Asparagus (genus)

Asparagus is the name of a genus of plants, a member of the family Asparagaceae (formerly placed in the Liliaceae). There are over a hundred species, all from the Old World, in both hemisphere and throughout temperate and tropical regions. They range from herbs to somewhat woody climbers.

The best known member of the genus is the vegetable Asparagus (A. officinalis).

Other species of asparagus are grown as ornamentals, and are often used for foliage display, and as house plants. Commonly grown ornamental species are Asparagus plumosus and Asparagus sprengerii.