Asparagus acutifolius
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
Asparagus acutifolius is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. 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) and medium (loamy) 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Bushy and dry sunny places, mainly on limestone.
Europe - Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Young shoots - cooked. An asparagus substitute, it is preferred by gourmets for its stronger flavour. Excellent when seasoned with oil and lemon juice. Thin, bitter and often stringy according to another report. Very aromatic. A uniquely bitter aromatic flavour. The new shoots are rather thin and are not produced in abundance.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any good garden soil. Prefers a rich sandy loam. Plants tolerate considerable neglect on our Cornish trial grounds. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in 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. 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. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist