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Summary

Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Agavaceae. Modern classifications include it within the Asparagaceae.

Physical Characteristics

Asparagus is a PERENNIAL. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked[177]. Root - cooked[61].

References More on Edible Uses

Composition

Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.

Stem (Fresh weight)

26 Calories per 100g
Water : 91.7%
Protein: 2.5g; Fat: 0.2g; Carbohydrate: 5g; Fibre: 0.7g; Ash: 0.6g;
Minerals - Calcium: 22mg; Phosphorus: 62mg; Iron: 1mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 2mg; Potassium: 278mg; Zinc: 0mg;
Vitamins - A: 540mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.18mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.2mg; Niacin: 1.5mg; B6: 0mg; C: 33mg;
Reference: [ 218]
Notes:

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in any good garden soil[200]. Prefers a rich sandy loam[1]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - pre-soak 12 hours in warm water and sow spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°c[134]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer[K]. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth. It is best to pot up the divisions and grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame until they have rooted well.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Asparagus abyssinicus		Perennial	0.0	-		LMH	SN	DM	2	0
Asparagus acutifolius	Wild asparagus	Perennial	1.5	7-10		LM	SN	DM	3	0	0
Asparagus adscendens		Shrub	0.0	-		LMH	SN	M	2	1
Asparagus albus		Perennial	1.0	7-10		LMH	SN	DM	1	0
Asparagus aphyllus		Perennial	1.0	-		LMH	SN	DM	2	0
Asparagus cochinchinensis	Chinese Asparagus	Perennial	1.5	6-9		LMH	SN	M	3	3	2
Asparagus dauricus		Perennial	0.6	-		LM	N	DM	1	0
Asparagus filicinus	Fern Asparagus	Perennial	0.7	7-10		LMH	SN	M	2	1
Asparagus maritimus		Perennial	0.6	-		LM	N	DM	1	0
Asparagus officinalis	Asparagus, Garden asparagus	Perennial	1.5	2-9	S	LMH	SN	M	4	3	2
Asparagus racemosus	Shatavari	Perennial	7.0	8-11		LMH	SN	DM	3	5	1
Asparagus sauveolens		Perennial	1.0	-		LMH	SN	M	1	0
Asparagus schoberioides		Perennial	1.0	-		LMH	SN	M	2	1
Asparagus setaceus	Asparagus Fern, Common asparagus fern, Plumosa Fern	Climber	3.0	9-11	M	LMH	N	M	1	0
Asparagus stipularis		Perennial	0.0	-		LMH	N	DM	1	0
Asparagus tenuifolius		Perennial	1.0	-		LMH	N	DM	1	0
Asparagus verticillatus		Perennial	4.0	5-9		LMH	SN	M	2	0
Lotus tetragonolobus	Asparagus Pea, Winged pea	Annual	0.3	0-0		LMH	N	DM	3	0
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum	Bath Asparagus, Pyrenees star of Bethlehem	Bulb	0.6	5-9		LMH	SN	M	2	0	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Asparagus - Hochst.