Bridal Creeper CW0011 Coast Action/ Coastcare ISSN 1329-4806

August, 2001 Bridal Creeper CW0011 Coast Action/ Coastcare ISSN 1329-4806

Botanical Name: Asparagus asparagoides Thick, narrow, non-parallel veined leaves. Bell-like, 5 Family: Liliaceae petalled flowers. Origin: South Africa Lignums, Muehlenbeckia sp. Larger leaves on stalks and small, yellow, 5 petalled flowers. Identification Form CREEPER - Perennial, herbaceous branched climber growing to 3m tall with tuberous root system. Leaf Glossy, green, alternating, parallel veined ‘leaves’ Distribution (cladodes) from 1-7cm x 8-30mm.

Flower Small, greenish-white, sweetly scented, hanging on stalks singly or in pairs along branchlets.

Fruit Small, red berry, juicy when ripe, 6-10 diameter with up to 9 black, shiny, ovoid seeds. Weed Dispersal Birds eat berries and spread seeds. Seed laden soil is spread by vehicles and animals. Garden wastes are dumped Management in the bush. Permission should be sought from the land manager before Indigenous Look-a-likes any weed control is undertaken. Small-leaf Clematis, Clematis microphylla Removal methods Opposite, non-parallel veined leaves divided into 3 Remove small and scattered plants first and then target leaflets. Small, open, creamy flowers and silver-haired outer edges of larger infestations. seeds. Bridal Creeper has a tuberous root system. Common Apple-berry, Billardiera scandens

Small Plants Herbicide Recommendations With minimal soil disturbance, hand pull • Always consider manual weed removal methods or dig out small patches carefully before herbicide treatments, to avoid the unnecessary removing whole tuberous root system. introduction of herbicides into the natural Best removed prior to flowering. environment. Immediately spray new patches with • Information on up-to-date herbicide treatment is suitable herbicide as first year growth is available from herbicide companies. most susceptible. • Users of herbicides should read the label fully, follow Large Established Plants directions carefully and ensure that correct precautions Large patches have massive root systems which must be and procedures are applied. To do otherwise is at the completely removed for effective control. Where feasible, user’s own risk. solarisation ie. covering with black plastic for up to 12 • It is advisable for at least one member of any months is effective. environment group to have undertaken an approved Fire will destroy Autumn growth but must chemical safety course. See local TAFE courses. be followed up by herbicide treatment. Did you know? Foliage may be spot sprayed with • Bridal Creeper is also known as Smilax Asparagus. herbicide. Spray prior to flowering • when rhizome food reserves are Bridal Creeper is a very serious threat to indigenous depleted. vegetation. • The use of biological control agents is currently being It prevents germination of native ground cover and investigated. shrubs by depriving them of light. • It will also damage other vegetation that it climbs. Disposal • Roots can be produced whenever the stems are in Burn berries and rhizomes in a very hot fire or seal in contact with the soil. strong bags and take to the tip. • Disturbance created by control may allow more weeds Maintenance to colonize so follow up is needed. Monitor site regularly for regrowth and new seedlings. • Bridal Creeper was introduced to Australia as a garden Hand pull or dig out seedlings. Prior to flowering carry out plant and is still sold for hanging baskets in annual spraying for at least two and possibly up to six commercial nurseries. It has been in Australia since at years with heavy infestations to further deplete rhizome least 1871. food reserves. Replant indigenous plants to discourage • The botanical name for Bridal Creeper was formerly seedling regrowth. Myrsiphyllum asparagoides. Life Cycle • A cladode is a stem assuming the form and function of The life cycle may vary according to seasons and site a leaf. conditions such as soil type, aspect and location. Feedback New information is vital. Please inform your local DNRE Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator of your weed management results.

References • ANPWS. (1991). Plant Invasions. The Incidence of environmental weeds in Australia. Kowari 2. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra. • Parsons, W.T. & Cuthbertson, E.G. (1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Melbourne. • Robertson, D. (1994). The Control of Bridal Creeper. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources study. Replacement Plants • Robertson, M. (1994). Stop Bushland Weeds. Nature Replace Bridal Creeper with appropriate indigenous plants. Conservation Society of South Australia Inc., Adelaide. Encourage indigenous plant regeneration. Seek advice This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria from you local indigenous nursery or your NRE Coast and its officers do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw Action/Coastcare facilitator. of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.