Foxtail Fern

Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'

Light

Water

Moderate water; water deeply, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry. Increase frequency during extreme heat, especially in containers, and reduce in winter. Established plants tolerate brief dry spells.

Size

2-3 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide

Habit

Perennial clump

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested; Sap Irritant

Description

An ornamental asparagus with dense, needlelike green foliage on upright, plume-shaped stems resembling fox tails. Not a true fern; foxtail forms are often sold as Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’.

Bloom Time

Spring to summer

Deciduous / Evergreen

Special Features

Growth Rate

Growth Habit

Mature Size

2-3 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide

Flower Color

White

Foliage Color

Bright green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Foundation Planting

Garden Style

Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Hedge / Formal

Soil

Amended / Rich, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Clivia, Dwarf mondo grass, Liriope

Toxic if Ingested; Sap Irritant

Berries toxic if ingested; sap may irritate skin; toxic to pets

Care Instructions

Light: Bright filtered shade or gentle morning sun with afternoon shade. Protect from intense Phoenix summer sun and reflected heat.

Water: Moderate water; water deeply, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry. Increase frequency during extreme heat, especially in containers, and reduce in winter. Established plants tolerate brief dry spells.

Soil: Well-drained soil amended with compost. Use a freely draining potting mix in containers; avoid soggy soil.

Mature size: About 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide.

Bloom: Small, inconspicuous flowers appear mainly in spring and summer; red berries may follow.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in mild winters; frost can damage foliage. Protect during freezes in Zone 9b.

Growth rate: Moderate; faster with adequate moisture during warm weather.