Bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides)

Also known as: common bridal creeper

Bridal creeper is a climbing weed with shiny leaves and white flowers. It smothers and outcompetes native plants and fruit trees

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How does this weed affect you?

Bridal creeper is a smothering vine that:

• outcompetes native plants
• reduces food and habitat for native animals
• forms thick root mats that can stop other plants and seedlings growing
• reduces productivity in forest plantations[WG1] 
• reduces fruit production in citrus and avocado orchards, especially in the Murray-Darling irrigation area
• limits access for harvesting in orchards
• increases the chance of disease in orchards by reducing airflow around trees.

Bridal creeper threatens four ecological communities in NSW. It is also a threat to the endangered plant, spiked rice flower (Pimelea spicata) and the endangered black grass-dart butterfly (Ocybadistes knightorum). Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers has been identified as a key threatening process for many vulnerable and endangered species in NSW. Bridal creeper in one of the main species listed as a threat. 

What does it look like?

Bridal creeper is a climbing perennial plant that grows during autumn and winter. It dies back over summer or when conditions are very dry. If there is enough moisture over summer the leaves will not fall off over summer.  There are two forms of bridal creeper, the western cape and common form. The Western cape form has not been found in NSW. The following description is for the common form.

Leaf-like cladodes

Asparagus plants have modified stems called cladodes that look like leaves. The cladodes are:

• green and shiny
• oval with pointed tips
• 10–70 mm long and 4–30 mm wide
• soft and have many parallel veins
• alternately arranged along the stem.

Flowers are:

• greenish-white 
• tubular with 6 petals that curve backwards
• 3-8 mm long and 8-9 mm wide
• scented
• present in winter to early spring.

Fruit are:

• small round berries usually with 2-3 seeds (rarely up to 14) green at first changing from pink to red
• 5-19 mm in diameter
• sticky
• abundant on climbing stems, rare on long ground stems.
• present from late spring to early summer.

Seeds are:

• black and shiny
• round or oval
• 3-4 mm in diameter.

Stems are:

• green
• thin, wiry and twisting
• up to 3 m long with lots of branches
• slightly woody at the base.

Roots:                                           

• are extensive, forming a thick mass with tubers
• are up to 20 cm deep
• have rhizomes, near the surface

Tubers:

• are up to 4.2 cm long and 2 cm wide
• grow along branched rhizomes in a matt
• usually grow at least 10 cm underground

Western Cape form of bridal creeper

The Western Cape form of bridal creeper can look very similar to the common form. Sometimes the leaves of western cape form are larger, waxy thick and leathery. The stems may be more angular. The main difference is the tubers. Tubers of the Western Cape form:

•  are larger than the common form 4-7.5 cm long
• grow in a rosette
• grow close to the surface
• have a root at the end.

If you suspect you have this form contact your local council weeds officer.

Similar looking plants

The easiest way to tell bridal creeper apart from the other asparagus weeds is by the cladodes. Bridal creeper has oval-shaped cladodes that are much wider than any other asparagus weeds. 

Scrambling lily (Geitonoplesium cymosum) is a similar looking native vine. Its leaves have a prominent midvein, may be longer (up to 10 cm), and the fruit are black when ripe.

Where is it found?

Bridal creeper has been found in coastal regions in NSW from Port Macquarie to the Victorian border. It is also common in the Central Tablelands, Central West, Riverina and Murray regions. 

It is native to South Africa and was brought to Australia as an ornamental plant in the mid-1850s. 

What type of environment does it grow in?

Bridal creeper grows in subtropical and cool to warm temperate climates. It requires at least 350 mm of rain per year. However, once the tubers develop it can tolerate droughts. It also tolerates frosts. Plants mostly grow in part or full shade. In full sun the plants will have lighter green dull leaves and grow less vigorously. 

Bridal creeper tolerates a wide range of soil types though it prefers light sand or loams. It thrives in well drained, moist, fertile soils. 

Bridal creeper is a weed in orchards but not usually on cropping or grazing land. It is found in a wide range of disturbed sites including roadsides and drains. It has also been found in the following natural environments:

• sand dunes and coastal heath
• mallee shrubland
• eucalyptus and banksia woodlands and forests
• along the edges of waterways and swamps
• littoral rainforests.

Maps and records

• Recorded presence of Bridal creeper during property inspections (Map: Biosecurity Information System - Weeds, 2017-2024)
  These records are made by authorised officers during property inspections under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Officers record the presence of priority weeds in their council area and provide this to the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Records reflect the presence of the weed on the date of inspection.
  
  

How does it spread?

By seed

Bridal creeper can produce over 1000 berries per square metre. The seeds are usually dormant for several months and then sprout in autumn. Seeds can still be viable after three years in the soil.

The seeds are spread by birds and other animals including rabbits and wallabies that eat the berries. The seeds become more viable after passing through the gut of birds. Most seed spread by birds is within 500 m of the vines but may be up to 12 km away. Seeds can also be spread:

• by water, including flood water
• in mud attached to machinery, vehicles and animals
• via the sticky fruit attaching to clothing or animals
• people dumping garden rubbish containing berries.

By plant parts

The plant can spread out as the root system and rhizomes slowly expand. Moving soil that contains roots can spread plants further. Dumping garden rubbish that contains bridal creeper roots also spreads the weed.

References

CRC for Australian Weed Management (2003). Weed Management Guide: Bridal creeper, Apsaragus aspargoides. CRC for Australian Weed Management, Adelaide, South Australia.

Downey, P. O. (2006). The weed impact to native species (WINS) assessment tool–results from a trial for bridal creeper (Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce) and ground asparagus (Asparagus aethiopicus L.) in southern New South Wales. Plant Protection Quarterly, 21(3), 109.

Harvey, K.J., McConnachie, A.J. Sullivan, P. Holtkamp, R. and Officer, D. (2021). Biological control of weeds: a practitioner's guide for south east Australia. New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange.  

Morin, L., Batchelor, K.L. & Scott J.K. (2009) Asparagus asparagoides (L.) Druce In The Biology of Australian Weeds Volume 3, F.D. Panetta (ed).R.G. and F.J. Richardson Melbourne.

OEH (Office of Environment and Heritage). (2013). Asparagus weeds management manual: current management and control options for asparagus weeds. Asparagus spp. in Australia. Office of Environment and Heritage, NSW, Sydney.

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage (n.d.) Spiked Rice-flower Profile. Retreived 28 October 2022 from: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=10632

Parsons, W.T. & Cuthbertson, E.G. (2001). Noxious weeds of Australia. CSIRO publishing.

More information

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Control

Successful weed control requires follow up after the initial efforts. This means looking for and killing regrowth or new seedlings. Using a combination of control methods is usually more successful.

Physical removal

By hand

Hand pulling and digging out plants can be used for seedlings and small plants in small to medium sized infestations or in areas near sensitive plants. All of the rhizomes need to be dug up for this method to be effective. If possible collect all of the fruit including green fruit, which can still ripen even if the plants have been cut.

Disposal

Check with you local council for information about disposal of the weed. Plants can be placed in a black plastic bags and left in the sun for 2 – 3 months. This will kill the rhizomes but note that some seeds may still be viable.

Slashing

Slash at ground level before the plants produce flowers. Do not slash fruiting plants as even green fruits can be viable and set seed after the stems are cut. Slashing the stems and leaves prevent fruit from forming, and creates access for other control methods. It will slowly weaken the plant but will not kill the plant. Bridal creeper plants can re-sprout and flower within a month of slashing.

Grazing

Grazing animals including sheep eat bridal creeper and suppress its growth. Do not graze bridal creeper if fruit are present as the animals could spread the seeds in their dung.

Fire

Fire may be used in late summer and early autumn to manage large infestations. Fire improves access, may destroy some seeds and damage the roots. Follow up with either spraying or physical removal is needed. Ensure all permits are obtained before using fire to control weeds.

Biological control

Three biological control agents from South Africa have been released in Australia. The rust and leaf hopper have established and work well together to limit the growth of bridal creeper. Details about how to collect and redistribute the rust and leaf hopper are in Biological control of weeds: A practitioner’s guide for south-east Australia. However, for most sites, there is no need to redistribute them. Contact your local council weeds officer for more information about bridal creeper rust and leaf hopper.

Rust fungus (Puccinia myrsiphylli)

The bridal creeper rust fungus was released in 2000 and is now widespread. It works best in humid areas. The rust limits the growth of the common form of bridal creeper but is not effective on the Western Cape form.  

The rust fungus attacks cladodes and stems, which reduces the plants ability to produce fruit. Cladodes infected with rust are most obvious from July to September. On top of the infected cladode there are yellow circular areas and on the undersides there are orange lumps surrounded by yellow patches.

Bridal creeper leafhopper (Erythroneurini tribe)

The leafhopper insect was first released in 1999 and is now widespread.The adult leaf hopper is white or yellowish-white and about 2.5 mm long. Both adults and juveniles feed on the leaves, which turns them white and sometimes causes them to fall. Continual damage from the hooper can reduce the tuber reserves.

Leaf beetle (Crioceris sp.)

The bridal creeper leaf beetle was first released in 2002 in Western Australia. It is not known how well it has established. This species is not available for release or redistribution. 

Chemical control

Herbicides can kill bridal creeper though several applications may be necessary.

Spot spraying

Spray actively growing plants. Thoroughly cover all the foliage with the herbicide mix. Check the permit for the best time of year to spray as this vaires between herbicides.

If bridal creeper is climbing over desirable plants, first cut the climbing vines, then spot spray the regrowth. If the creeper is growing over orchard plants, cut the lower limbs to get better access before cutting the vines. Using dye with the herbicide can help ensure that all the foliage has been sprayed.

Wiping

Wipe the herbicide mix onto the foliage.

Herbicide options

See Using herbicides for more information.

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PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Glyphosate 360 g/L (Various products)
Rate: 1 part glyphosate to 50 parts water
Comments: Spray August to September only.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: 9 (previously group M), Inhibition of 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSP inhibition)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Metsulfuron-methyl 600 g/kg (Various products)
Rate: 10 g metsulfuron-methyl to 100 L water
Comments: Spray August to September only.
Withholding period: Nil (recommended not to graze for 7 days before treatment and for 7 days after treatment to allow adequate chemical uptake in target weeds).
Herbicide group: 2 (previously group B), Inhibition of acetolactate and/or acetohydroxyacid synthase (ALS, AHAS inhibitors)
Resistance risk: High

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Biosecurity duty

The content provided here is for information purposes only and is taken from the Biosecurity Act 2015 and its subordinate legislation, and the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans (published by each Local Land Services region in NSW). It describes the state and regional priorities for weeds in New South Wales, Australia.

Area	Duty
All of NSW	General Biosecurity Duty All pest plants are regulated with a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. Any person who deals with any plant, who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk, has a duty to ensure the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable.
All of NSW	Prohibition on certain dealings Must not be imported into the state, sold, bartered, exchanged or offered for sale. *this requirement also applies to the Western Cape form of bridal creeper
Central Tablelands Contain recorded populations across the Central Tablelands region.	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Containment) Whole of region: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should mitigate spread of the plant from their land. A person should not buy, sell, move, carry or release the plant into the environment. Land managers should reduce the impact of the plant on assets of high economic, environmental and/or social value.
Central West	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Prevention) Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found.
Hunter An exclusion zone is established for all land in the region, except the core infestation which includes: Dungog Local Government Area, Lake Macquarie Local Government Area, Cessnock Local Government Area, MidCoast Local Government Area.	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Containment) Entire Hunter Local Land Services region: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Exclusion zone: Notify local control authority if found. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Core infestation: Land managers should mitigate spread of the plant from their land. A person should not buy, sell, move, carry or release the plant into the environment. Land managers should reduce the impact of the plant on assets of high economic, environmental and/or social value.
Murray Core infestation zone: Albury City Council, Berrigan Shire Council, Edward River Council, Greater Hume Council, Murray River Council, Murrumbidgee Council. Exclusion zone: Federation Council, Snowy Valleys Council.	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Containment) Within exclusion zone: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found. Within core infestation area: Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should mitigate spread of the plant from their land. A person should not buy, sell, move, carry or release the plant into the environment. Land managers should reduce the impact of the plant on assets of high economic, environmental and/or social value.
North Coast	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Eradication) Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found.
Western	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Asset Protection) Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should mitigate spread of the plant from their land A person should not buy, sell, move, carry, or release the plant into the environment. Land managers should reduce the impact of the plant on assets of high economic, environmental and/or social value.
	*To see the Regional Strategic Weeds Management Plans containing demonstrated outcomes that fulfil the general biosecurity duty for this weed click here

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Reviewed 2023