Racemose Asparagus Asparagus densiflorus (Sprengeri group)

Asparagus Fern is an erect, perennial herb but not a fern at all and is in the Asparagaceae family [formerly Liliaceae].  It is somewhat woody, and branches gracefully with an arching and fern-like habit.  Its leaves and alternate and scale-like.  The terminal branchlets are very narrow, flat, and needle-like, and form in clusters of 3.  Its yellow-green flowers are axillary, drooping, 6-parted, and bell-shaped.  The fruit is a bright red berry.  Asparagus fern is moderately salt tolerant.

Indoor herbaceous 'shrub' can reach a height of up to 3'.  Its habit can be dense and compact to wide-spreading. Prefers medium warmth, regular watering in spring to autumn and sparingly in winter. It is intolerant of direct sunlight and wet soils.

Maintenance is low.  To maintain its height and form, pinch back the stem tips.  This will also allow the plant to become denser.  If that is not sufficient to achieve the desired form, the plant can be cut down to the soil level.  The plant will then begin to regenerate.  

It is often grown for the graceful feathery-like, fern-like foliage that is used in floral arrangements.  It is adaptable to a wide variation of light, temperature, and frequency of watering.  It will also grow in full shade, with the foliage turning a lighter shade of green.  

Being frost tender, it will die to the ground if it is subjected to even a light frost.  The roots will remain hardy to temperatures of 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit.  For container-grown plants, take indoors before the first frost.  

Birds forage on the berries, while at the same time, spread the seeds.  

Used in a hanging basket and as ground cover in indoor landscapes. 

Quick ID Hints:

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

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Afternoon sun in warmer climates can cause the foliage to yellow.  Some locations consider this plant invasive. Mites, slugs, aphids and mealybugs often frequent this plant.  Watch out for leaf spot and root or crown rot.  When used indoors, leaf drop can be messy.