Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’

Sprenger’s asparagus, asparagus fern, emerald fern, basket asparagus

Asparagus ferns are so named because the soft, delicate-looking tufts of needlelike leaves look a bit like asparagus. They aren’t really ferns—ferns don’t have flowers and berries and these do. The plant is native to South Africa. In some habitats, including Australia and tropical parts of the United States, these are invasive. They are nevertheless popular as house plants.

Plants: These plants are not natives, but they can spread rapidly under the right conditions. They are 1½–2′ high ⨉ 3–4′ around (45–60 ⨉ 91–121 cm).

Leaves: Soft-looking, drooping fronds are quite distinctive, and conceal small thorns. The leaves are actually cladodes, or stem segments. They are green, needlelike, and ¾–1″ (1.9–2.5 cm) long. The real leaves are inconsequential and look like scales.

Flowers: White, inconspicuous.

Fruits: Berries are small and bright red.

Habitats: Native primarily to rocky, open woods, savanna thickets, and coastal areas of southeastern South Africa.

Edibility: Poisonous. These ferns are not severely poisonous—symptoms are short-lived—but the berries can cause gastric discomfort and the sap can cause dermatitis.

Online References:

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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