Garden Asparagus

(Asparagus officinalis)

Garden Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Asparagus officinalis, commonly known as Garden Asparagus, is a deciduous perennial herb native to maritime areas, alluvial river flats, and estuaries in Europe, as well as West and Central Asia. It is a flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus, valued for its edible young shoots. Asparagus officinalis typically grows to 100–150 cm (40–60 in) tall, with stout stems and much-branched, feathery foliage. The plant’s flowers are bell-shaped, greenish-white to yellowish, 4.5–6.5 mm (3⁄16–1⁄4 in) long, and are produced singly or in clusters at the branchlets’ junctions. It is usually dioecious, with separate male and female plants, but hermaphrodite flowers can occur. The fruit is a small red berry, which is toxic to humans.

Garden Asparagus is cultivated for its shoots, harvested in spring and known for their delicate flavor. It is a popular vegetable in culinary use and can be grown in vegetable gardens and allotments. Asparagus prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade; it requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil. It is also known for its ornamental foliage and can be used in flower borders. However, it can be potentially invasive when grown outside its native range, so gardeners should be cautious and check local guidelines.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Width: 1.5-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Maritime areas, alluvial river flats, and estuaries

Other Names

Common Names: Sparrow Grass , Asparges , Spargel , Gemüse-Spargel , (Ruoka)Parsa , Asperge , Asperge En Liggende Asperge , Sparris , Asparagus , Vanlig Sparris

Scientific Names: Asparagus officinalis , Asparagus polyphyllus , Asparagus littoralis , Asparagus officinalis var. altilis , Asparagus caspius , Asparagus fiori , Asparagus collinus , Asparagus longifolius , Asparagus officinalis var. littoralis , Asparagus altilis

GBIF Accepted Name: Asparagus officinalis L.