Asparagus meyersii or Foxtail Fern is a very attractive evergreen clumping plant that can be cut as a striking addition to any pot or flower arrangement with its compact cat's tail-like fronds.

It is a great drought resistant plant that is low maintenance and keeps its bright green colour all year round.

Asparagus densiflorus grows in most soils and is fairly drought tolerant, but does much better in soil which is rich in organic matter and is watered regularly. To rejuvenate the plants, they can be cut back after flowering. At this time a thick mulch of compost can be spread around the plants.

When they are grown in shade they become long-stemmed with a wide distribution of the leaves. When grown in full sun, the plants become much more sturdy and dense.

They can be readily propagated by separating the tubers in fairly large clumps, or by sowing the seed in spring or early summer.

The graceful arching stems feature feathery needle-like foliage. Its bright green needle-like leaves grow into a pendulus foxtail shape.

The so-called leaves are not true leaves at all, but are actually cladodes and are thought to be modified branches, while the spines are formed from modified branches or from modified leaves.

Tiny white-pink, star-shaped flowers appear in summer and are very sweetly scented. The flowers are not very noticeable, as they are half hidden by the foliage and do not last long. They flower for about two weeks during the summer season, in South Africa as well as in the Northern Hemisphere.

The flowering of the plants can be rather erratic, with the plants having a good flowering year on average only once every three years.