The asparagus fern is a tall herb or shrub that was first introduced as a decorative plant. It is a new environmental weed that can be found in a variety of coastal and sub-coastal settings.
Is asparagus fern a noxious weed?
A perennial groundcover plant with 2 meter-long wiry stems that emerge from underground rhizomes. Small flat needle-like leaves, 15-25mm length by 2-3mm broad, are grouped in clusters of 2-5. In the leaf axils, little spines may be found. Bright red berries 5-8mm across follow tiny (3-4mm long) white to pinkish blooms. With its dense root mat, it can completely cover the ground, suffocating other plants and competing for soil moisture.
How does this weed affect you?
Other plants are suppressed by the dense foliage and root mats of the foxtail fern. It has the potential to become a serious wildland weed.
Asparagus densiflorus, popularly known as Meyersii fern, is now categorized as a cultivar of Asparagus densiflorus. It was previously classified as part of the Asparagus aethiopicus species.
What does it look like?
Meyersii is a ground cover with tall stems that spreads widely. It has a thicket of leaves that resembles foxtails.
The non-cultivated foxtail fern has comparable characteristics to the cultivated variety, with the exception that the stems are longer and spread along the ground rather than standing upright.
The foliage is also not as well-knit as it once was.
Is Sprenger’s asparagus fern a weed?
The ground asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus ‘Sprengeri’) is a major environmental species in Queensland and New South Wales, as well as an emergent weed in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. Community organizations in Queensland are actively managing it, and it is currently identified as a priority environmental weed in five Natural Resource Management regions. Ground asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus ‘Sprengeri’) develops a dense mat of tuberous roots that thrives in shady spots and sandy soils. It’s most common along the shore, but it’s also found in littoral rainforests, rainforest edges, sclerophyll forests, urban bushland, and heathlands. This species’ dense growth may form impenetrable thickets that suffocate native understorey plants and prevent their regeneration, changing native plant communities’ ground layer. In Queensland’s south-eastern corner, Ground asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus ‘Sprengeri’) is one of the most major garden escapes invading coastal ecosystems, ranking among the top 25 most invasive plant species. For example, it is one of the top ten weeds on the Gold Coast local government area, with extensive infestations seen near the Queensland-New South Wales boundary at Burleigh Heads National Park. It has also become established in coastal districts in New South Wales, particularly in the Sydney area, and is a severe weed threat to woodlands north of Sussex Inlet. It has displaced native plants in undisturbed ecosystems in some areas, where it has become the dominating ground layer plant. It’s also been found in coastal sand dunes in Western Australia’s south-west.
Is asparagus fern a real fern?
The asparagus fern is a spreading shrub native to southern South Africa’s coastal regions. Despite its common name, it is not a real fern; instead, depending on the classification system used, it belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) or the lily family (Liliaceae, which includes plants like amaryllis, daylilies, hosta, and tulips). It belongs to the Asparagus genus, which contains the edible Asparagus officinalis as well as over 300 other species. The exact classification of this species is a little hazy, with most references to Asparagus densiflorus, but some also use the names A. aethiopicus, A. sprengeri, and Protasparagus densiflorus.
This sensitive evergreen perennial with vivid green, ferny foliage is popular as a houseplant or outdoor ornamental plant. It’s used as a groundcover or in pots outside in warm regions. Up is hardy in zones 9-11, although if sheltered, the roots can easily make it to zone 7. It is grown as a seasonal annual or container plant in more temperate locations. The asparagus fern can be found in shaded, sandy areas such as coastal dunes, open rocky areas, and woodlands in its natural habitat. It is usually found along shady roadsides and invading woodlands or rainforests where it displaces native vegetation and hinders native species from reestablishing. In some parts of the United States, including as Florida, Texas, and Hawaii, it is classified an invasive weed.
The asparagus fern has long, erect or trailing branched stems with sharp, stiff spines sparsely covering the axils. The spherical stems, which can grow up to 6 feet long and have a slight indentation running the length of them, are green to brown in color and have a shallow indentation running the length of them. Leaf-like cladodes are what appear to be leaves (short, flattened stems that look and function like leaves). From the nodes along the stem, these needle-like “leaves” appear in groups of four to eight. True leaves are scales towards the cladodes’ base that are scarcely visible. Plants feature a fibrous root structure, creeping rhizomes, and a large number of fleshy white bulbous tubers.
From spring to fall, mature plants with enough light produce little white or pinkish-white flowers in elongated clusters (racemes) along the stems. There are six tepals on each flower (3 petals and 3 sepals similar in appearance). They are little and inconspicuous, despite being fragrant, and plants planted in temperate areas rarely bloom. Plants have two sexes. Female flowers are followed by little round berries up to 1/4 inch in diameter if pollinated. The green fruits turn a glossy crimson color as they mature and contain one to three black seeds each. Many birds are drawn to the fruits, and in mild climes, they are responsible for unintentional seed dissemination. When swallowed, the berries can cause rashes and gastrointestinal discomfort, and they are hazardous to cats and dogs.
Plant asparagus fern in full sun or moderate shade; full sun plants are more compact and dense than shade plants. It thrives in moist, organic-rich soils, although it tolerates a wide range of climates and is drought tolerant once established.
The vivid green, arching stems, and airy foliage of asparagus fern make it a popular decorative. Its fine foliage has a soft or fluffy appearance and can be utilized effectively for textural contrast when combined with plants with medium or coarse-textured foliage or very large leaves. In cold climates, it can be planted in the ground alongside other annuals as a bedding plant after the final frost. In containers, this plant works well as a filler plant, especially in hanging baskets or huge urns where the delicate foliage can cascade down. When mixed with elephant ears, canna lilies, and hibiscus, it provides a tropical feel. The leaf can also be used as a filler in bouquets with cut flowers.
The asparagus fern is an excellent houseplant for inexperienced gardeners because it requires little maintenance. It thrives in direct or brilliant indirect light (the brighter the light, the faster it grows), and it can withstand periods of neglect because to its tuberous roots that store water. It thrives in a continuous moisture environment, yet in the winter, the plants should be kept drier and fertilizing should be avoided. If the soil is too dry or there isn’t enough light, the leaf will yellow and drop. To maintain the plant shaped, cut out any old or yellowed stems at the base and clip back the ends of stems.
Trim out old growth in the spring and begin fertilizing monthly for lush new growth. Because these plants can quickly outgrow their containers, they will need to be repotted on a regular basis. Because the roots are so powerful that they might break pots, larger, thicker containers may be preferable. Early in the spring, before new growth begins, is the optimal time to repot. Indoor plants can be transplanted outdoors seasonally (returning before frost), but they must be acclimated to the brighter light outside before being moved to a full-sun location. Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies occasionally infest this plant, which can be found indoors or out.
Seed and division are two ways to propagate asparagus fern. At room temperature, seeds germinate after 3-4 weeks. To speed germination, scarify the seeds and immerse them in water for a day before planting. Plants can be broken down into smaller parts, or tubers can be used to grow new plants. The optimal time to divide is in the spring, but these hardy plants can be propagated at practically any time of year.
‘Sprengeri’ and ‘Meyeri’ are the two most prevalent kinds. The latter, also known as foxtail asparagus fern, has more erect stems with thicker foliage that radiates outwards from the center of the plant, mimicking a fluffy animal’s tail. This variety works well as an erect focal point in the garden or in a container with lesser plants. In warm regions, it does not generate as much seed as the species, so it does not have the same invasive potential. ‘Cwebe’ boasts copper-colored new growth and beautiful, upright, arching stems. It thrives under bright light. More compact variants include ‘Sprengeri Nanus’ and ‘Sprengeri Compacta.’
Are asparagus ferns poisonous?
Asparagus spp. contains Aethiopicus aethiopicus, Aethiopicus densiflorus, Aethiopicus plumosus, and Aethiopicus africanus.
A perennial vine or herb that grows from a rhizome or tuber and can be used as an interior or outdoor ornamental plant. Cut foliage is frequently employed in the vine form. Some species are weeds in the ecosystem.
Flowers are pinkish-white to white in color and range in length from 2.5mm to 4mm. They can be solitary, paired, in racemes, or clustered in the axils.
Leaves: The leaf-like foliage is actually a cladode, which is a stalk that performs the function of a leaf. The leaves themselves are reduced to scales, and the foliage (or cladodes) comes in two varieties. In clusters of three, expanded and fern-like or needle-like foliage is compacted into a ‘fox-tail’ plume of foliage.
Fruit/Berries: The fruit is a succulent berry with a diameter of 4 to 8mm and a green color that ripens to red, orange, or purple/black depending on the species.
Other: The plant has prickles on the stems and surrounding the base, which can cause mechanical harm. Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014 places restrictions on a number of asparagus species.
Symptoms: This plant is not known to be poisonous. Skin irritation and dermatitis can result from contact with the sap. The prickles have the potential to cause mechanical harm as well.
What is the difference between asparagus and asparagus fern?
I noted last week how common names might be confusing. The asparagus fern is a nice example.
These plants are not ferns, despite their common name. Asparagus ferns blossom and produce seed-bearing fruit, something ferns never do. They can also withstand harder growing conditions than real ferns, which prefer shade and moisture.
However, part of the common name is correct. Asparagus ferns are linked to asparagus that can be eaten (Asparagus officinalis). While asparagus ferns don’t produce anything edible, they are adaptable, dependable, and simple to grow, making them helpful in a variety of gardening circumstances.
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ is the most commonly produced asparagus fern. This asparagus fern forms a mound of gleaming, bright green, finely textured foliage that grows 18 to 24 inches tall and broad.
The new growth resembles small spears of delicious asparagus in appearance. The delicate, lacy leaves of the young growth reminds people of ferns when it opens and grows. As a result, the popular name makes sense.
Asparagus ferns do not have genuine leaves, despite the fact that I use the term “foliage.” Cladodes are modified, flattened stems that resemble little needle-like leaves.
Tiny white flowers appear among the foliage when the plants are old enough. The resulting fruits are roughly the size of a pea, and they start out green before turning a lovely crimson color.
Asparagus ferns may be grown from seed pretty easily. Remove and sow the huge, tan seed from the ripe, red fruit right away.
Simply push the seeds into the surface of moistened potting soil in a container. It’s not uncommon to come across seedling asparagus ferns in a landscape with mature, fruiting plants.
Asparagus ferns can grow in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. When cultivated in full sun, their leaves, on the other hand, tends to turn yellow. If they get some shade for portion of the day, their growth and color will be better.
Asparagus ferns can grow in almost any soil and flourish in both moist and dry environments. They thrive in the sweltering summer heat.
Temperatures in the mid- to low-twenties may cause the foliage to burn back, and gardeners north of Lake Pontchartrain have already noticed some damage. The plants will turn brown when temps reach the upper teens.
These plants, on the other hand, are still alive. Trim them now, and the plants will look great in the spring and early summer with plenty of new growth.
Mother of millions reproduces quickly, generating hundreds of tiny plantlets that quickly establish new colonies, as the name suggests. It is drought tolerant and can withstand long periods of drought. This improves the plant’s ability to survive and spread. When livestock consumes Mother of Millions, it becomes toxic; it is also dangerous to humans and household pets.
When consumed, the mother of millions, hybrid mother of millions, and resurrection plant are all poisonous. These plants’ harmful effects are primarily due to bufadienolides, which cause heart failure. Toxins are found in all sections of the plant, although flowers are five times more toxic than leaves and stems.
The most poisonous are the mother of millions and hybrid mother of millions, but livestock access should be limited to all three.
Toxin poisoning can occur if livestock consume modest doses of the toxins numerous times in a short period of time. An adult cow would be killed by eating roughly 5 kg of mother of millions. This amount would grow in a square metre where the plants are dense.
Poisoning is most common between May and October, when the plants are blossoming. Because livestock are more prone to eat the plant when relocated to a new pasture, when there is a feed scarcity, or when droving, they are at a higher risk of poisoning.
If livestock consumes a considerable amount of plant matter, they may succumb to heart failure.
They may develop diarrhoea (often bloody), slobber saliva, drip pee, and die of heart failure if they have eaten tiny amounts over several days. If just tiny amounts of plant material have been consumed and their hearts have not been severely harmed, some affected livestock will recover slowly.
Within 24 hours of consuming the plant, poisoned cattle must be treated. Following this time, cardiac function is significantly disrupted, and the stock may be too damaged to survive. Consult a veterinarian right away if you feel your livestock is suffering from mother of millions poisoning.
Humans and household pets are both poisoned by Mother of Millions, with dogs being more vulnerable. Humans or pets are unlikely to consume enough plant material to become poisoned. However, because mother of millions can be found in many gardens, the risk of poisoning in humans or pets is higher.
Where is it found?
The native of Africa and Madagascar, Mother of Millions was imported to Australia as a garden plant. On the NSW coast, as well as the northwest hills and plains, it is a severe problem.
Maps and records
- During property inspections, the presence of the Mother-of-Millions was recorded (Map: Biosecurity Information System – Weeds, 2017-2022)
Authorized officers keep these records during property inspections under the Biosecurity Act of 2015. Officers
The existence of priority weeds in their council area should be documented and reported to the NSW Department of Primary Industries. There is evidence of the presence of
the weed on the inspection date
- Mother-of-millions distribution in NSW estimated (Map: NSW Noxious Weed Local Control Authorities, 2010)
In 2010, local council weeds officers estimated the distribution and density of weeds on a map.
How does it spread?
The plant’s propensity to reproduce vegetatively in enormous numbers has earned it the nickname “mother of millions.” Each plant generates small plantlets that detach from the edges of its leaves and grow into new plants. This makes mother of millions difficult to remove, necessitating further restrictions. Mother of millions also produces a large number of seeds that can persist for years in the soil before germinating.
The genus Bryophyllum is home to Mother of Millions. Mother of millions is a succulent perennial plant that grows to a height of 30 cm to 1 m. The stems are gray or pinkish-brown in color. The leaves have a shallow groove on the upper surface and are pencil-shaped, pale green to pale brown in color with dark green patches. Each leaf has up to seven projections at the tip that, when broken off, can grow into new plants. The orange-red flowers are arranged in a cluster at the summit of a single stalk. Flowering can take place anywhere from May through October.
Look-a-like species
There are two less frequent Bryophyllum species in NSW. These are the resurrection plant and the hybrid mother of millions (Bryophyllum daigremontianum x Bryophyllum delagoense) (Bryophyllum pinnatum). These plants are poisonous and generate little plantlets along the edges of their leaves. They are also adaptable to dry circumstances. The form of the leaves distinguishes hybrid mother of millions from mother of millions. Resurrection plant is a Bryophyllum species that can reach a height of 2 meters. It also has leaves and blooms that distinguish it from mother of millions.
What type of environment does it grow in?
On gravel and sandy soils, Mother of Millions is widely found. It’s a weed that grows in disturbed areas including roadsides, fence lines, garbage dumps, and abandoned rural residences. It’s also very common around creeks and rivers, where floodwaters spread it.
References
M. Naughton and C. Bourke (2005). Millions of children’s mother NSW DPI, Orange, Primefact 45.
The authors would like to thank Steve Ottaway and Carol Rose for their comments on the technical substance of this book.
What kills asparagus weed?
A systemic pesticide containing glyphosate is the greatest weed killer for asparagus plants. Roundup is absorbed through the leaves and makes its way down to the base of the plant, destroying it completely. It eliminates weeds in your garden permanently since it attacks the entire plant.
Can you eat asparagus fern tubers?
The title “The term “asparagus fern” is a bizarre concoction of words. These aren’t ferns, nor are they edible veggies. Although asparagus ferns are not related to ferns in the least, they are closely linked to edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). Asparagus ferns are beneficial in a variety of gardening conditions since they are flexible, dependable, and easy to grow.
Asparagus densiflorus Sprengeri is the most commonly grown asparagus fern. This asparagus fern forms a mound of gleaming, bright green, finely textured foliage that grows 18 to 24 inches tall and broad. (Though I don’t use the phrase.) “Asparagus ferns don’t have actual leaves, therefore they’re called foliage. What appear to be little, needle-like leaves are actually cladodes, which are modified, flattened stems.)
Its resemblance to edible asparagus is demonstrated. The new growth has the appearance of small asparagus spears. The fine, lacey growth of the new growth reminds people of ferns when it opens and grows. As a result, the popular name makes sense.
Tiny white flowers appear among the foliage when the plants are old enough. The resulting fruits are roughly the size of a pea, and they start out green before turning a lovely crimson color. Asparagus ferns may be grown from seed pretty easily. Remove the ripe, scarlet fruit’s big, tan seed. Plant it right away by pressing it into the surface of a damp potting mix container. It’s not uncommon to observe seedling asparagus ferns growing alongside mature, fruiting plants in a landscape.
Asparagus ferns can grow in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. However, under direct sunlight, their foliage appears yellow. If they have some shade for portion of the day, their development and color will be better.
Asparagus ferns can grow in almost any soil and flourish in both moist and dry environments. They thrive in the sweltering summer heat. Temperatures in the mid-to-low 20s may cause the foliage to burn back in the winter, but a spring pruning and plenty of new growth will have the plants looking great again in no time.
They’re one of the most drought-tolerant plants we use in containers, which is a big plus given how rapidly containers dry up. The white fleshy structures linked to their roots are the key to their drought tolerance. These structures store water to help the plant survive dry spells. When transplanting or repotting plants, you may see them.
Asparagus ferns aren’t affected by any serious pest or disease problems, therefore they don’t need to be sprayed. Fertilize them when you fertilize other plants in your landscape in the spring and summer, and they will generate a lot of deep green growth.
Even for inexperienced gardeners, this plant is a sure bet that may be used in a variety of ways. Sprengeri is a good landscaping plant because of its fine-textured, bright green foliage and low mounding growth habit. It works well as a ground cover, a specimen plant, or in clusters. Its long stems gracefully dangle down, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and containers. Asparagus fern thrives in difficult growth conditions, and will often grow where other plants would not.
Asparagus ferns are suitable choices where the fine texture of ferns is needed in reasonably bright situations since they withstand more sun than true ferns. Drought tolerance reduces the requirement for additional irrigation during the hot summer months.
Only when the roots of a Sprengeri asparagus fern are constrained enough to raise the soil level an inch or two above the pot rim does it need to be repotted. The root ball will now appear to be a solid clump of strong roots. They’re also tough.
Divide and plant your asparagus fern into two or more containers, or repot it into a larger container. To divide the clump, cut it into two or more pieces with a saw – yes, a saw. Don’t be concerned about severing the root’s water storage systems. To repot, use any well-drained potting soil.
Asparagus ferns thrive indoors as well. Place your plant near a brightly lit window, preferably in the morning sun. In the summer, keep the plant equally moist and fertilize with a liquid fertilizer. Asparagus ferns are often easier to care for indoors than real ferns, in my opinion.
Asparagus densiflorus Meyers is another asparagus fern that can be seen growing nearby. It’s sometimes known as asparagus fern, but foxtail fern is a better recognized name among gardeners. It has a more formal aspect and is a very unusual appearing plant. Individual semi-erect stems that resemble green fox tails are densely packed with small foliage. The overall effect is similar to a spiky hairdo.
This plant can be more difficult to find and more expensive than Sprengeri, but it is well worth the effort. The foxtail fern is likewise slower-growing than the Sprengeri asparagus fern in my opinion. On containers and in the landscape, though, it is just as robust and dependable.