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Botanical Garden

Asparagus densiflora var. meyeri - Foxtail fern

Asparagus densiflora meyeri
Asparagus densiflora meyeri
Asparagus densiflora meyeri

Family Asparagaceae

Description:

Foxtail fern is an asparagus, not a true fern. Over 100 species of asparagus are native to Europe, Africa and Asia. The genus includes the edible asparagus. The foxtail fern is native to southern Africa. It makes a clump eighteen to twenty-four inches tall. Small leaves make a dense cylinder of foliage on upright and arching stems. Small white flowers are produced among the leaves on mature plants.

Location:

See plants on the west side of building 1.

Size:

Herbaceous plant to twelve to eighteen inches tall.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun to part shade

Water: drought tolerant once established

Soil: well-drained, wide pH tolerance, no special requirements

In Jacksonville, the foxtail fern makes a hardy small specimen that can be grouped as a groundcover. Despite its delicate appearance, this is a rugged landscape plant that thrives in well-drained sites.