Japanese climbing fern
(Lygodium japonicum)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Lygodium japonicum is a perennial climbing fern that can reach lengths of 90' (30 m). Vines are thin, wiry, green to orange to black, and usually die back in the winter.
Foliage
The fronds (leaves of a fern) are opposite, compound, usually triangular in shape, 3-6" (8-15 cm) long, 2-3" (5-8 cm) wide, and finely dissected.
Flowers
This plant does not produce flowers.
Fruit
Fertile fronds bear sporangia that produce tiny, wind-dispersed spores. Plants are also spread by rhizomes.
Ecological Threat
Lygodium japonicum often invades disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches, but can also invade natural areas. It generally is scattered throughout the landscape but can form dense mats that smother understory vegetation, shrubs, and trees. This plant is native to eastern Asia and was first introduced into the United States during the 1930s for ornamental purposes.
Citation
Angelo, C., Cooley, H., Giardina, D., et al. 2019. Everglades CISMA: Early Detection, Rapid Response Plant Species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) CISMA and Friends of Everglades CISMA. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/ECISMA/assets/File/ECISMA_plantEDRR_.pdf
Lygodium japonicum is a perennial climbing fern that can reach lengths of 90' (30 m). Vines are thin, wiry, green to orange to black, and usually die back in the winter.
Foliage
The fronds (leaves of a fern) are opposite, compound, usually triangular in shape, 3-6" (8-15 cm) long, 2-3" (5-8 cm) wide, and finely dissected.
Flowers
This plant does not produce flowers.
Fruit
Fertile fronds bear sporangia that produce tiny, wind-dispersed spores. Plants are also spread by rhizomes.
Ecological Threat
Lygodium japonicum often invades disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches, but can also invade natural areas. It generally is scattered throughout the landscape but can form dense mats that smother understory vegetation, shrubs, and trees. This plant is native to eastern Asia and was first introduced into the United States during the 1930s for ornamental purposes.
Citation
Angelo, C., Cooley, H., Giardina, D., et al. 2019. Everglades CISMA: Early Detection, Rapid Response Plant Species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) CISMA and Friends of Everglades CISMA. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/ECISMA/assets/File/ECISMA_plantEDRR_.pdf
Resources
- Images, Video and Information - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
- A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
- Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
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.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Alabama Invasive Plant Council
- Alabama Noxious Weeds - Class B Noxious Weed
- Alachua County Cogongrass Initiative
- Apalachicola Invasive Working Group
- Florida Invasive Species Council List of Invasive Plant Species - Category I
- Florida Noxious Weeds
- Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council - Category 1
- Invasive Species of Concern in Georgia
- John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
- Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
- South Carolina Invasive Pest Council
- Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council
- Texas Noxious Weeds
- Treasure Coast Cooperative Invasive Species Mgmt. Area
- WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Division: Pteridophyta |
| Class: Polypodiopsida |
| Order: Schizaeales |
| Genus: Lygodium |
| Lygodium japonicum |
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.