The Limestone Coast Landscape Board is urging members of the public to be on the lookout for bridal veil, an asparagus weed causing a severe environmental threat.  

With only a handful of known infestations in the upper Limestone Coast, keeping on top of new sites is imperative to halt its spread and prevent new incursions. 

Limestone Coast Landscape Board landscape officer Michelle Sargent highlighted the importance of community members and landholders being vigilant on their own properties and working with the board in managing bridal veil across the region.  

“Infestations of this weed have been found in the Naracoorte, Lucindale, Avenue and Reedy Creek areas,” she said.

“Ongoing mapping and yearly treatment assist in ensuring the isolated bridal veil infestation sites are targeted for control and spread of the weed is contained.  

“Herbicide controls are best used at optimum times and for bridal veil this is when it is actively growing and flowering.”  

“Unlike its relative bridal creeper, there are no known bio-controls for bridal veil, with herbicide being the best recommended treatment. “ 

Ms Sargent said bridal veil (Asparagus declinatus) was introduced from South Africa as a creeper garden plant and was popularly used in weddings for floral and table decorations. It has since escaped gardens into native vegetation and is now classified as a Weed of National Significance in Australia. 

“The Limestone Coast Landscape Board are urging the community to get in touch if they would like to be involved in control days to learn more about bridal veil,” she said.

For more information, identification assistance or advice on bridal veil in your area contact your local landscape officer by calling the Limestone Coast Landscape Board in Mount Gambier 8735 1204 or in Keith 8755 1620.