About Asparagus acutifolius L.
Asparagus acutifolius L. grows to an average height of 30 to 70 centimeters (12 to 28 inches). Its stems produce highly branched, feathery foliage; the structures that appear to be leaves are actually needle-shaped modified stems. Its flowers are bell-shaped, grow in small clusters, range in color from greenish-white to yellowish, and measure 4.5 to 5.5 millimeters (0.18 to 0.22 inches) long. This species is dioecious, meaning individual plants produce only female or only male flowers. In some Mediterranean regions, flowering takes place in late summer, from August to September, and often occurs after heavy storms. When flowering happens at this time, the small green berries, which are 5 to 6 millimeters (0.20 to 0.24 inches) in diameter, reach full ripeness in winter. This species is found throughout the entire Mediterranean Basin. It grows near woodlands and in uncultivated areas, on dry, sunny soil. It can occur at altitudes ranging from 0 to 1,300 meters (0 to 4,265 feet) above sea level. On the Croatian coast and its islands, people collect the shoots of this plant in spring to eat in risottos, or fried with scrambled eggs.
