Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop
asparagus fern, emerald fern · smaragsiervaring (Afr.)
Versatile evergreen asparagus 'fern' for groundcover or containers, in sun or light shade.
What’s in the name: Asparagus: the old Greek name for asparagus; densiflorus: "densely flowered".
“He who is satisfied with his lot is rich.”
— Lao Tzu (tr. James Legge), Tao Te Ching ch. 33 – Tao Te Ching, tr. James Legge (1891), Project Gutenberg
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Asparagaceae
Conservation status
Least Concern, SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
Mainly coastal Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and southern Mozambique, in habitats from dunes to rocky open ground and woodland. Hardy to about −7 °C.
Size & form
Scrambling, slightly woody perennial with upright or trailing stems up to about 1 m, from a root system with sizeable water-storing tubers. 'Mazeppa' forms a compact, dark green mat.
Flowering
Summer, for about two weeks.
Uses in landscaping
- Groundcover in sun or shade
- Containers, hanging baskets and sloping walls ('Mazeppa' is especially compact)
- Feature or mass planting
Care notes
Fairly drought tolerant and not fussy about soil, but does best in soil rich in organic matter with regular water. A compost mulch helps. In shade stems grow longer and looser; in full sun plants stay denser.
Wildlife value
Berries are eaten by birds such as white-eyes, bulbuls, thrushes, barbets, weavers and robin-chats, which spread the seed.
Find out more
Facts checked against: SANBI PlantZAfrica species page 'Asparagus densiflorus'; SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop (assessment 2005/06/30).