Fern Asparagus
Asparagus filicinus
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
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. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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 moist soil.
Height (m): 0.7
Where it is found
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.
E. Asia - China, India.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young shoots - cooked. Used as a vegetable.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The dried root is antipyretic, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, stomachic, nervous stimulant and tonic.
Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Easily grown in any good garden soil. Prefers a rich sandy loam. Plants are hardy to between -10 and -15°c. 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: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist