Herb: Fern Asparagus


Latin name: Asparagus filicinus


Family: Asparagaceae



Medicinal use of Fern Asparagus:

The dried root is antipyretic, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, stomachic, nervous stimulant and tonic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
70 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Loose humus rich soils in forests, 1700 - 2700 metres in the Himalayas. Forests, thickets, shady and moist places along valleys, 1200 - 3000 metres in western China.

Edible parts of Fern Asparagus:

Young shoots - cooked. Used as a vegetable.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°C. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.

Cultivation of Fern Asparagus:

Loose humus rich soils in forests, 1700 - 2700 metres in the Himalayas. Forests, thickets, shady and moist places along valleys, 1200 - 3000 metres in western China.

Known hazards of Asparagus filicinus:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.