Asparagus densiflorus Seeds | Foxtail Fern
LATIN NAME: Asparagus densiflorus
COMMON NAME: Foxtail Fern, Asparagus Fern
Plant Profile
Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a bushy, arching perennial of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), native to southern Africa. Despite the name it is no fern but a true asparagus relative, forming fountains of soft, needle-clad stems 60-120 cm long, with small white, fragrant flowers and red berries. The upright ‘Myersii’ form, with its dense, bottle-brush plumes, is the foxtail fern of gardens and containers.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Asparagus densiflorus, a representative of the Asparagus group with clear practical value. Its dense, tuberous root system and remarkable drought tolerance have also drawn some interest from researchers studying water-storage strategies in monocot root systems. Because it has been grown for so long, its garden habits are thoroughly documented.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Foxtail Fern for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Foxtail fern is an enormously popular houseplant and landscape groundcover, valued for its dense, architectural, fern-like texture and genuine tolerance of low light and infrequent watering, making it one of more forgiving foliage plants for less experienced growers. Because its berries and roots carry mild toxicity, it is worth keeping out of reach of pets and small children who might be tempted to sample attractive red fruit. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Asparagus is a tonic food in both Western and Chinese traditions: the tender spears supply folate and the prebiotic fiber inulin, while the root, Tian Men Dong, is a classical Chinese yin-nourishing herb. Its steroidal saponins are a continuing research subject.
Growing from Seed
Raising Foxtail Fern from seed is straightforward. Fresh seed is best; sow it into a loose, well-drained mix and keep it warm and consistently moist. Bright, indirect light suits young plant well, particularly if grown indoors, and once established this tough, adaptable species tolerates considerable neglect with genuine ease. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Given the right start, Foxtail Fern, Asparagus Fern is a long-term garden companion. Minor errors in timing or watering rarely cost the grower the crop.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Foxtail Fern often pair it with these related subjects: