The Economic Times

Japanese climbing fern came to the US as an ornamental; it now spreads across at least 6 Southern states, climbing over trees and helping fire reach their crowns

Japanese climbing ferns, introduced for ornamental purposes, have proliferated across southern forests since the early 1900s. These ferns pose risks to native plants by causing shading and competing for resources. Fire crews are concerned about their ability to facilitate crown fires in pine plantations. While fire can damage the ferns, it is ineffective for complete control, necessitating early detection efforts.