Foxtail Fern
Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii'
Despite its name, foxtail fern is not a true fern but a member of the asparagus family, grown for its plush, upright plumes of needle-like 'leaves.' Its dense, bottlebrush fronds resemble fluffy green foxtails.
- Light
- Bright indirect to part sun
- Water
- When top inch dries
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii' is a cultivated form of the ornamental asparagus, a flowering plant rather than a true fern. The name "fern" comes only from its feathery appearance.
It forms dramatic, upright to arching plumes packed with fine, needle-like cladodes (flattened stems that function as leaves), giving each frond the look of a bushy fox's tail.
Tough and drought-tolerant once established, it thrives as a houseplant, in containers, and as a landscape plant in warm regions.
How to identify it
- Dense, upright-to-arching plume-like fronds, 1-2 ft long, tapering to a point
- Fine, bright green, needle-like cladodes packed tightly around each stem
- Bushy 'foxtail' or bottlebrush silhouette
- Tuberous roots that store water, aiding drought tolerance
- Small white flowers followed by red berries on mature plants
Care & growing
Light: Bright indirect light indoors; tolerates some direct sun and part shade outdoors.
Water: Let the top inch dry between waterings; the water-storing tubers make it forgiving of occasional dryness. Avoid soggy soil.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: Warm-preferring; hardy outdoors to about USDA zone 9. Protect from frost.
Feeding: Balanced feed monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation: Divide the crown and tubers; seeds from the berries also germinate.
Habitat & origin
The species is native to southern Africa, particularly the coastal regions of South Africa, where it grows in scrub and woodland.
It is grown worldwide as a houseplant and as a landscape and container plant in warm climates. Note that ornamental asparagus can become invasive in some frost-free regions such as parts of Florida and Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Is foxtail fern a real fern?
No. It is a flowering plant in the asparagus family; the 'fern' name only describes its feathery look.
Why are the needles dropping?
Yellowing and shedding usually signal too little light, underwatering, or stress; give bright light and consistent moisture.
How do I propagate it?
Divide the crown and tuberous roots into sections, or sow seed from the ripe red berries.
Foxtail Fern guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Foxtail Fern.
