Asparagus — 8 species

The Asparagus genus spans edible vegetable crops such as Mary Washington and Jersey Knight alongside popular ornamental ferns including Asparagus densiflorus (Sprengeri fern) and Asparagus setaceus (plumosa fern). Ornamental types thrive in bright indirect light with evenly moist, well-draining soil, while edible cultivars prefer full sun outdoors. All Asparagus species are toxic to cats and dogs — repeated skin contact can trigger allergic dermatitis, and ingesting the berries may cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea, per ASPCA.