Japanese climbing fern Lygodiumjaponicum (Thunb. ex Murr.) Sw.
Appearance
Lygodium japonicum is a perennial climbing fern that can reach lengths of 90 ft. (30 m). Vines are thin, wiry, green to orange to black and usually die back in the winter.
Foliage
The fronds (leaves of a fern) are opposite, compound, usually triangular in shape, 3-6 in. (8-15 cm) long, 2-3 in. (5-8 cm) wide and finely dissected.
Flowers
This plant does not produce flowers.
Fruit
Fertile fronds bear sporangia that produce tiny, wind-dispersed spores. Plants are also spread by rhizomes.
Ecological Threat
Lygodium japonicum often invades disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches, but can also invade natural areas. It generally is scattered throughout the landscape, but can form dense mats that smother understory vegetation, shrubs and trees. This plant is native to eastern Asia and was first introduced into the United States during the 1930s for ornamental purposes.