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.
Is an asparagus fern really a fern?
Despite the common name, it is not a true fern, but is in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) or the lily family (Liliaceae, which includes plants such as amaryllis, daylilies, hosta, and tulips) depending on the classification system used.
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.
What is asparagus fern called?
Asparagus setaceus, commonly called asparagus fern, is not in fact a fern. It is a bushy, evergreen, twining vine with wiry, spiny, scrambling or climbing stems that typically grow to 10-20′ long.
What is the difference between a foxtail fern and an asparagus fern?
Foxtail Fern vs Asparagus Fern: Description
Foxtail ferns grow in tall clusters of large plumes with delicate leaves, while many other types of asparagus ferns grow lower to the ground. Depending on the season, foxtail ferns grow small white flowers that become red berries, while not all asparagus ferns do this.
Can u eat asparagus fern?
The name “asparagus fern” is a strange jumble of terms. These plants are neither ferns nor edible vegetables. Although not even distantly related to ferns, asparagus ferns are, however, actually closely related to edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis).
Should you trim asparagus fern?
All asparagus fern types need hard pruning every three years to rejuvenate their growth. It is best done in spring before new growth emerges. Cut back the entire plant to within 2 to 3 inches of the soil using sharp, clean pruning shears and discard the fronds.
Is asparagus fern toxic to humans?
Symptoms: This plant is not considered toxic. Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The prickles may also cause mechanical injury.
Are asparagus ferns toxic to dogs?
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.
Does an asparagus fern bloom?
When growing asparagus ferns outside, place them in a part sun to shady location for best foliage growth. While the asparagus fern plant may sometimes flower, the tiny white flowers are small and not necessary for the beauty of growing asparagus fern.
Can I bring my asparagus fern inside for the winter?
Overwintering Asparagus Ferns Indoors
Asparagus ferns are grown as potted plants in most locations, whether they are grown indoors or outdoors. Outdoor-grown asparagus ferns will survive harsh winter weather best if brought indoors before temperatures dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
How often does asparagus fern bloom?
Quick Reference Growing Guide
| Plant Type: | Evergreen herbaceous perennial | Flower / Foliage Color: |
|---|---|---|
| Hardiness (USDA Zone): | 9-11 | Maintenance: |
| Bloom Time / Season: | Summer | Soil Type: |
| Exposure: | Filtered light, indirect light, part shade | Soil pH: |
| Spacing: | 3-5 feet | Soil Drainage: |
What are the berries on asparagus fern?
Mature asparagus ferns flower during the summer. Pea-size green berries follow the flowers. Sometimes these berries remain on the plant for many months, turning red indoors during the winter when they can be harvested for planting.
How do you make asparagus fern bushy?
Take a sharp pair of clean scissors and make a snip where you would like the stem to end. You can do this with all of the elongated stems given that they don’t make up over half the plant and then place your asparagus fern in a brighter spot and your plant should start to grow bushier rather than leggier.
Can you propagate asparagus fern?
Unlike many other houseplants, Asparagus Ferns have tuberous roots which means stem cuttings won’t grow any roots. There is only really one way to successfully propagate an Asparagus Fern which is through division of a large mother plant.
Are coffee grounds good for asparagus ferns?
Stocking up on coffee grounds for your vegetables, sowing peas, and planting asparagus are some of the spring activities for this year’s vegetable garden. Coffee grounds contain some major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as well as some micronutrients, so put them to work in your garden.
What can you do with asparagus fern?
To keep your asparagus plants healthy, cut the ferny growth down only after it turns brown and dies back in the fall. Use a sharp knife and cut close to the ground. In cold climates, let it stand all winter and cut it down in the spring. The growth will help regulate soil temperatures.
Do asparagus ferns need a lot of water?
Water the plant regularly.
Asparagus ferns can survive during periods of drought, but you should continue to water it every time the soil is dry. During the winter, you should water the plant less. You can water the plant once a week during the winter.
What happens if you don’t Trim asparagus?
THE BOTTOM LINE: You’ll throw away more asparagus if you snap off the ends, and the spears won’t look as long and elegant. For many reasons, we think trimming and peeling is worth the effort. SNAPPED: Snapping the natural breaking point means losing half the weight of almost every spear.
Do asparagus ferns have bulbs?
Asparagus ferns use their large bulblets for storing nutrients — if the plant encounters a soil deficiency, it uses its stored reserves until the environment improves.
Does asparagus cleanse your kidneys?
Asparagus can act as a natural diuretic, according to a 2010 study published in the West Indian Medical Journal. This can help rid the body of excess salt and fluid, making it especially good for people suffering from edema and high blood pressure. It also helps flush out toxins in kidneys and prevent kidney stones.
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.