Asparagus vs. Asparagus Fern

Can Your Parrot eat it?

There are five species of Asparagus

They are monocots, and members of the Lily family.  The three Asparagus Ferns, are not eatable by persons or parrots, the stems, sap and berry’s can cause irritation on contact, and gastric distress if eaten.  As for the other two Asparagus plants, one is not found in North America, and the other is what you think of when you hear Asparagus…

Garden Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis L.) is found across North America, and is eatable in moderation.  Share it sparingly as it has a high Folic acid content along with Vitamin K; while good for both you and your pet, too much of a good thing can cause issues.

Sprenger’s Asparagus Fern (Asparagus Densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop) is only found in North America; in California and Florida.  This plant is a slightly woody evergreen with upright or tailing branches.  Flowers are white or pale pink and very fragrant, lasting for about two weeks in the summer.  Its fruit is bright red in color and has three seeds per fruit.  Birds are highly attracted to the fruit and aid in the dispersal of asparagus fern. 

African Asparagus Fern (Asparagus Asparagoides (L.) Druce)  is only found in North America; in California.

African Asparagus (Asparagus Africanus Lam.) is not found in North America.

Common Asparagus Fern (Asparagus Setaceus (Kunth) Jessop) is a native of South Africa and is an evergreen herb.  Commonly found as a groundcover, or as a hanging plant.  It has a showy foliage and bright red berries. 

Also known as: Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari

References:

USDA, NRCS. 2009. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 21 April 2009). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

Avian love everything parrots. http://www.avianlove.com/content.php?content_id=10

Exotic Bird Hospital Inc
Rhoda Stevenson, DVM
Diplomat, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners
Certified in Avian Practice
Jacksonville Florida