The Asparagus genus, of the family Asparagaceae with up to 300 species native from Siberia to southern Africa, is best known for the garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), cultivated as a vegetable for its succulent spring stalks. Several African species are grown as ornamental plants.

Asparagus plumosus is an unarmed (thornless) plant much used in the floristry trade, suitable for pot, highly decorative. Asparagus plumosus is characterized by tiny and thin leaves grouped in almost needle-like twigs in performing the function of a leaf and give it its typical “fluffy” aspect. As an adult it becomes a creeper, reaching 3 metres in height. It is best known for its use by florists as decorative green. There are three main varieties: “compactus”, characterized by compact vegetation; “nanus”, smaller, and “pyramidalis”, which develops in the shape of a bush.