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Asparagus densiflorus (Sprengeri group) is often confused with:
Asparagus plumosus Asparagus plumosus in a container
Euphorbia cyparissias Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Epipremnum aureum Form
Helleborus niger Helleborus niger
Nerium oleander Flower Form

Emerald Feather Asparagus densiflorus (Sprengeri group)

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
ah-SPAIR-ah-gus den-sih-FLOR-us
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Erect, perennial herb; somewhat woody, branches gracefully arching and fern-like; leaves alternate and scale-like, terminal branchlets very narrow, flat, needle-like, in clusters of 3; flowers axillary, drooping, 6-parted, bell-shaped, yellow-green; fruit a bright red berry.  Asparagus densiflorus is moderately salt tolerant.

Indoor herbaceous 'shrub' to 1 m, dense and compact to wide-spreading. Prefers medium warmth; water regularly in spring to autumn, sparingly in winter; intolerant of high light intensity, avoid direct sunlight; intolerant of constantly wet soil; pest problems. 

Grown for the graceful feathery-like, fern-like foliage; sprays utilized in floral arrangements; adaptable to wide variations of light, temperature, and frequency of watering. Used in a hanging basket and as ground cover in indoor landscapes. 

Family name Asparagaceae [formerly Liliaceae]

Quick ID Hints:

  • Cladophylls are soft, green, needle-like, flattened**
  • True leaves are spine-like projections on stem**
  • Houseplant with fern-like foliage & yellowish blooms*

 

See this plant in the following landscapes:
Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Muscadine Bed
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Graham Cracker'
  • 'Meyersii'
    Branches congested, "fox-tail" or "bottle-brush" appearance with lateral pins short, all of equal lengths.
  • 'Splengeri'
    With major branch elongated, lateral pins of variable length & elongate bearing lateral pins on them.
'Graham Cracker', 'Meyersii', 'Splengeri'
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#perennials#red berries#yellow flowers#salt tolerant#shade garden#hanging baskets#flower arrangements#deer resistant#groundcover#fern-like#fantz#indoor#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses
 
Asparagus densiflorus
Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Form
Form 'Graham Cracker' Cathy Dewitt CC BY 4.0
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Graham Cracker'
  • 'Meyersii'
    Branches congested, "fox-tail" or "bottle-brush" appearance with lateral pins short, all of equal lengths.
  • 'Splengeri'
    With major branch elongated, lateral pins of variable length & elongate bearing lateral pins on them.
'Graham Cracker', 'Meyersii', 'Splengeri'
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#perennials#red berries#yellow flowers#salt tolerant#shade garden#hanging baskets#flower arrangements#deer resistant#groundcover#fern-like#fantz#indoor#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Asparagus
    Species:
    densiflorus
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    A bright red spherical berry.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Flowers axillary, drooping, 6-parted, bell-shaped, yellow-green. Inflorescence a short axillary raceme. Rare in interior settings.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Acicular
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves alternate and scale-like, terminal branchlets very narrow, flat, needle-like, in clusters of 3
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Erect or trailing, finely ridged, spiny, green or brown. Branches spreading with lateral pins short. CLADOPHYLLS minute, flat, linear, narrowly falcate, 1-nerved, spine-like.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Shade Garden
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Heavy Shade
    Salt
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Eating of berries may cause gastrointestinal problems. Skin irritation with redness, swelling, and blisters following contact with sap
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Unknown
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Stems