FAMILY | ASPARAGOIDEAE

Asparagaceae, known as the asparagus family, is a family of flowering plants, placed in the order Asparagales of the monocots.

Asparagoideae | Asparagus  

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Asparagus forms green to red berries with six seeds inside

on one of the asparagus berries a stink bug is refueling

  

Ming Fern Asparagus retrofractus

A Fern that isn't a fern but is beautiful non-the-less. Ming Fern, Asparagus retrofractus, has that lacy fern like appearance but is actually a monocot in the asparagus family. Ming fern is a perennial evergreen. It is drought tolerant and can grow in subtropic and Mediterranean  climates (hardiness zone 9+). On our trip through the San Antonio Botanical Garden we found the Fern Grotto to be about 100% humidity. Many ferns like a shady and humid environment. San Antonio is in the USDA Hardiness Zone 8b and 9a. They have placed this just outside the Fern Grotto. It is a showy and lacy plant that thrives in the San Antonio ecosystem.

Asparagus Fern________________________________

Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) is often thought to be a fern but it belongs to the asparagus family. Used in this container garden it adds height and beautiful texture. It is a native of China.

Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus)
 is a member of the Asparagaceae family.

Dasylirion | Sotol

Sotol
Discovery Garden Round Rock, TEXAS September 9, 2011

Agavoideae | Agave

Agave

Agavoideae | Yucca

Agavoideae | Hesperaloe

Agavoideae | Hosta

Hosta, shade loving.

 Scilloideae | Scilla

Portuguese squill (Scilla peruviana)
Mistakenly named Scillia peruviana in 1753 by Carolus Linnaeus, after the ship, Peru, that transported the bulb, and not the country.
Native to the Mediterranean.

Monocot, Asparagales, 

March Means Fresh Asparagus in the Garden

Asparagus, or garden asparagus, folk name sparrow grass, scientific name Asparagus officinalis, is a perennial flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus. Its young shoots are used as a spring vegetable.

It was once classified in the lily family, like the related Allium species, onions and garlic. However, genetic research places lilies, Allium, and asparagus in three separate families—the Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae, and Asparagaceae, respectively— the Amaryllidaceae and Asparagaceae are grouped together in the order Asparagales. Sources differ as to the native range of Asparagus officinalis, but generally include most of Europe and western temperate Asia. It is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop.

The asparagus foliage will stay green late into winter in zone 8. Asparagus prefers a soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 so it is a good candidate for raised beds. Preparing the beds is important because the asparagus can produce prolifically for years if planted in a sunny, well-drained bed. Asparagus does well planted next to basil so this supportive companion plant is a match made in heaven for Valentine's Day. The spears have started breaking through the soil in our zone 8 climate. We will plant the freeze tender basil in one month. Companion Plants Chart

Asparagus with Garlic Butter

Every March I look forward to the appearance of the first stalk of asparagus.  Our family says my asparagus is the best they have ever tasted even without all the flourishes.  The recipe below is simple, delicious, and requires ingredients I generally have on hand.

Ingredients:

2 bunches	Asparagus, trimmed of woody ends (thick spears)
4 Tbsp. 2 cloves To taste	Butter Garlic cloves Salt and pepper Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Directions:

Bring a pan of water to a boil. Drop the asparagus in and cook for two minutes. Plunge into ice water bath and then drain.
Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat, add the garlic and cook for one minute, until fragrant.
Add the asparagus to the pan. Toss gently, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Plate and add freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serves 4.

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Hyden Photography for

~Grassroots Horticulture~

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Love is in the Air-sparagus ❦ Companion Plants

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Asparagus ❦ Basil

What better time than Valentine's Day to think about being a Matchmaker. Asparagus and Basil are great companion plants.

The asparagus foliage will stay green late into winter in zone 8. Asparagus prefers a soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 so it is a good candidate for raised beds. Preparing the beds is important because the asparagus can produce prolifically for years if planted in a sunny, well-drained bed.

Asparagus does well planted next to basil so this supportive companion plant is a match made in heaven for Valentine's Day. The spears have started breaking through the soil in our zone 8 climate. We will plant the freeze tender basil in one month.

Companion Plants Chart

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©  Grassroots Horticulture

2000-2015

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