Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw.

Japanese Climbing Fern

Vine

Perennial

Vascular

Japanese Climbing Fern is an introduced perennial member of the Climbing Fern family (Lygodiaceae). It is found in the lower two-thirds of Alabama, and has spread northward rapidly over the past few years. Japanese Climbing Fern occurs in a variety of habitats from relatively undisturbed hardwood forests and wetlands to pine plantations, roadsides, and vacant lots. It was introduced into Florida in the 1930’s as an ornamental. It has since spread throughout the Southeastern U. S. It is listed as one of Alabama’s worst invasive plants by the Alabama Invasive Plant Council. Japanese Climbing Fern has twining fronds (leaves) that appear vine-like. These fronds can be up to ninety feet in length or more. They produce leaflets for almost their entire length. There are two types of leaflets, sterile and fertile. The sterile are relatively broad and not much lobed. The fertile are narrower and much more dissected, with finger-like lobes along their margins. Heavy growths of Japanese Climbing Fern can kill young trees and shrubs. Because it produces millions of small spores, it is difficult to eliminate once it is established. The spores are spread by wind, water, and as a contaminant in pine straw used for mulch. Herbicides such as Roundup will kill it, but can’t be used in many situations. Hand pulling and cutting plants before they form spores will help to control it.--A. Diamond

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Not Native FAC (NWPL)

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