Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

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Asparagus fern

Invasive asparagus fern

Asparagus Fern

DO NOT PLANT: HPWRA Score: 15, High-Risk

Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a highly invasive, shade-tolerant perennial plant. Once established, they are challenging to control due to an extensive root structure and the ability to regrow from small parts of roots. The needle-like leaves further complicate control efforts. In Hawai‛i, it spreads from cultivation to invade low-light areas and native forests. Not only by bird-dispersed seeds but also vegetatively by tubers, which sprout far from the main plant. It is often found for sale and prominently displayed in landscaping. Asparagus fern is listed as invasive in 9 countries and is considered one of Hawai‛i’s worst invasive horticultural plants.

Invasive asparagus fern

Photos: Forest & Kim Starr

Impacts:

  • Extremely hard to control because of its extensive root system
  • Invades native forests and low-light environments
  • Spread by seed or vegetatively

Description:

  • Herbaceous perennial
  • White flowers are sweet-smelling and short-lived
  • Evergreen leaves have short, needle-like leaflets that cascade down
  • Fruit is pea-sized, can be either bright red or white, and contains one large black seed

Grow these instead

pua kala

Chinese evergreen

O’ahu sedge

Photos: Forest & Kim Starr

Download No Grow Card- Asparagus fern

Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-3340

  

biisc@hawaii.edu

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