The Asparagus Fern, known scientifically as Asparagus densiflorus or Asparagus setaceus, is a popular ornamental plant. It is widely appreciated for its delicate, feathery foliage, which gives it a fern-like appearance. Despite its common name, it is not a true fern but belongs to the Asparagaceae family, the same family as the edible garden asparagus. There is often confusion regarding its edibility due to this shared family name and visual similarity to young asparagus shoots.
Is Asparagus Fern Edible?
Despite its misleading name, Asparagus Fern is not edible for human consumption. It is cultivated as an ornamental species, not for food. The plant contains compounds that can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested, making consumption unadvisable.
Identifying Toxic Parts
The berries and sap are the most problematic parts of the Asparagus Fern. The small, round berries, which can be red, orange, or black when ripe, are attractive, especially to children and pets. These berries contain compounds responsible for the plant’s irritating properties. The sap in the stems and foliage can also cause issues upon contact. Additionally, some Asparagus Fern species have small, sharp spines along their stems that can cause mechanical injury.
Symptoms of Ingestion and Skin Irritation
Ingestion of Asparagus Fern berries or other parts can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms in humans, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Symptom severity depends on the amount ingested and individual sensitivity. For skin contact, especially with the sap, symptoms include irritation such as dermatitis, redness, itching, or blistering. If exposure occurs, wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persist, or if a significant amount of the plant has been ingested.
Distinguishing Asparagus Fern from Edible Asparagus
Differentiating between ornamental Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus, Asparagus setaceus) and edible garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is important to prevent accidental consumption. Edible asparagus is harvested for its young, tender, thick, and fleshy spears that emerge from the ground in spring. In contrast, Asparagus Fern produces fine, needle-like structures called cladodes, which are modified stems that function like leaves.
Mature Asparagus Fern plants develop small white or pinkish flowers followed by small, round berries. Edible asparagus, if allowed to grow past the spear stage, will develop fern-like foliage distinctly different from the dense, often cascading growth habit of ornamental asparagus ferns. Only Asparagus officinalis is cultivated and sold for its edible spears.