Asparagus, Asparagus Fern, Sprenger Asparagus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus densiflorus
Family: | Asparagaceae |
Genus: | Asparagus (a-SPARE-uh-gus) (Info) |
Species: | densiflorus (den-see-FLOR-us) (Info) |
Cultivar: | Sprengeri |
Synonym: | Asparagus aethiopicus |
Synonym: | Asparagus sprengeri |

Category:
Annuals
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage:
Grown for foliage
Foliage Color:
Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing:
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Suitable for growing in containers
Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color:
White/Near White
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Other details:
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
By dividing the rootball
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting:
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Eight Mile, Alabama
Foley, Alabama
Millbrook, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Rainbow City, Alabama
Satsuma, Alabama
Phoenix, Arizona(3 reports)
Queen Creek, Arizona(2 reports)
Scottsdale, Arizona
Surprise, Arizona
Tolleson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona(3 reports)
Aliso Viejo, California
CARDIFF BY THE SEA, California
Calistoga, California
Castro Valley, California
Colton, California
El Cerrito, California
El Macero, California
Fresno, California
Irvine, California
Lompoc, California
Long Beach, California
Los Angeles, California
Merced, California
Novato, California
Oak View, California
Orange, California
Paradise, California
San Diego, California
Thousand Oaks, California
Walnut Creek, California
Atlantic Beach, Florida
Bartow, Florida
Big Pine Key, Florida(2 reports)
Boca Raton, Florida
Daytona Beach, Florida
Deltona, Florida
Englewood, Florida
Fort Mc Coy, Florida
Hialeah, Florida
Hollywood, Florida
Homestead, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida(2 reports)
Lakeland, Florida
Lecanto, Florida
Longwood, Florida
Maitland, Florida
Miami, Florida
New Port Richey, Florida
North Miami Beach, Florida
North Port, Florida
Oldsmar, Florida
Port Charlotte, Florida
Rockledge, Florida
Ruskin, Florida
Sebring, Florida
Venice, Florida
Winter Haven, Florida
Winter Springs, Florida
Zephyrhills, Florida
Cordele, Georgia
Honomu, Hawaii
Kailua, Hawaii
Kaneohe Station, Hawaii
Maunawili, Hawaii
Chicago, Illinois
Bloomfield, Iowa
Shawnee Mission, Kansas
Frenchburg, Kentucky
Mount Sterling, Kentucky
Bossier City, Louisiana
Franklinton, Louisiana
Gonzales, Louisiana
Leesville, Louisiana
New Iberia, Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana
Zachary, Louisiana
Saint Louis, Missouri
Las Vegas, Nevada
Alden, New York
Mechanicville, New York
Brevard, North Carolina
Kure Beach, North Carolina
Cincinnati, Ohio
Springboro, Ohio
Hulbert, Oklahoma
Salina, Oklahoma
Saint Marys, Pennsylvania
Moncks Corner, South Carolina
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Centerville, Tennessee
Austin, Texas(3 reports)
Broaddus, Texas
Brownsville, Texas
Bryan, Texas(2 reports)
College Station, Texas
Dallas, Texas
Houston, Texas(3 reports)
Humble, Texas
Katy, Texas
La Vernia, Texas
Mcallen, Texas(2 reports)
Montgomery, Texas
New Braunfels, Texas
Paris, Texas
Richmond, Texas(2 reports)
Rowlett, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Spring, Texas
Spring Branch, Texas
Trinity, Texas
Weatherford, Texas
Kalama, Washington
South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Positive | On Apr 9, 2017, Rests from Bryan, TX wrote: Love this plant. The info with it when I bought it at Lowe's said that it wouldn't make it through below 30 degrees. We had a freeze of 8 degrees. It came through that wit flying colors! Adds a nice texture to the bed. Highly recommend this fern. Hardly takes any special care. |
Positive | On Feb 15, 2017, GrowInFlorida from North Miami Beach, FL wrote: Because it is so hardy, it can grow where other plants can't: for example, stone river bank or edges of unsightly retainer walls where you cannot really have nicer plants. it will overhand beautifully and make a difficult spot look nice and lively, especially when red berries come. Plant away from your pets' paths and where you don't really have any business to spend time, since it's a prickly plant... just for view. |
Negative | On Mar 18, 2016, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote: A great houseplant, but a serious garden thug where it's hardy. Also a FLEPPC Category l invasive species. Birds spread it by eating the fruits. |
Negative | On Feb 19, 2015, RightOnGreen from Mission Viejo, CA wrote: Highly invasive plant for SoCal region. Grows up and into bushes, choking them. Difficult to eradicate, especially when entwined with existing vegetation. Difficult to remove manually due to deep root system and tubers. Sharp thorns. Resistant to chemical controls which are also impractical around desirable vegetation. Typical gardeners just trim the plant to the shape of existing bushes that the plant is invading. Recommend avoiding this plant altogether except in zones where freezing will kill it. |
Negative | On Dec 16, 2013, thewolffeman from Orange, CA wrote: I give this plant a huge negative. This plant is an extremely invasive, noxious weed. The combination of it being extremely invasive and having small sharp thorns make it a huge pain (literally) to remove. If you live in a northern part of the US that has cold freezing winters and you want to plant it in the ground then I guess you could because freezing temperatures kill it, but my advice would be to keep it in a pot just in case because you do not want it spreading. In warmer places like Southern California and Florida, do not plant this under ANY condition. |
Positive | On Aug 25, 2013, Nanny23 from Mount Sterling, KY (Zone 6b) wrote: This plant makes a wonderful container plant on my patio. It is tough as nails and can take a lot of abuse. I winter it in my green house, but ...BE WARNED...it does have thorns so be careful in handling a mature plant. It has delicate white blossoms that are followed by red berries. It does not appear to be toxic because my cats and dogs all have eaten it and all are still fine. I have not had a problem with it being invasive in zone 6b, but as I stated above ,I grow it as a potted plant, not planted in the ground. |
Neutral | On Nov 9, 2012, MsMaati from Newburgh, IN (Zone 6a) wrote: It grows in southern Indiana in summer only, must be taken in for winter. |
Positive | On Sep 7, 2012, Cassandra78 from Bryan, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: I love my asparagus fern! Mine lives in a pot outside on my porch all spring and summer long. It comes inside for the winter. I've had fronds grow to be 5-6' long so I give it a hair cut every so often. It encourages new growth and makes it fill out beautifully. The little white flowers smell like buttered popcorn to me! |
Negative | On Aug 25, 2012, ssherm_larch from CARDIFF BY THE SEA, CA wrote: Please heed the negative comments on this one. As nice as this plant may look, it has serious implications in all gardens and native spaces. Even planted as a hanging basket, or in a pot, this plants seeds are spread. As a landscape architect in San Diego, I visit many homes. I have found it sprouting in the midst of shrubs, hedges and throughout gardens where it was never planted. More than half the 400 homes I visited last year have an invasion. I believe birds eat the seeds, spreading the plants to the center of shrubs where birds perch. While I have not found it resistant to Round-Up, if you don't get all the root nodes, it will come back. Also, it is nearly impossible to spray this plant when it is entwined in your hedge. |
Positive | On Mar 29, 2011, adeanaz from Tucson, AZ wrote: I recently moved to Tucson and was surprised to see asparagus fern, and it's relative foxtail fern, growing in large planters in full sun at shopping centers around town. That has to be one of the harshest environments - hot, hot, hot - but they looks great. |
Positive | On Jun 28, 2010, Daisees from Sunderland, I’ve it for 50 years and during that time it has moved house 7 times, often ending up in cramped, poorly lit places. I’ve often left it weeks without watering (what can I say – I’m a bad gardener!). In my present abode, it lives in a conservatory that gets sun from sun-up to about 3pm and often the place is freezing cold in winter and unbearably hot in the summer. It’s often had fronds that were 6 foot long! |
Positive | On Jun 27, 2010, Cactus_Pete from Ellsworth, WI wrote: Now living in WI this plant is a great indoor plant, my Grandmother has had one in her house since the early 1960's and I have had mine for many years. |
Neutral | On May 16, 2010, monarch_lady from Pikeville, KY wrote: I just recently bought the aspargus fern and was under the impression it was a herb. I am very glad I did some research on this plant. Thanks for all the comments about how to deal with this plant. I have two house cats and did not know of the poison hazard, so the information I have gleaned from all of these articles has been invaluable. I am planning to have it as a house plant, but now I will make it a hanging plant to keep it away from my pets. |
Positive | On Apr 6, 2010, marie_renee from Bellevue, NE wrote: Although somewhat of a common plant, I love Asparagus Fern for an indoor plant during our long cold winters in eastern Nebraska. Mainly because it adds wonderful greenery and tolerates low light conditions in my home. Easy to care for inside. During the summer it goes outside in a container to become lush and full in the sun as long as it gets plenty of water. Also, a great filler plant to accompany other plants in a container. |
Positive | On Apr 5, 2010, KC3Lady from Mission, KS (Zone 6a) wrote: I love my asparagus fern! This year I only have one in a hanging basket indoors, but I have grown them outside. The one I have indoors I purchased on sale at the nursery because it had out grown it's pot. I literally had to cut the pot off of the roots, which were hard as concrete. Once transplanted into a hanging basket, the shoots nearly reach the floor. It has a delicate, airy appearance, but make no mistake, if you reach your hand into it you will have scratches. |
Negative | On Sep 13, 2009, ifantail from Englewood, FL wrote: It looked so pretty when I planted it, now it's all over the place,I'm going broke buying Round Up. |
Negative | On Jun 30, 2009, ladyla5 from Irvine, CA wrote: Here in Southern California, I have been at war with Asparagus sprengerii for decades in my garden and in other gardens, with a hanging basket in the patio that spread all over the yard and a thicket in the back yard that spread to the front yard via the birds and berries. The brittle stems, thorns and hard-to-find underground tubers make it practically impossible to completely eradicate. I would recommend it only as an indoor plant here. |
Negative | On Jun 27, 2008, plantladylin from (Zone 1) wrote: Even though the Sprengeri is a beautiful plant I would advise anyone in the South to keep it in hanging baskets or other containers. I made the mistake many years ago of planting a couple of small ones in the yard and they took over. It is an attractive plant and the birds love the berries but I have to give a negative rating because of the invasiveness of this plant here where I live. We still have a large area in our backyard that is covered in really, really huge Asparagus Fern. They are monsters to try to dig out, almost impossible and I don't think you could ever get all those little tubers without a bulldozer! It is impossible to keep this plant contained when planted in the landscape here in Florida. It travels by the tubers running everywhere and they multiply quickly. I wish I ... read more |
Positive | On May 17, 2008, sleepybenja from North Port, FL wrote: I use these to fill odd spots. It looks great everywhere, easy to take care of and it isn't that difficult to get rid off. Just pull as much as you can out and pour some kill all on the rest, it will die. |
Positive | On May 7, 2008, lisellegriffith from st joseph, This plant is a major money maker adding interest and beauty to concrete pedastels.Mature plants are available for sale,yet you can never say this plant is mature,the bigger the pot the bigger it [email protected] |
Positive | On Dec 11, 2007, stephanotis from Queen Creek, AZ (Zone 8b) wrote: This has been a great plant here in the hot desert, though so far I have only had it in lots of pots mostly in shade. My neighbors have it in the ground, and it definitely gets huge, though it freezes to the ground here in 8B. The only bad part of this plant has nothing to do with the plant itself, but it harbors lots and lots of bunnies and their babies. I had a small pot of it on the ground, and one morning I watered it and had a bunny explode out of it and hop away. The varmint had chewed 95% of the fern off at the base and then made a little nest in there. I put the pot on a table, and it has started to grow back quite nicely. Out of all the 6 or 7 pots of the stuff growing, I have never had any of it bloom, though the neighbor's has. I do plan to plant a bunch in the ground later on, ... read more |
Positive | On Aug 10, 2007, Opoetree from Oak View, CA wrote: A wonderful fern -- easy to care for and a nice companion for other plants. Love the structure of the foliage! |
Positive | On May 25, 2007, Sashprd58 from Manchester, CT wrote: I lived in GA & FL for many years and had this plant both inside and outside where I could keep it trimmed to shape, but I have lived most of my life in the northeast where this is considered to be a houseplant only. Well, let me tell you, that is a myth as I live in zone 6 and always put my houseplants out for the summer. Two years ago my Asparagus Fern dropped some of its berries and, unbeknownst to me, propagated. Last year (2006) I was amazed to find Asparagus Fern growing in my planting bed and have about 5 plants from that seed dropping. I believe the fact that I always mulch my beds and that it is south facing may have contributed to it surviving! |
Positive | On Feb 6, 2007, newhobby from Tolleson, AZ (Zone 9a) wrote: This is one of the few plants here in Phoenix Az that will grow in full sun and full heat without requiring attention from me. I am new to this gardening thing and while I enjoy it I am totally frustrated with how quickly the heat here kills whatever I plant! |
Positive | On Nov 26, 2006, quasymoto from Bloomfield, IA (Zone 5b) wrote: I do happen t love this plant as we bought a nice big one at an Amish auction and it has withstood cold, heat, dry conditions, and a few other brief momnents of neglect. |
Positive | On Sep 26, 2006, SudieGoodman from Broaddus, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: Zone 8b, deep Southeast, TX, Lake Sam Rayburn |
Positive | On Jun 16, 2006, Pashta from Moncks Corner, SC (Zone 8b) wrote: These things are amazing! I had some small ones that I slowly repotted into larger and larger plants. The last repotting gave my biggest fern such a growth spurt, that the fronds have grown over 3 feet long! I have to cut them back to keep my cats away from them...they are poisonous to pets. My largest one has also sent out buds, which is a first for me. I have never seen one flower before, and I am fvery excited about it. I water abhout once a week, and once a month they get a good soaking. Bright ambient light. |
Positive | On Jun 12, 2006, spklatt from Ottawa, ON (Zone 5a) wrote: I have this plant in a small pot in my office - it adds a nice, airy feel to the place. It likes a high-Nitrogen fertilizer ("plant food spikes" are easiest), in order to keep putting out new growth. Very nice plant. |
Positive | On Jun 4, 2006, Tiki_Garden from Cibolo, TX wrote: I love this plant. I am, however, glad I don't live in an area where it can become invasive. I use it as a very hardy ground cover and in pots. It adds a lovely touch to any garden. |
Positive | On Feb 22, 2006, purplepetunia from Savannah, GA (Zone 8b) wrote: I have a large plant in a container that sits on a table outside. The long fronds hanging down are very pretty. Never thought of it being invasive. I will plant some small plants in the ground and hope they will multiply! |
Positive | On Feb 15, 2006, c_etude from Winter Haven, FL wrote: This asparagus fern is tough as nails. I HAD THE SAME PLANT SINCE 1968. Let me repeat--1968. I was just a kid I remember this plant. |
Positive | On Jan 9, 2006, isom from Mission BC, I've grown this plant (though not the same one) for over 20 years. The nicest ones were those I grew from seed. I selected the strongest & best & kept them. Some had fronds (stems?) over 5 feet long & were very luxuriant. I won the local fair for houseplants with one of them. I only grow them indoors so they're not invasive where I live as they rarely make it through the winter outside. A little too cold for them. |
Positive | On Dec 11, 2005, CastIronPlant22 from Lompoc, CA (Zone 10a) wrote: this plant is great! Its very easy to grow and can last many many years. Watch out for the little spines it has hidding under all that foliage. Its cute when it has the red/white berry's. In colder winter areas it doesnt look so good, but comes right back in spring. Doesnt need water after its established. It can make it on the rain alone! Very good for outdoors. |
Positive | On Oct 26, 2005, Beach_Barbie from Kure Beach, NC (Zone 9a) wrote: I've grown this before in pots and were so-so about them, mainly because the stems have small thorns. Then I found out it can be grown in the ground here and like it much better there. It makes a good backdrop for some of my flowering plants. |
Positive | On Oct 22, 2005, Breezymeadow from Culpeper, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: This is a lovely container plant - especially nice in hanging baskets. Cut sprigs also make a nice airy filler for flower arrangements. |
Positive | On Oct 21, 2005, vossner from East Texas, I love this plant and rate it positive because it is ZERO maintenance. I have grown it for years in a pot so no "behavior" problems. Every now and then I will find a small seedling growing somewhere and I just quickly pull those off. |
Positive | On Aug 30, 2005, KiMFDiM from Alden, NY (Zone 5b) wrote: Even though I understand that this plant causes many problems in subtropical areas, this plant is very good for the Northeastern states. I keep mine on the back patio during the summer (full sun) amongst my other tropicals to create the feel of being in the subtropics. Since I do not live in the subtropics and my husband wishes to stay up north, I have to recreate that feel. I bring it in during the winter months and keep it in a south facing window until it's time bring it outside again. There is no fear of spreading seeds taking root here, I am a zone 5...the winter would kill it. |
Negative | On May 17, 2005, jnana from South Florida, FL (Zone 10b) wrote: Highly invasive and very difficult to get rid of. Listed in the category 1 of most invasive plants by the FEPPC. Do not plant it if you live in Florida. |
Positive | On Apr 25, 2005, GreenLife from (Zone 10b) wrote: I am especially fond of this fern because it grows great as a groundcover and gives sections of my yard an informal, forest-like feel. I appreciate the birds for their help in spreading seeds because I often find new asparagus ferns growing in the most unusual places. Since they are dioecious, only a few grow berries which are often hidden by the more abundant fruitless ferns. I saw a mockingbird eating a red berry so this fern is quite helpful to birds in the winter. |
Positive | On Nov 22, 2004, Jace from Houston, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: I love this plant. I know it can be invasive, but I keep them in hanging baskets, planters and regular old flowepots, and they thrive in the Houston heat and humidity. |
Negative | On Jul 28, 2004, LynneSun from Cape Town, It's amazing how differently plants behave in different climates. In Cape Town, South Africa, this fern is delightful - except for the thorns - but its close relative is a complete menace. I've had this one in pots & hanging baskets for years & it's beautiful,especially when it has flowers & berries. |
Negative | On Jul 27, 2004, NativePlantFan9 from Boca Raton, FL (Zone 10a) wrote: Asparagus Fern is extremely invasive in South Florida. It can climb over, and take over, many native plants. I have a bunch growing on the left edge of my yard. I tried to get rid of them a few times at my friends' house across the street, and it was very painful work (Ouch! Lots of sharp thorns on the fern's stalks). We got some of the weed out, but it keeps growing back! |
Positive | On Jun 29, 2004, punaheledp from Kailua, HI (Zone 11) wrote: Mine grew wild in a pot outside, from whence it came I don't know. Even though I give it no care, except water when I water the rest of the garden, it does just fine. (I'm actually somewhere between positive and neutral, but they have no button for that.) |
Positive | On Jun 29, 2004, foodiesleuth from Honomu, HI (Zone 11) wrote: Funny how some plants are perceived in different areas.....we have a couple growing in our yard and have never had problems wit it invading other areas.... |
Positive | On Jun 29, 2004, orca423 from Valley Village, CA wrote: I have had my Asparagus Fern for a couple years now. I love it. I have it in a hanging planter & have had no problems. There have been no mess. The flowers were a great surprise this year. The berries are just now starting to pop up. A dove laid eggs in the plant & it held up great. I live in sunny southern California & have sun beating down on our plants all day long. This plant almost died a while back, but I brought it back to life & it is doing great now, plus it provides nice shade. |
Negative | On Jun 28, 2004, pokerboy from Canberra, This plant is a horrible weed in Australian Coastal conditions. It scrambles up over low trees (1-2m tall) and covers the ground thickly, letting dangerous creatures live underneath it (eg Redbacks, Funnelwebs and insects that can cause SEVERE skin irritation). Australia discourages this plant, so if you live in any part of Australia from zone 8b-zone 11a, please consider other alternatives. pokerboy. |
Positive | On Jun 2, 2004, SandPiper from Foley, AL (Zone 9a) wrote: Ohhhh, such negative feelings about this plant! I could not do without my dear asparagus ferns. I have had no problems with them being invasive, perhaps because they are kept contained in hanging baskets along the front porch. I love the tiny flowers that are blooming on mine this time of the year and find them much less messy and troublesome to take care of than other types of ferns. Just had to take up for one of nature's little beauties! Thanks! SandPiper... |
Neutral | On May 28, 2004, angelap from Weatherford, TX (Zone 7b) wrote: Very interesting..the information that this plant is an invasive monster! I suppose it depends on where you live and how it's planted. |
Positive | On May 4, 2004, mmm from Milwaukee, WI wrote: I have one growing just fine right now on top of my refrigerator with an eastern exposure. My new cat has now found he likes nibbling on the stems. Is this the variety of asparagus fern that is toxic to cats or are all of them? And, just how toxic is it? He does not seem to be bothered so far. Plant has no flowers or berries yet either. Love the plant, as it is so easy to grow, but hate to think that I am poisioning my cat! Thanks-mmm |
Positive | On Mar 22, 2004, burge from Colton, CA wrote: A neighbor gave me a small clump of this "fern" from her very large plant as a housewarming gift --- and I did the same for others over the years. Because my yard was mostly concrete deck, I had it in a pot and had no trouble with it being invasive ---- but can attest to the fact that it is tenacious! I've also used it as a ground cover in the past which was very attractive ---- but have never had to deal with old plants or had to remove it. I've been trying to buy one, recently, and can't seem to find it online. Is it possible that it has just become too unpopular? It can't be any worse than the old ivy and wandering jew that we are removing from our complex because they are great homes for rodents! |
Positive | On Sep 20, 2003, suncatcheracres from Old Town, FL wrote: This plant can be useful as a ground cover. I lived in St. Petersburg, Florida, zone 9b, for many years. I had a circular driveway with a shady half moon planting bed between this driveway and the street--no streetside sidewalk. I found that people--especially teenage visitors to our house--liked to park under the shade of my trees, get out of their cars and tromp through my half moon-shaped planting bed, so I was looking for some rather indestructible plants for this area. |
Neutral | On Sep 18, 2003, margaretx from Houston, TX (Zone 9b) wrote: I have it in a pot but it continues to spring up elsewhere. I agree with the invasiveness. I hate that it looks fuzzy and is, in fact, spiny. It does contrast nicely with the foxtail fern, however. |
Negative | On Sep 17, 2003, IslandJim from Keizer, OR (Zone 8b) wrote: This is terribly invasive in Florida. For once I agree with the local plant cops who think it ought to be outlawed. Unfortunately, one of the unknown geniuses who owned my place before I bought it, planted it in the back yard. I have not found it immune to Roundup, however. It just takes a couple of applications a week apart and a little patience. |
Positive | On Sep 17, 2003, JanLynn from (Jan) So Milw, WI (Zone 5b) wrote: My plant is 3 years young. I put it outside in June (full sun!) and bring it back indoors in October. I'm very happy with my plant! |
Positive | On Sep 17, 2003, broozersnooze from Jacksonville, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: My goodness. A lot of negative experiences for some of you. Should I worry about the attack of the killer plant? (joking) Maybe I should feel fortunate that mine hasn't reproduced on its own other than me dividing the root ball every spring. Oh well, Mother Nature is odd like that. Makes it all the more interesting. |
Negative | On Sep 16, 2003, palmbob from Acton, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: Have to agree this plant has little virtue and a lot of negatives: sharp, totally resistant to Roundup, invasive, spreads everywhere, outcompetes other plants - a weed of the worst kind. And it's not a fern (gives ferns a bad name.) |
Negative | On Sep 16, 2003, DeniseAnne from La Mesa, CA wrote: Here in San Diego the asparagus fern is everywhere. It gets inside, under, etc. everything. I am attempting to eradicate it. Perhaps it could be used as a ground cover on a back hill if you can keep it contained there. It can rip up your hands when you attempt to remove it. Be sure to get all the roots and bulbs. |
Neutral | On Aug 23, 2003, jen_nate from Saint Marys, PA wrote: My mother has a plant and it is almost too far gone to be helped. Her plant is a little yellowed and isn't very bushy; it looks like an asparagus plant (the kind you eat), and the needles aren't very close together. |
Negative | On Aug 5, 2003, astanton from Anaheim, CA (Zone 10b) wrote: This plant is probably the most invasive weedy plant I could possibly think of. It can even grow on tree trunks without soil. The spreading is underground by tiny watery bulbs that seem to be connected by an underground rhizome of some kind that is thread-like in thinness. |
Positive | On Aug 3, 2003, cleboeuf from Katy, TX wrote: I find this plant easy to maintain, having had no problem with it being invasive, and believe it adds an airy, exotic feel to the area(s) in which it is planted. In fact, I am in the process of adding more terracotta pots of just asparagus fern throughout our backyard, which is mostly pool and deck. |
Positive | On May 21, 2003, Lavanda from Mcallen, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: I have grown these from seed as houseplants. They are very easy to grow that way and make nice houseplants. |
Negative | On May 21, 2003, Kelli from L.A. (Canoga Park), CA (Zone 10a) wrote: Terribly invasive and birds spread the seeds. |
Positive | On Apr 30, 2003, 623MERLIN wrote: I love the Asparagus Fern. I have had one for over 30 years in a free standing wicker plant stand and it is just beautiful. It does very well here in Arizona and loves the heat. |
Negative | On Jan 27, 2003, ButterflyGardnr from Orlando, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: Although this plant is very hardy, it is considered an exotic invasive in Florida. People thinking about planting this or having it in hanging baskets out of doors should check with the local cooperative extension agent to determine if it is invasive in their area. I have it growing up through my hedges and azalea bushes and have not been successful in removing it. From time to time it will also sprout in the lawns here. The roots have large nodules filled with water which allow it to survive uprooted for days, perhaps weeks. It also tends to get small thorns on it as it grows and matures. For those reasons, I will not grow this plant. I had one as a houseplant in WI that grew fronds 5-6 feet long. |
Neutral | On Sep 2, 2001, talinum from Kearney, NE (Zone 5a) wrote: Tender perennial used an an annual. Trailing bright glossy foliage. An excellent house plant, also good for hanging baskets. It eventually bears fragrant, whitish-pink flowers. Best performance in medium to bright light. 2' tall to 2'3' wide. |