Asparagus setaceus (Asparagus Fern, Climbing Asparagus, Grass Fern, Lace Fern)

Asparagus setaceus (Asparagus Fern, Climbing Asparagus, Grass Fern, Lace Fern) is a graceful, evergreen ornamental grown for its fine, feathery foliage.  Growth habit: Climbing or scrambling perennial with wiry, arching stems  Foliage: What look like leaves are actually soft, needle-like cladodes arranged in flat, lace-like sprays; true leaves are tiny scales  Color: Bright to deep green, giving a light, airy texture  Flowers: Small, white to greenish-white, mildly fragrant, usually inconspicuous  Fruit: Small round berries that turn purple-black when ripe (ornamental, not edible)  

Size  Height/length: Can climb or trail 10–20+ ft with support  Spread: 3–6 ft or more  Often kept much smaller indoors through pruning  Native Range  Southern Africa  

Growing Conditions (Overview)  Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates partial shade  Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist but well-drained soil  Temperature: Warm conditions; frost-sensitive  Hardiness: USDA zones 9–11 (grown as a houseplant elsewhere)  

Landscape & Design Use  Climbing vine on trellises or walls  Trailing plant in hanging baskets  Fine-textured contrast plant in containers  Popular in floral arrangements for its delicate, airy sprays  

Key Characteristics  Much finer and more delicate than Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’  Strong visual softness; adds movement and elegance  Fast grower under good conditions  Can become invasive outdoors in warm climates