FOXTAIL FERN (Asparagus densiflorus)

Photograph by Kelly Moore Clark
Styled by Maré Brennan

Foxtail fern and terra cotta pot were sourced from Sonny Panzico’s Garden Mart.

While its name may imply that this is a fern, think again! The Foxtail fern is really a perennial evergreen herb with fluffy stems of spiky needle-like leaves. The foxtail uses seeds to reproduce, not spores and is a member of the asparagus family. This plant produces small white flowers with red berries. This is a super versatile plant that can thrive indoors as well as out in the garden. 
Tips for Healthy Foxtails:

All this plant needs for strong growth is bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Make sure you give the foxtail fern ample room to spread out. The foxtail fern is drought tolerant due to tuberous roots. These strong roots can crowd out smaller more fragile plants in your garden so be mindful of placement. 

Start feeding your foxtail in the spring, and then continue monthly throughout the growing season (summer) using a 10-10-10 plant food at half strength. Foxtail fern responds well to slow-release fertilizers and liquid fertilizers. 

For outdoor garden ferns, you can also amend the soil annually in the fall with one inch of compost scattered around the plant topped with two inches of mulch. 

Note that all parts of foxtail fern may be toxic to both humans and pets, including the flowers and the berries.

Take care when handling the stems of the foxtail as they occasionally will grow thin thorny shoots that hide amid the leaves.