African asparagus fern
(Asparagus asparagoides)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Asparagus asparagoides is a herbaceous climbing plant that is native to southern Africa. It has a vine that can reach up to 10 ft. (3 m) in length.
Foliage
It has shiny green leaf-like structures which are flattened stems rather than true leaves. They measure up to 1.6 in. (4 cm) long by 0.8 in. (2 cm) wide.
Flowers
The pendent white flowers appear over winter and spring, from July to September. They can grow up to 0.8-2.4 in. (2-6 cm) long.
Fruit
The seeds are about 0.4 in. (1 cm) long and are spread by birds.
Ecological Threat
Asparagus asparagoides smothers native vegetation with thick foliage and dense mats of roots. It can be found on cliffs, roadsides and ditches.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Lilianae |
| Order: Asparagales |
| Family: Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: Asparagoideae |
| Genus: Asparagus |
| Asparagus asparagoides |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.