Japanese climbing fern - Lygodium japonicum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images)

Japanese climbing fern

Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) is considered an invasive species in every area of the world to which it has been imported, because of its devastating ecological impact. For example, it smothers other plants by blocking the sun. It also exacerbates fire risk, because fire can easily travel up its vines and spread to other trees.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

4.5 m to 27 m

Plant Height

4.5 m to 9 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Green, Orange, Black

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Japanese climbing fern

Distribution of Japanese climbing fern

Distribution Map

Japanese climbing fern is native to a range of countries across Eastern Asia and the Pacific, flourishing in diverse environments from tropical to temperate zones. While naturally established in its native range, japanese climbing fern has also found footing in other regions such as Southern Africa and Southeastern Europe. In certain areas, notably in North America, japanese climbing fern may be regarded as having potential to affect local flora, though its impact varies by locale and is sometimes thought to be managed effectively.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Terrestrial in woods, marshes, roadside ditches, riverbanks, other wet, disturbed sites

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Fascination, Sincerity, Magic

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Weed Control

Japanese climbing fern is native to East Asia and Australia grows prolifically along the roadsides. Japanese climbing fern is also grown in the United States for ornamental purposes and has become invasive due to its extremely fast growth which smothers native plants.

How to Control It

The best season to remove japanese climbing fern is late spring or early summer when the plant is still small and not matured. It's crucial to start the removal process before it enters its reproductive stage and produces thousands of spores.

Hand-pulling: Wear gloves and carefully uproot the japanese climbing fern. Start from the base and gently pull upward to avoid breaking the stem. Dispose of the plants in a sealed bag, not in a compost pile as the spores can survive and propagate.
Smothering: Lay a thick layer of newspaper (at least 10 sheets) or a black plastic sheet over the affected area. Keep the sheet wet and in place for at least one season to kill japanese climbing fern by blocking sunlight.
Herbicidal Soap: Mix a cup of vinegar, five tablespoons of dish soap, and a quart of water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture directly on japanese climbing fern, ensuring all parts are well soaked. This method works best on a hot sunny day.
Mulching: Spread a thick layer of mulch (3-4 inches) over the soil where japanese climbing fern is growing. This suppresses the growth by not allowing sunlight to reach the plant.
Digging: Dig around the base of the japanese climbing fern, ensuring to get under the root system. Carefully lift the plant out of the ground to avoid breaking shoots or roots which can regenerate.

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Quickly Identify Japanese climbing fern

Vining fern, capable of entwining and covering up to 90 feet (27 meters) tall.

Distinctive fronds with extended, feathery pinnules and twisting rachis.

Sori present on finger-like lobes along the pinnule edges for spore dispersal.

Evergreen in tropical climates, deciduous in frost-prone regions.

Robust rhizomatous root system forming a thick mat up to 10 feet (3 meters) deep.

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Care Guide for Japanese climbing fern

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from humid areas, japanese climbing fern prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate occasional dryness. Water every 1-2 weeks while maintaining soil moisture without waterlogging. As an outdoor plant in shaded areas, japanese climbing fern benefits from mulch to retain moisture and mimic its natural habitat.

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Images of Japanese climbing fern

Distribution of Japanese climbing fern

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Japanese climbing fern

Care Guide for Japanese climbing fern

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