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.
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
