Asparagus aphyllus L.

A tall plant. It can be 1 m tall. The stems are woody and have many branches. They are smooth and green. The flattened green stems are unequal and occur in clusters of 3-7. They are 10-20 mm long and have spines at their tips. Plants are separately male or female. The flowers are in groups of 3-6. They are 3-4 mm long. They are yellowish green. They have a sweet scent. The flowers are mixed with the leaves. The fruit is a berry which is black when ripe. It is 7-8 mm across.

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in rocky habitats and scrub.

The slightly bitter young shoots are eaten raw or cooked. They are used in vegetable dishes and soups.

Can be grown by seedlings. Seeds needs soaking.