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Asparagus

Asparagus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, best known for the cultivated species Asparagus officinalis.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Asparagus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, best known for the cultivated species Asparagus officinalis. The plant’s young shoots are widely eaten as a spring vegetable, and several other species are grown as ornamentals. The genus is native to the Old World and includes around 100 to 300 species depending on the source.

Classification

Asparagus is a genus in the family Asparagaceae, within the order Asparagales. Some older references place it in the lily family, reflecting historical changes in plant classification.

Description

Species in the genus are typically perennial plants with reduced leaves and green, leaf-like branchlets. The best-known cultivated type, Asparagus officinalis, produces edible spears that are harvested before the stems fully develop.

Uses

Asparagus officinalis is grown as a vegetable crop for its young shoots. Other species are cultivated mainly as ornamentals because of their feathery or decorative foliage.

Distribution and cultivation

The genus is native to the Old World, including Eurasia and parts of Africa, and has been naturalized in temperate regions worldwide. Asparagus officinalis has been cultivated for a long time, including in ancient Greece.

Key facts

  • Asparagus is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the asparagus family, Asparagaceae.
  • The best-known species is Asparagus officinalis, commonly called garden asparagus.
  • Its young shoots are harvested and eaten as a vegetable, especially in spring.
  • The genus includes species grown as ornamental plants, such as Asparagus densiflorus and Asparagus setaceus.
  • Sources differ on the number of species in the genus, giving figures from about 100 to up to 300.
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Canadian context

Asparagus is widely sold and consumed in Canada as a spring vegetable, and Canadian readers are most likely to encounter Asparagus officinalis in grocery stores and local farming markets.

Frequently asked questions

What is asparagus?
Asparagus is a genus of flowering plants, best known for Asparagus officinalis, the cultivated vegetable.
Which part of the plant is eaten?
The young shoots, often called spears, are harvested and eaten as a vegetable.
How many species are in the genus Asparagus?
Sources vary, with estimates ranging from about 100 species to up to 300 species.
Is asparagus a single plant or a group of plants?
It is a genus, meaning a group of related plant species, not one single plant.
Are all asparagus plants edible?
No. Asparagus officinalis is the main edible species, while other species are often grown as ornamentals.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus
    Supports: Asparagus officinalis as the best-known species, native range, and use as a vegetable crop.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/Asparagus
    Supports: Genus-level classification, family placement, species diversity, and edible spring stalks.
  3. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/plants/plants/asparagus
    Supports: Genus description, number of species, and cultivated edible shoots.
  4. GBIF — https://www.gbif.org/species/113673261
    Supports: Asparagus officinalis as a perennial flowering plant, widely cultivated for edible young shoots.
  5. Native Plant Trust — https://www.nativenplanttrust.org/species/asparagus/officinalis/
    Supports: Native range, cultivation history, and naturalization in temperate regions.