garden or, even better, build a separate bed. Asparagus needs space. so plant the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart. They won’t spread out much the first couple of years, but once established they will quickly fill in.

Can asparagus fern be planted in the ground?

Asparagus Fern Care. If you live in hardiness zones 9 or warmer, you can grow asparagus fern outdoors as a perennial. Outdoors, these plants will prefer a partial shade location in organically rich, moist, well-draining soil. In all other climates, it can be planted as an annual or kept indoors as a houseplant.

Is Myers asparagus fern invasive?

setaceus). But beware – their close relative, Sprenger’s Asparagus Fern (A. aethiopicus) is listed as a Category I invasive plant by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.

Are asparagus fern berries poisonous?

Asparagus Fern
The toxic agent in this plant is sapogenin—a steroid found in a variety of plants. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain can occur. Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation) can occur if an animal is repeatedly exposed to this plant.

How big does an asparagus fern get?

Expect an average mature size of three feet wide with branches about three feet in length. Some types may grow or spread several more feet under optimal conditions. With excellent care, your plants may reward you with 10 or more years of lush growth.

Can asparagus fern take full sun?

Plant asparagus fern in full sun or light shade; plants grown in full sun are more compact and dense than those grown in shade. It does best in moist soils rich in organic matter but tolerates almost any conditions and is fairly drought tolerant once established.

What grows well with asparagus fern?

Asparagus fern care is easy. These feathery, trailing asparagus ferns contrast beautifully with dark red begonias. Asparagus fern care is easy. These feathery, trailing asparagus ferns contrast beautifully with dark red begonias.

What happens if you let asparagus grow too long?

Overgrown Asparagus Isn’t “Bolting”
Its culinary value is just about nil, and you’ll be weakening the plant. The oversized, fern-like growth of the mature asparagus plant is how the plant photosynthesizes, producing nutrients to be stored in the crown as fuel for the next year’s (or decade’s) growth and production.

What do you do with asparagus plants in the winter?

Once the fronds have been cut back, cease watering the asparagus entirely. The idea when winterizing asparagus beds is to protect the crowns from cold injury. Spread 4-6 inches (10-15 cm.) of mulch such as straw, wood chips, or other organic materials over the crowns.