Asparagus albus aka White Asparagus

Asparagus albus is a perennial in the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Its native range spans the western and central Mediterranean. Kew places it in a subtropical climate zone. It grows in southern Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, and Corsica. Its range also includes Spain, the Balearic Islands, and Portugal. In North Africa, it occurs in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Wild plants grow in hedges and scrub on high plateaux. The RHS records it as non-native to Britain and Ireland.

Plants reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre] in height. This species has flowers with both male and female organs. That sets it apart from most members of its genus. Bees pollinate the flowers. The supplied species records do not give a flowering season. They also lack species-level details on leaves, stems, and fruit. The RHS gives those traits for the genus as a whole. Those broader traits do not establish this species' exact appearance.

This plant suits cultivated beds with soil that drains well. PFAF describes it as easy to grow in good garden soil. It prefers a rich sandy loam but accepts sand, loam, or clay. It grows in mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline soil. Both full sun and partial shade suit it. Soil may be dry or moist, provided drainage stays good. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10 and reports tolerance near 14–23°F [−10 to −5°C]. It warns that colder parts of Britain are unsuitable.

Young shoots can be cooked and eaten. Local Mediterranean markets sell them as a seasonal food. PFAF rates their food value low compared with cultivated asparagus. It lists shoots and stems as the edible parts. No medicinal or other uses are recorded by that source. PFAF reports no known hazards, but this is not a safety test. The supplied records name no specific pests or diseases. PFAF does not flag the species as a weed.

Growers can raise plants from seed or divide established plants. Soak seeds in warm water for 12 hours before sowing. Sow under glass in spring, or use ripe seed in early autumn. Germination takes about three to six weeks at 77°F [25°C]. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep them sunny and under glass through their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Divide plants in early spring as new growth starts.