Asparagus Species, Asparagus Fern, Climbing Asparagus Fern, Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern

Asparagussetaceus

Genus
Asparagus (a-SPARE-uh-gus)
Species
setaceus (se-TAY-see-us)
Synonym
Asparagopsis setacea
Asparagus plumosus
Sun Exposure
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Vines and Climbers
Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Suitable for growing in containers
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Seed Collecting
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Cottondale, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama

Mesa, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Prescott, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona

Fontana, California(2 reports)

Fresno, California

Gilroy, California

Los Angeles, California(3 reports)

Pasadena, California

Pico Rivera, California

Sacramento, California

Stockton, California

Bartow, Florida

Big Pine Key, Florida

Boca Raton, Florida

Deltona, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Myers, Florida

Lake Mary, Florida

Pensacola, Florida

Rockledge, Florida

Sarasota, Florida

Sebring, Florida

Tampa, Florida

West Palm Beach, Florida

Winter Haven, Florida

Columbus, Georgia

Powder Springs, Georgia

Sylvania, Georgia

Honomu, Hawaii

Barbourville, Kentucky

Saint Louis, Missouri

Brevard, North Carolina

Edenton, North Carolina

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Greensboro, North Carolina

Mooresville, North Carolina

Cincinnati, Ohio

Mark Center, Ohio

Ambridge, Pennsylvania

Abilene, Texas

Houston, Texas(4 reports)

Mcallen, Texas

Richmond, Texas

Victoria, Texas

Cascade, Virginia

Kalama, Washington

Kent, Washington

Cabin Creek, West Virginia

Kenova, West Virginia

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

15
positives
5
neutrals
8
negatives
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H
Pasadena, CA | March 2021 | negative

EXTREME WARNING!
This is a weed from hell - a fast-replicating, invader-alien from outer-space.

Notwithstanding tha...Read More

T
Gilroy, CA | May 2020 | negative

I started with a 1 gallon pot about 10 years ago, andI have been trying to eradicate this fern for the last 3 years. I recently resorte...Read More

D
Fontana, CA | July 2015 | positive

I remember this plant growing up the back of my grandmother's house. I have always loved the fine threadlike foliage.

I s...Read More

O
Victoria, TX | August 2013 | positive

I have had this plant in my flowerbed for the 41 years I have lived in my house. It is a beautiful plant and in times when I have not bee...Read More

B
B
Hayden, AL (Zone 8b) | January 2013 | positive

My grandmother gave me this in Alabama and I've grown it for all these years, here in North Florida it hasn't been invasive for me. I wi...Read More

J
Cascade, VA (Zone 7a) | August 2011 | positive

It may be a horrible idea for growing outdoors, but this plant makes for an awesome house plant if you don't have any pets. I have yet t...Read More

J
Los Angeles, CA | October 2010 | negative

I have to echo the negative sentiment from the other posters. Invasive is an understatement.

I am in Los Angeles and I ha...Read More

S
Cabin Creek, WV (Zone 6a) | July 2010 | positive

Very nice fern, though its not related to asparagus ferns. Fills out a fence or lattuce nicely. Nice dark green foliage will enhance any ...Read More

3
3
Huntsville, AL | September 2009 | positive

This is another of my 'tag alongs' that moved with me from Jupiter, Florida to Huntsville, Alabama.

I did not expect this...Read More

D
Winter Haven, FL (Zone 9b) | July 2009 | neutral

This stuff was growing Along a chain link fence and some oak trees in my back yard when I moved in. Looks Pretty so it doesn't bother me.

G
Torrance, CA | July 2009 | negative

I hate this plant. It is so invasive. As soon as I cut it off at ground level, new shoots are coming up somewhere else. It has taken o...Read More

R
Lomita, CA | April 2009 | negative

I live in Southern California and have found this plant to be extremely invasive. I've been trying to rid myself of it for several years...Read More

J
Sacramento, CA (Zone 9a) | July 2007 | positive

This plant is growing in a mostly shady location on the north side of a wooden fence in my backyard. It survives year round and is a lov...Read More

S
S
Kent, WA | March 2007 | positive

I love ferns. They are so delicate and soft looking, however, I would have to agree with the downside of the thorns. I just bought one to...Read More

A
Phoenix, AZ | October 2006 | positive

My Plumosa Fern, which I have had for 10 years, did not survive this summer in Arizona, Zone 10.

This unique plant is o...Read More

V
(Zone 8a) | June 2006 | neutral

mine is planted inground, full shade. Has been a moderate grower. I love to snip pieces of it and stick it in my flower arrangements. ...Read More

P
P
Moncks Corner, SC (Zone 8b) | June 2006 | positive

I have been thinking for years that this is a maidenhair fern, and I am so glad to be corrected! The other asparagus ferns I have do not ...Read More

I
I
(Zone 8b) | March 2006 | positive

I love the light ferny look to this asparagus but the thorns ARE nasty. I've stabbed myself frequently. But then most plants have a few d...Read More

J
z8a, AL (Zone 8a) | February 2006 | positive

Hardy here in Zone 8a (right on the edge of Zone 7), although top dies to ground and new stems late to emerge in spring. Climbs 10-12 f...Read More

S
Ambridge, PA | November 2005 | positive

Ok, I had one of these when I was in high school and loved it. I recently found one 20 years later. Yes it took that long for me to fin...Read More

J
J
Jasper Co., MO (Zone 6b) | April 2005 | positive

It grew in 43 yrs that same spot to keep cool and shade. Also it help all the leaves around edge to fern which it compost to grow healthy....

J
Sebring, FL (Zone 9b) | May 2004 | neutral

This Fern grows wild in central Florida. It has always sprouted up around our central Florida home for over 50 years. I have never heard...Read More

M
Bartow, FL (Zone 9a) | May 2004 | negative

It IS INVASIVE in frost free areas. If you must grow it, keep it in a container and remove fruit when it appears.

P
Fort Pierce, FL (Zone 10a) | May 2004 | negative

In Miami, FL. this plant came up from my neighbors seeds. It was so beautiful I encouraged it to grow up across my front screened in porc...Read More

A
| May 2004 | neutral

I used to grow this in England as a much loved house plant. Here in zone 10 I'm much more ambivalent. It self seeds readily and makes a f...Read More

M
Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) | November 2002 | positive

Great House Plant. Needs to be repotted within 6-8 months. Likes shade and doesn't mind artificial light. Poisonous to Cats.

U
U
Manhattan Beach, CA (Zone 11) | October 2002 | negative

Invasive and difficult to eradicate in frost-free regions.

D
D
(Zone 10a) | February 2002 | neutral

Suitable for growing on trellises. The flattish looking leaves are very attractive. The background must be of light colour so as to enhan...Read More

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