• Shade tolerant
• Containers or Large areas
• Tolerant of salt spray

• Category: Seasonal, Tropical, and Perennial Color
• Hardiness Zone: 7a
• Height: 2-3 ft
• Spread: 3-4 ft
• Spacing: 30-36 in
• Bloom Color: White

Asparagus Fern is a long-used ornamental valued for its soft, arching stems and fine, feathery texture that adds contrast and fullness to the landscape. Despite its common name, it is not a true fern but a member of the asparagus family. In mild winters it is evergreen to semi-evergreen; in colder conditions it may die back and reliably resprout from the crown in spring. It is it well suited to South Texas, the Gulf Coast, and protected sites in Central Texas.

In Texas landscapes, Asparagus Fern performs best in part shade or filtered shade, especially when protected from harsh afternoon sun. It adapts well to a range of soils, including alkaline soils, provided drainage is reasonable. Once established it is fairly drought tolerant, though it maintains the best appearance with regular moisture. Mature plants typically reach 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, spreading outward by underground roots and tubers. Space plants 30–36 inches apart to allow natural spread. It is commonly used as a groundcover, border plant, container accent, or filler under trees and shrubs.

Asparagus Fern is toxic if ingested, particularly the berries, and the sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals when handled. Deer generally avoid it. Along the Texas coast, it shows good tolerance to salt spray, especially in partially shaded and protected locations such as courtyards or behind structures. It is not recommended for fully exposed beachfront sites with constant wind and saline soils, but performs well slightly inland where airborne salt is the primary concern.