Etymology: Asparagus: ancient Greek name
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-7' tall forb, stems with many branches; from rhizomes
Leaves: scale-like on fine, feathery branches
Flowers: greenish to white, 6-parted, 1/4" long, bell to tubular shape, stalked, inflorescence of 1 or 2 opposite pairs of flowers along the stems; blooms May-June
Fruits: red, round, 1/8"-1/4" berry
Habitat: fields, woods, fencerows, roadsides
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"