Asparagus denudatus (Nekkid Asparagus Fern)

SunZone: 7-8, at least 48" tall Origin: S. Africa

(aka: A. d. A1SA-124) I nearly jumped out of the van when I first saw this cool asparagus fern near the town of Rhodes at the southern end of South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains. I returned home to delightedly find I had already overwintered a small plant in the garden. The species name, "denudatus," is nothing more than a fancy Latin word for "nekkid." The upright, glaucous-green, stiff, wiry stems sans leaves compose this 4' deciduous clumper. The glaucous-blue foliage color doesn't show up until the second growing season. In fall, the clumps are adorned with small red berries. A. denudatus makes a stunning textural combination plant that has immeasurable possibilities in the garden. I love this plant! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)