Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
Also listed as Asparagus setiformis, Asparagus altilis
Also known as Garden Asparagus, Sparrow Grass, Common Asparagus
Climate Match for your location
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Wild asparagus is a hardy perennial vegetable with feathery, fine-textured foliage that emerges from rhizomes in spring. After the edible spear stage, it develops delicate fern-like shoots and produces small bell-shaped flowers followed by red berries.
Why grow it
Wild asparagus tolerates poor soils and neglect better than cultivated varieties, making it useful in marginal growing areas or low-input systems. Once established, it produces for 15-20 years with minimal fertilizer or pest management, though spear yields are typically smaller and less uniform than improved cultivars. It serves well as a self-seeding perennial vegetable for gardeners prioritizing resilience and reduced inputs over maximum harvest.
Watch out for
Plants take 2-3 years to reach full productivity, requiring patience before meaningful harvests. In favorable conditions, self-seeded asparagus can spread beyond its intended area; monitor for volunteer seedlings if seed-setting is undesired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean, Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Jersey Knight' and 'Jersey Supreme' are all-male hybrids known for high yields and disease resistance. 'Purple Passion' produces tender, sweeter purple spears and is gaining popularity among home gardeners.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Wild asparagus is a hardy perennial vegetable with feathery, fine-textured foliage that emerges from rhizomes in spring. After the edible spear stage, it develops delicate fern-like shoots and produces small bell-shaped flowers followed by red berries.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Asparagus grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Wild asparagus tolerates poor soils and neglect better than cultivated varieties, making it useful in marginal growing areas or low-input systems. Once established, it produces for 15-20 years with minimal fertilizer or pest management, though spear yields are typically smaller and less uniform than improved cultivars. It serves well as a self-seeding perennial vegetable for gardeners prioritizing resilience and reduced inputs over maximum harvest.
Watch out for
Plants take 2-3 years to reach full productivity, requiring patience before meaningful harvests. In favorable conditions, self-seeded asparagus can spread beyond its intended area; monitor for volunteer seedlings if seed-setting is undesired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean, Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Jersey Knight' and 'Jersey Supreme' are all-male hybrids known for high yields and disease resistance. 'Purple Passion' produces tender, sweeter purple spears and is gaining popularity among home gardeners.