Common Name:

General Information

Asparagus acutifolius is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant producing wiry stems up to 2 metres tall that can become somewhat woody at their base[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is considered by some to be a gourmet's form of asparagus, though others dismiss it as thin, bitter and stringy.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Europe - Mediterranean regions in the north from Spain to Greece and Turkey, in the south from Morocco to Libya, and the various islands.

Habitat

Bushy and dry sunny places, mainly on limestone[, , ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Asparagus acutifolius is native to the Mediterranean region, with its hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. It can tolerate winter temperatures dipping occasionally to between -5 and -10°c and grows well in the milder regions of the temperate zone[]. The young growth in spring however, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any good garden soil[]. Prefers a rich sandy loam[]. Plants tolerate considerable neglect on our Cornish trial grounds[]. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked[, , ]. Tender and, when cooked, of a peculiar, aromatic flavour. An asparagus substitute, it is preferred by gourmets for its stronger flavour[, ]. Excellent when seasoned with oil and lemon juice[]. Thin, bitter and often stringy according to another report[]. Very aromatic[]. A uniquely bitter aromatic flavour[]. The new shoots are rather thin and are not produced in abundance[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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.