Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month
Japanese Climbing Fern
Lygodium japonicum
Climbing Fern has underground rhizomes but can also reproducing using wind-dispersed spores. These methods of plant reproduction in combination with little environmental effects to the plant means that plant can reproduce quickly and persist year round in most conditions.
Control Methods
Some research has been conducted on both climbing ferns, and it appears a 2 to 3 % solution of glyphosate (Roundup, etc.) is effective. Another herbicide, metsulfuron (Escort), has been shown to provide excellent control at rates of 0.5 to 1 oz. per acre. Be sure to include a non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% (10 mLs or 2 teaspoons per gallon of spray solution). A combination of these herbicides has provided good control when applied in the fall of the year before a killing frost.
Wild Weeds is a monthly spotlight written by Alicia Halbritter, Baker County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent. Wild Weeds highlights plants you may find in Florida on the roadside, while hiking, in the forest, or possibly even in your yard. Searching for more information on a particular plant? Email Alicia at aliciah1221@ufl.edu for more information/questions.