Family: Asparagaceae
Asparagus setaceus (common asparagus fern) is a delicate-looking climbing or scrambling perennial native to southern Africa. Despite its feathery foliage, it is not a true fern but a member of the Asparagus family. The plant is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and floral arrangements for its fine texture and adaptability to shade. It produces small white flowers followed by red berries that are spread by birds, allowing it to establish beyond cultivation in favorable environments.
In Hawai‘i, Asparagus setaceus is naturalized on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island, where it has become invasive in forests and disturbed areas. Its tough, wiry stems can form dense mats that smother native vegetation and hinder regeneration. The plant’s extensive underground tubers make it difficult to remove once established, and it can resprout from small fragments. Because of its invasive behavior and persistence, common asparagus fern is not recommended for planting in the Hawaiian Islands.
High Risk Traits:
- Toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
- Invasive in frost-free climates.
- Sharp spines hidden on stems.
- Drops needles constantly.
- Sensitive to chemicals in tap water.
- Prone to spider mites and mealybugs.
Low Risk Traits:
- Well controlled by herbicides
- Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
- Does not form a persistent seed bank
