Asparagus Meyerii seedling

Foxtail fern

A soft-textured, evergreen ornamental grown for its upright, bottlebrush-like plumes. Seedlings will show natural variation and take time to develop the dense “foxtail” form seen in mature plants. Commonly used in containers, mixed plantings, and as a groundcover in warm climates.

Key features



Width: 2–3 ft (mature; seedlings smaller initially)



Height: 2–3 ft



Foliage: Fine, needle-like cladodes forming arching plumes



Form: Upright to arching; clump-forming with age



Growth rate: Moderate once established



Life cycle: Evergreen perennial (tender)



Growing conditions



Sun: Part shade to bright indirect light (full sun tolerated in mild climates with moisture)



Soil: Well-drained, fertile



Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established



Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11 (grown as a houseplant or annual elsewhere)



Landscape use



Containers and patio planters



Houseplant or conservatory use



Groundcover in frost-free climates



Accent foliage in mixed beds



Notes



Seedling-grown plants may vary in plume density and habit



Produces small white flowers followed by red berries (toxic if ingested)



Generally deer resistant



Not a true fern; member of the asparagus family



Can be invasive in some warm regions—use responsibly

Plant type

Fern

Height

2'

Width

4'

Hardiness zones

9–11

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Mid Summer

Leaf color

Olive Drab

Soil

Well Drained

Landscape use

Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Vase Shaped

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes