Plant Identification Learning Module:
Vegetables
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
The edible portion is the above-ground stem or “spear” which grows from a below-ground crown. They have overlapping scales that are triangular and the tips are sometimes purple. Spears are harvested when they are immature and tender. Foliage is light green, fern-like and soft to the touch. Small fruits are round and berry-like. When young, they are green, turning red when mature; then black when fully ripened.
![Edible spears of asparagus](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/images/plantid/vegetables/asparagus_edible_spears.jpg)
![Asparagus spears growing](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/images/plantid/vegetables/asparagus_plant.jpg)
![Asparagus foliage](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/images/plantid/vegetables/asparagus_foliage.jpg)
![Asparagus fruit](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/images/plantid/vegetables/asparagus_fruit.jpg)