Erect, branched herb to 2 m with thickened roots from a short rhizome. Inflorescence an axillary cluster. Cladodes linear, rounded, 1-2.5 cm long, 1- nerved, 4-25 per node. Flowers of 1 to several, unisexual, bell-shaped, 6-10 mm long; spring to summer.Tepals green, anthers yellow. Fruit red.

Europe, Asia and Africa.

Important as a vegetable and widely grown in home gardens for its edible young shoots. Can become invasive and a weed of roadsides.

Popular commercial and garden cultivars include 'Apollo' 'Ida Lea' 'Mary Washington' and 'U.C. 157'.

Source: Conran, J. (2005). Asparagaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.