Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis (ah-SPAIR-ah-gus oh-fiss-ih-NAH-liss)
Asparagus, in the Asparagaceae family, is a long-lived, herbaceous perennial vegetable that is not a native to the United States but to Europe, Africa, and Asia. However, it has naturalized in the United States and is often found along roadsides and ditches. The species epithet is Latin, meaning "of the offices," and indicates the plant was used in medicine and sold as an herb. Asparagus needs full sun; moist, organic, sandy soil with good drainage; and neutral (6.0-8.0) pH levels. The plant can grow from 3 to 5 feet, with a canopy of 18 inches to 3 feet. It has rhizomatous roots to self-propagate. Harvest young shoots in early spring for edibility. Stem color can be either green or purple, growing erect and thick, with triangular bracts along the stems. As the plants mature in summer, the stems become thin and multibranched. Male and female flowers produce small, yellow-green tepals in June or July. In late summer, the female plants will produce ornamental red berries that are hard and shiny. Showy, soft, green, feathery, needle-like leaves are arranged in whorls. Plant in edible gardens, along borders for mass planting or in small groups. Resistance to salt makes it suitable for coastal areas. Click here to see a calendar of planting schedules, time-to-harvest, and recommended spacing. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Common insect problems include asparagus beetle, spotted asparagus beetle, and aphids. Common disease problems include fusarium, rust, and needle blight. Consider planting resistant varieties and remove all leaves after fall die back. Contact dermatitis is likely from young, raw shoots, so wear gloves when handling. Low poisonous toxicity of the plant are the fruits and stems. Eating the berries may cause gastrointestinal problems. VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.
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