Asparagus asparagoides

African asparagus fern

Family: Asparagaceae · Type: perennial · Not Native

Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes

African asparagus fern is a naturalized perennial found in the central Coast, southern Southern California, and Peninsular Ranges in disturbed places and fields at elevations below 1,700 meters. Flowering from December to April, this plant produces small green-white flowers in bell-shaped arrangements. Growing as a climbing or sprawling plant with tuberous roots, it can reach lengths of 1 to 5 meters with branchlets up to 20 millimeters wide. Its distinctive foliage lacks spurs and spreads in complex, tangled formations. The fruit develops as a small 6 to 8 millimeter sphere that transitions to vibrant red, blue, or purple when mature.

Habitat: Disturbed places, fields

Bloom period: Dec-Apr

Elevation: < 1700 m

Bioregions: CCo, s SCo, PR

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.