The asparagus fern plant (Asparagus aethiopicus syn. Asparagus densiflorus) is normally found in a hanging basket, decorating the deck or patio in summer and helping to clean indoor air in winter. The asparagus fern plant is not really a fern at all, but a member of the Liliaceae family.
Is asparagus fern the same as asparagus?
Asparagus ferns are closely related to edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). While asparagus ferns don’t produce anything we can harvest and eat, they are versatile, reliable, easy to grow and useful in a variety of gardening situations. The most commonly grown asparagus fern is Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri.
Ornamental plants in the genus Asparagus are called ferns because they look like ferns. Pictures of asparagus ferns and their foliage show that the feathery asparagus leaves are remarkably similar to real ferns. Real ferns belong to the plant class Polypodiopsida, and these plants reproduce by spores.
What is growing out of my asparagus fern?
Asparagus fern is an ornamental
sprengeri. Description of asparagus fern: New asparagus growth expands to form feathery, branched shoots 1 to 2 feet long. From a small plant in spring with 3 to 4 stems, at summer’s end up to 10 or more billowing stalks emerge from pots or containers.
Should you cut down asparagus ferns?
Don’t be too hasty cutting down the ferns
Therefore, the key is to leave the ferns alone until they are totally brown. This change in color signals that they are done for the year and can be removed. If possible, it is best to remove the dormant, brown ferns in the late fall or early winter (mid-November to December).
Why is asparagus fern called asparagus?
Asparagus fern is so named because its fronds look like the top of a stalk of asparagus. Surprisingly enough, asparagus fern is related to the lily (Liliaceae) family.
Are asparagus fern berries edible?
although asparagus fern, Asparagus densiflorus is related to common asparagus, Asparagus officinalis, I’m not sure you should be eating it. The berries cause stomach upset and the foliage can cause skin irritation.
Are asparagus ferns invasive?
Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a highly invasive, shade-tolerant perennial plant. Once established, they are challenging to control due to an extensive root structure and the ability to regrow from small parts of roots.
Why is my asparagus fern growing long stems?
If you notice your asparagus fern becoming leggy and long stems growing outwards this is because they’re trying to grow towards the light. So if you notice this happening the best thing to do is to move your plant to a brighter spot.
What are the balls in the roots of ferns?
These balls, which develop where the fronds meet the underground rhizomes, are small, round growth nodules about the size of a grape. The nodules, also known as “bulbils,” usually appear near the end of the growing season, between late summer and autumn.
Should I remove Female asparagus plants?
The female asparagus stalk will become fern-like and develop berries (but don’t eat them because they are toxic to humans). Over time these female plants should be removed.
Why can’t you eat asparagus the first year?
How to Harvest Asparagus. Don’t harvest any asparagus spears during the first two years that plants are in the permanent bed because they need to put energy into establishing deep roots. During the third season, pick the spears over a four-week period, and by the fourth year, extend your harvest to eight weeks.
What part of asparagus is poisonous?
berries
Like the rhubarb, the part of the asparagus plant that we love – the young stems – are perfectly safe to eat. But the asparagus hides a deceptive, nasty secret: Its fruit, which are bright red berries, are toxic to humans.
Does picking asparagus encourage growth?
If they are left to continue to grow, it will help to boost the crop next year, but will reduce the number of new spears that develop this season. Cutting could take place until the normal end of the season (21 June) with this method.”
What do you do with an asparagus fern in the winter?
A lightweight sheet draped over the asparagus fern also helps hold warmth around the plant and prevents serious damage. Suspend the sheet like a tent above the plant using tomato stakes or other sturdy stakes to keep the sheet from resting on the fronds. Remove the sheet and the mulch after the cold weather passes.
Do asparagus ferns come back every year?
An Asparagus Fern is a perennial plant.
Then they are plants that return year after year without needing to be replanted.
Do asparagus plants spread?
Because asparagus is a perennial, you’ll need to designate a place in the vegetable garden or, even better, build a separate bed. Asparagus needs space. so plant the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart. They won’t spread out much the first couple of years, but once established they will quickly fill in.
How big will an asparagus fern grow?
3 ft. tall
How to Grow and Care for Asparagus Fern
| Common Name | Asparagus fern |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Mature Size | Up to 3 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial (outdoor); bright, indirect light (indoors) |
| Soil Type | Well-drained potting mix |
Do you trim asparagus plants?
Pruning is an important part of proper edible plant care, and in the case of asparagus, it’s particularly easy to do. Asparagus foliage that forms after harvest is strengthening the crown and root system for next year’s crop, so you’ll want to prune in late fall or early winter.
Will asparagus fern survive winter?
Asparagus ferns cannot withstand freezing temperatures, so anything below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the plant.
How toxic is asparagus fern?
Asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in this plant is sapogenin—a steroid found in a variety of plants. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain can occur.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.