Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus officinalis, commonly known as Wild Asparagus, Sparrow Grass, is a perennial.

Contents 1 Naming 2 Taxonomy 3 Characteristics 3.1 Growth 3.2 Wood and Bark 3.3 Leaves 3.4 Flowers and Fruit 3.5 Root System 4 Distribution 5 Cultivation 6 Uses 7 Maintenance 8 Varities and Cultivars 9 Poisonousness 10 Pests and Diseases 11 Man and Asparagus officinalis 11.1 History 11.2 Asparagus officinalis in art 11.3 Symbolism 11.4 Superstition 12 See also 13 References 13.1 Literature 13.2 Footnotes 14 Non-commercial Links

[edit] Naming

Asparagus officinalis was described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. The name is considered as validly published.

[edit] Taxonomy

The Wild Asparagus is a species in the genus Asparagus which contains 212 species and belongs to the family of the Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family).

[edit] Characteristics

[edit] Growth

The perennials grow to a height of approximately 1 meter.

[edit] Wood and Bark

[edit] Leaves

The leaves are arranged opposite one another.

[edit] Flowers and Fruit

The flowers are bell-shaped and pale yellow. The plants bloom from May to June. The flowers are arranged in clusters. They can be used as cut flowers.

The red fruits are berries.

[edit] Root System

[edit] Distribution

Asparagus officinalis is native to the whole of Europe, the Caucasus, west Sibiria and is naturalized in North America.

[edit] Cultivation

The Wild Asparagus prefers a half schady site and can withstand temperatures down to -34,4º C. It grows best in sandy or pebbly, loamy soil that is moist.

[edit] Uses

Asparagus officinalis is used medicinally.

[edit] Maintenance

[edit] Varities and Cultivars

[edit] Poisonousness

Asparagus officinalis is poisonous.

 Please read the health issues note! 

[edit] Pests and Diseases

[edit] Man and Asparagus officinalis

[edit] History

[edit] Asparagus officinalis in art

[edit] Symbolism

[edit] Superstition

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] Literature

• Walter Erhardt, Erich Götz, Nils Bödeker, Siegmund Seybold: Der große Zander. Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-8001-5406-7. (Ger.)
• Christoper Brickell (Editor-in-chief): RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Third edition. Dorling Kindersley, London 2003, ISBN 0-7513-3738-2.
• efloras.org

[edit] Footnotes

[edit] Non-commercial Links

More pictures of Asparagus officinalis in the

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• United States Department of Agriculturees:Asparagus officinalisfr:Asparagus officinalis