Sprenger’s Asparagus “Fern,” Foxtail “Fern”

Asparagus aethiopicus L. (with comments on A. setaceus)

ah-SPARE-ah-gus  eeth-ee-OH-pah-cus

Liliaceae

Explanation of name: The generic name is an ancient Greek name (BA1). The specific epithet refers to Ethiopia. Densiflorus means densely flowered. Specific epithet of synonym for Karl Sprenger (1847-1918, Italian nurseryman) (BA1).

Synonym: Asparagus sprengeri Regel. (GRI)

Misapplied names: Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessup (For a current taxonomic reference, see FL. N. Amer. 26: 213. On-line date 2003.)

Protasparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Oberm.  Fl. S. Afr., 5(3): 49. 1992.

Natural range: Africa

Recognition: Stiff, wiry, tuber-forming subshrubs with linear false-leaves (cladodes) about an inch long, the true leaves reduced to scales. Flowers small, with 6 tepals, white or pinkish; fruits pea-sized red berries. Overall form depends on cultivars:

            ‘Myersii’ (or ‘Myers’) is “Foxtail Fern,” a popular bedding plant or subshrub with the vague appearance of a cylindric or conical fern.

            ‘Sprengeri’ has stiff arching,  prostrate, or dangling branches.

            Asparagus setaceus (Kunth) Jessup (A. plumosus Baker) is especially fine-textured with threadlike false leaves and ferny appearance. It has escaped cultivation in Florida (WU2).

Landscape uses: Foxtail Fern fills sunny spaces with light, ferny, more or less cylindric upright plants. ‘Sprengeri’ serves as a tough groundcover and in hanging baskets. This species (apparently not the cultivar ‘Myersii’) is an invasive exotic listed as Category I by FEPPC.