This is the same species as the cultivated asparagus and the ornamental asparagus fern. After emerging as the thick spike-like stem which is considered a culinary delicacy, the stem forms a finely lacy, bushy plant two to four feet tall. At maturity the flowers form small red berries. In the fall the whole plant becomes a distinctive brilliant yellow. This is one of very few members of the lily family which is grown as a food crop.