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Asparagus species Information and Images

Background Information

Asparagus species are members of the Asparagaceae family and originate from South Africa. Brought here essentially for ornamental purposes, Asparagus species have escaped from gardens and have established themselves as environmental weeds in areas of Southern and Eastern Australia. The most acclaimed Asparagus weed in Australia is Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides). Recognised as a weed of national significance, A. asparagoides forms thick tuberous mats preventing the establishment of native plants. Recently, another Asparagus species, Bridal Veil (Asparagus declinatus), has been invading native vegetation and appears to spread more rapidly and better withstand control activities than A. asparagoides. Several other Asparagus species including Asparagus scandens, A. setaceus and A. densiflorous have also successfully colonised areas of South Australia.

In October 1999 the Asparagus Weeds Steering Committee (AWSC) was formed in response to community concern regarding the invasion and spread of Asparagus species in South Australia. Seeking funding from various sources the AWSC formulated a research program to better understand and predict the impact of four Asparagus species (Asparagus asparagoides, A. declinatus, A. scandens, A. setaceus). There are four components to the research project: to document their distribution and impacts on biodiversity, predict their future spread, develop a spatial database of current Asparagus species distribution and to identify an effective control technique. These projects are currently being undertaken by students at Flinders University (see below). To view pictures of Asparagus species in South Australia and to find out more about these invaders see below.

Current Asparagus Research at Flinders University

Seed dispersal ecology of Bridal Veil (Asparagus declinatus), Susan Lawrie, Masters Project.
Impacts of Bridal Veil (A. declinatus) on native vegetation, Andrew Leah, Honours Project.
Predictive modelling of the distribution of Bridal Veil (A. declinatus), Shannon Waite, Honours Project.
Control techniques for Bridal Veil (A. declinatus), Potential Honours Project, contact Dr Kathy Schuller.
Monitoring the impact of Biological controls on Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides), Dr David Bass.

Bridal Veil, Asparagus declinatus

Bridal Creeper, Asparagus asparagoides

Asparagus Fern, Asparagus scandens