Edible Parts: Shoots  Stem
Edible Uses: Coffee

Young shoots - raw or cooked[2, 5, 15, 16, 27, K]. Considered a gourmet food[132], the shoots are harvested in the spring. We find them very acceptable raw in salads, with a hint of onion in their flavour[K]. They are normally boiled or steamed and used as a vegetable[K]. Male plants produce the best shoots[1]. Do not over-harvest the plant because this would weaken it in the following year. The shoots are a good source of protein and dietary fibre[201]. Roasted seeds are a coffee substitute[21, 46, 183].

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.
Antibiotic  Antispasmodic  Aperient  Cancer  Cardiac  Demulcent  Diaphoretic  Diuretic  
Laxative  Sedative  Tonic  Urinary

Asparagus has been cultivated for over 2,000 years as a vegetable and medicinal herb[238]. Both the roots and the shoots can be used medicinally, they have a restorative and cleansing effect on the bowels, kidneys and liver[238]. The plant is antispasmodic, aperient, cardiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative and tonic[4, 21, 165, 201, 240]. The freshly expressed juice is used[4]. The root is diaphoretic, strongly diuretic and laxative[9, 218, 222]. An infusion is used in the treatment of jaundice and congestive torpor of the liver[240]. The strongly diuretic action of the roots make it useful in the treatment of a variety of urinary problems including cystitis[254]. It is also used in the treatment of cancer[218]. The roots are said to be able to lower blood pressure[7, 222]. The roots are harvested in late spring, after the shoots have been cut as a food crop, and are dried for later use[7]. The seeds possess antibiotic activity[222]. Another report says that the plant contains asparagusic acid which is nematocidal and is used in the treatment of schistosomiasis[238].

Insecticide

Asparagus can be used in agroforestry as a perennial vegetable crop. It can be interplanted with other species and can serve as a ground cover that helps suppress weeds. The plant contains asparagusic acid, which has nematocidal properties[238]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: No – While asparagus does produce flowers, they are not particularly rich in nectar or pollen compared to other flowering plants. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The young shoots are edible for humans and can attract wildlife; however, the plant itself does not provide significant food or shelter directly for larger wildlife. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – Asparagus plants can offer some shelter through their foliage, and leaf litter can provide overwintering sites for invertebrates. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – Asparagus is not specifically known for having a strong smell that would confuse pests.

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Food Forest