Asparagus horridus L.

A tall plant. It can be 2 m tall. The stems are woody and have many branches. They are whitish or grey. The flattened green stems occur singly or in groups of 2-6. They are 3.5-4 mm long and have spines at their tips. Plants are separately male or female. The flowers are in groups of 2-6. They are 3.5-4 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 5.5-8 mm across.

Dry places, vineyards. Dry rocky or sandy ground by the sea or on rocky slopes inland or more rarely in thin pine forests; mainly at low levels but occasionally ascending to 600 metres.

The young shoots are cooked and eaten in omelettes. They are also used for pickles.

Plants can be grown from seeds. It is best to pre-soak the seeds in warm water.