Climbing Asparagus smothers the forest floor and under-storey preventing the establishment of native plant seedlings.
Climbing Asparagus and its allies (Liliaceae – Asparagus scandens, .. asparagoides.. aethiopicus) Smothers the forest floor and under-storey preventing the establishment of native plant seedlings. As they climb they can ringbark and kill soft-barked shrubs and trees. These plant pests can live in dry poor soils and out compete more delicate native species on the ground as well as our already vulnerable epiphytes.
Climbing Asparagus is in our Dirty Dozen because it smothers the forest floor and threatens some of our most vulnerable native plant species.
Asparagus scandens
Asparagus Smilax (asparagoides)
How you can help…
You can remove them by digging out their tiny tubers from the ground or apply a herbicide (glyphosate) as a weed wipe or spray to remove them from spring to early summer. See more information on the below links on dilution and please always read the instructions on the label and wear protective clothing.
Need help?
If you are in the Tutukaka area and need help or access to herbicide please contact us text 022 526 1972 or email s.w.a.tutukaka@gmail.com – our team of weed surveyors and slayers are only too happy to assist!
For more information check out Northland Regional Council’s Pest Control Hub (click here) or Weedbusters (click here)
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