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Garden Asparagus

Garden Asparagus
Photo: Sheldon Navie
Invasive Plant
Garden Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
 

A frost hardy perennial grown in many vegetable gardens. If the emerging edible spear is left unharvested it can expand into a multi-branched dense shrub eventually bearing berries which germinate readily. Responsible cultivation of this plant is necessary to avoid it becoming an invasive threat. If the plant cannot be harvested regularly it should be removed.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • The plant quickly moves beyond being an edible vegetable and becomes a thick rambling mass of foliage that can produce plentiful berries similar to other invasive Asparagus species.
  • Plants must have this foliage removed prior to the berries becoming ripe; otherwise it is recommended that the plant be removed altogether.
 
 
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Other superior selections include;

  • Rungia klossii - Mushroom Plant
  • Petroselinum crispum - Curly Parsley

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections

 

Alternative Plants

Curry Plant
Photo: Norwood
Alternative Plant Curry Plant
Helichrysum angustifolium Syn. Helichrysum litoreum
Trees and Shrubs
 

Attractive silver foliaged perennial forming a neat clump to 60cm. This small shrub has downy silver grey leaves that have a distinct curry-like aroma. This plant makes a fantastic addition to the garden with its vivid contrasting foliage. The tender new leaves have been used to flavour a range of foods including salads.

Rhubarb
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
Trees and Shrubs
 

This is a lush herbaceous perennial plant growing from short, thick rhizomes. They have large triangular-shaped leaves with long fleshy reddish petioles. The leaves are toxic however various parts of the plant have a range of medicinal uses. Fresh raw stalks have a strong tart taste; most commonly the plant's stalks are cooked and used in pies and other foods for their tart flavour.

Rough Maidenhair
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Rough Maidenhair
Adiantum hispidulum
Trees and Shrubs
 

Glossy green fan shaped fronds emerge from dark brown stems to 30cm high forming a tuft. New foliage is pink. This fern prefers a moist situation and protection from full sun for best results.

 
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