Accession Count: 107
Common Name:
Sprenger's asparagus
Family Name:
Liliaceae
Botanical Name:
Asparagus aethiopicus
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Sprenger's asparagus is an evergreen herbaceous perennial, growing up to five feet tall and equally as wide (1,3,4). Slightly woody stems are densely covered by bright green needle-like leaves (3,4). In the summer, small, white flowers half an inch in diameter bloom, quickly followed by small red berries (3, 5, 6). The berries can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal issues if consumed (6). Sprenger's asparagus is a container type plant that requires substantial water, and could potentially develop iron chlorosis.
Compound:
Asp aet
Geographic Origin:
Southern Africa
Ecozone Origin:
AF
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Asparagus aethiopicus is native to southern Africa, and thrives in mini-oasis environments.
Cultivation Notes:
Sprenger's asparagus grows best in moist, well-drained soils (1, 3, 4, 5), but it is drought tolerant (1, 5). Requires moderate watering Spring to Fall (3, 4). The plant may die off during winter freezes below 25°F but will typically re-grow quickly (3).
Ethnobotany:
A. aethiopicus is commonly used in landscaping as a: container plant, border, coastal exposure, firescaping/fire-wise plant, ground cover, hanging basket, house plant, mass plant, rock garden, urban gardening, and woodland garden (7).
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
