Fern Asparagus (Asparagus filicinus)

Family: Asparagaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Asparagus filicinus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. Used as a vegetable. — Young shoots - cooked.; Used as a vegetable.

Habitat & North American Range

Loose humus rich soils in forests, 1700 - 2700 metres in the Himalayas. Forests, thickets, shady and moist places along valleys; 1200 - 3000 metres in western China. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)