Foxtail Fern
Plant Health Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your Plants are Guaranteed
Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 30 Day Plant Promise. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders
Free Shipping on All Orders! Your order will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!
Houseplant Information
Houseplant Information
Your houseplant will come in a black plastic nursery pot. It will have holes at the bottom of the pot to allow for proper drainage when watered. We recommend changing the pot when your plant arrives if you plan to grow your plant indoors.
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
How We Ship Your Plants
Ordering live plants online should feel exciting, not stressful! We only ship healthy, well-rooted trees and plants!
Beware- not all plant nurseries are the same! Others can cut corners to save money:
- We never ship bareroot plants
- We never cut roots to fit into a small box
- We always ship plants with healthy, developed roots so they establish faster at your home
- We focus on plant health first- not minimizing shipping costs
A strong root system is the foundation for long-term success, and we believe your plant should arrive ready to thrive- not struggling to recover from shortcuts.
How we Select Your Plants
Once you place your order, our nursery team selects your plant and inspects it to make sure it meets our quality standards. Every plant we ship is chosen for:
- Strong health and vibrant foliage
- A well-developed root system
- Correct sizing based on your order
We take pride in sending plants that are ready to succeed when they arrive at your home. We try our best to exceed your expectations!
Once your plants are selected, we give them a drink of water before their journey. Then, we wrap each plant's roots up in a plastic bag, so that they do not dry out during shipping.
Carefully Packed & Protected
Live plants can’t be packed like ordinary boxes, so we do it differently.
Your plant is carefully secured inside a strong shipping box to protect it while traveling. Packaging may include:
- Support materials for stability
- Protection around the pot and roots
- Reinforced boxing for added protection
For larger trees, we use oversize boxes designed to safely accommodate the size and structure of your plant during shipping.
Sometimes, you will receive multiple plants inside a box. This is helpful because it can evenly distribute the weight throughout the box, which helps keeps the plants safe and secure throughout delivery.
Fast & Reliable with FedEx
Most Nationwide Plants orders ship with FedEx. Over the years, we’ve found FedEx to be the best carrier for live plants, especially larger items, because:
- They deliver quickest across the country
- They are the most gentle with live plants
- Faster transit means less plant stress
Once your order ships, we will email you tracking information so you can follow your delivery from our nursery to your doorstep.
We ship Monday through Friday. Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom shipping date.
Multiple Nursery Locations
We ship from multiple locations across the country, including both the East Coast and West Coast. This allows us to:
- Deliver faster in more regions
- Reduce time in transit for your plants
- Ship large items more efficiently
How We Measure Your Trees
We measure tree height from the soil line, not including the pot.
That means when you order a 5-6 ft. tree, you’re getting a tree that is 5-6 ft. tall above the soil, not “including the container.” This gives you a good idea of what to expect when your trees arrive, and what they will look like when they are in the ground.
After Your Plants Arrive
It’s completely normal for a plant to look slightly different after shipping. Your plant has been traveling in a box, so you may notice:
- Minor leaf drop
- Soil that shifted slightly in the pot
- Temporary drooping from being in a darker environment
In most cases, your plant perks up quickly once it’s unboxed, watered (if needed), and placed in the proper environment.
Unboxing Your Plants
When your plants arrive, we recommend:
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Open carefully (avoid cutting into foliage)
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Remove all packing materials
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Check soil moisture (If the soil feels dry, give it a thorough watering)
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Let the plant recover (Give it a little fresh air after shipping)
If you ever have questions or concerns, we’re happy to help!
Our 30-Day Plant Promise
We stand behind every order we ship with our 30-Day Plant Promise.
If your plant dies within 30 days of delivery, we will replace it or refund it. We’ve found that if there are ever issues, they typically show up in the first 30 days- so this guarantee gives our customers real peace of mind.
If anything doesn’t look right, contact us and we’ll help you troubleshoot quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship bare-root plants?
No. We ship in soil with an established root system for the best success after delivery.
How fast will my order ship?
Most orders ship the next business day, unless you request a custom ship date.
Will my plant survive shipping?
Yes. Plants are resilient when packed correctly and shipped quickly. Our process is designed to protect your plant throughout transit.
What if my plant arrives droopy?
This is usually temporary from being in a dark box. Unbox promptly, check moisture, and allow time to adjust. If you’re concerned, reach out—we’re here to help.
Want Bigger Plants?
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The Foxtail Fern thrives Indoors or Zones 9-11 Outdoors. 
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Foxtail Fern. |
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| Mature Height | 2 ft. | |
| Mature Width | 2-3 ft. | |
| Sunlight | Full to Partial Sun | |
| Botanical Name | Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' | |
| The Foxtail Fern thrives Indoors or Zones 9-11 Outdoors. | |
|
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Foxtail Fern.
|
|
| Mature Height | 2 ft. |
| Mature Width | 2-3 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full to Partial Sun |
| Botanical Name | Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' |
Description
Description
Add Instant Structure and Texture with the Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
If you're looking for a plant that brings both strong visual structure and a uniquely soft, fluffy texture to your home or garden, the Foxtail Fern might be exactly what you need. Despite its name, it isn’t a true fern—but it outperforms many true ferns when it comes to versatility, ease of care, and aesthetic appeal. With its upright, plume-like fronds that resemble a fox’s tail, this plant offers an elegant yet architectural look, making it a standout in any plant collection—indoors or out.
Whether you're creating an eye-catching border, planting a low-maintenance groundcover, or simply wanting to add dynamic greenery to your indoor space, the Foxtail Fern offers more than just good looks.
Plant Highlights: Why You’ll Love the Foxtail Fern
- Upright Fronds with Fluffy Texture: Unlike many drooping asparagus ferns, Foxtail Ferns hold their shape with upright, tightly-packed needle-like fronds.
- Architectural Appeal: Grows in dense, symmetrical clumps—perfect for modern landscape designs or to add structure in container arrangements.
- Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care and adapts well to a variety of conditions.
- Dual Purpose: Ideal for indoor houseplant use or outdoor landscaping in USDA zones 8–11.
- Seasonal Interest: Can produce delicate white flowers followed by bright red berries in the summer (berries are toxic if ingested, so they’re best enjoyed visually).
A Visual Powerhouse in Any Setting
The Foxtail Fern stands out thanks to its dense, upright plumes of bright green foliage. The fronds are made up of tiny, soft needle-like leaves that feel fluffy to the touch but are surprisingly tough and durable. Unlike traditional ferns that tend to arch or sprawl, Foxtail Ferns grow upright in firm, fountain-like tufts. This gives them a very neat, organized appearance, even in wild or tropical settings.
When mature, each plant can reach about 2-3 feet tall and wide, forming a lush, rounded mound of foliage. This tidy, self-contained shape makes it especially useful in tight garden spaces, planter boxes, or entryway pots.
Not a Fern, But Better in Many Ways
Although it’s called a fern, the Foxtail Fern is part of the asparagus family. This gives it a distinct advantage: it’s tougher, more adaptable, and more drought-resistant than many true ferns. It shares lineage with the common Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus), but it’s less invasive and far more upright in growth habit.
Its stems are not technically fronds, but rather modified stems (cladodes) that perform photosynthesis and give the plant its unique appearance. This biological structure makes the Foxtail Fern more resilient to light fluctuations and environmental changes than many of its botanical cousins.
Indoor Use: Sculptural and Stylish
Bringing the Foxtail Fern indoors adds both style and greenery without the need for complicated care routines. It thrives in bright, indirect light, making it perfect for sunny windows, entryways, or living rooms. Its vertical, fluffy plumes act like a natural sculpture, giving any space a clean, modern vibe while still feeling lush and organic.
Indoor Benefits:
- Improves air quality
- Adds soft visual contrast to structured interiors
- Low mess: Unlike some leafy plants, Foxtail Ferns rarely shed
- Doesn’t outgrow its pot quickly due to moderate growth rate
Outdoor Use: Low-Maintenance Structure for Beds, Borders & Containers
In the landscape, the Foxtail Fern is incredibly adaptable. It performs beautifully as a groundcover, planted en masse to create lush, green mounds that soften the edges of paths or garden beds. It also works well in mixed borders, particularly in tropical or Mediterranean-style gardens, where its texture complements broad-leaved plants like canna lilies or hostas.
It is also exceptional in containers, whether used alone for a minimalist look or paired with trailing plants and colorful annuals for a dynamic display. In zones 8–11, you can plant it directly in the ground and expect it to return year after year. In colder climates, it can be overwintered indoors.
Seasonal Interest: Subtle Blooms and Color Pop
In summer, your Foxtail Fern might surprise you with small white or pale-pink blooms, which are often followed by bright scarlet-red berries. While not guaranteed every year, these seasonal touches offer a pop of unexpected color and can add to the plant's decorative value—especially outdoors or on patios.
Important note: The berries are toxic if ingested, so this plant is best placed out of reach of pets or children if fruiting indoors. That said, many indoor plants rarely fruit without strong sunlight, so this concern is minimal in lower-light homes.
Interesting Facts About the Foxtail Fern
- Not invasive like some other Asparagus species. It grows in tidy mounds and stays where you plant it.
- Used in floral arrangements thanks to its long-lasting, arching stems.
- Drought-tolerant once established, making it a great low-maintenance choice for xeriscapes.
- Can be divided to propagate more plants from an existing clump.
- Root system includes tubers, which store water and nutrients—another reason this plant handles neglect better than many.
Who Is This Plant Perfect For?
The Foxtail Fern is ideal for:
- Design-focused homeowners looking for plants with strong form and unique texture.
- Beginner plant parents who want a forgiving indoor or outdoor plant.
- Gardeners in warm zones (USDA 8–11) seeking reliable, evergreen groundcover.
- Container gardeners who need versatile, structural greenery.
- People with busy schedules who can’t tend to plants every day but still want something vibrant and healthy-looking.
Final Thoughts: Why the Foxtail Fern Deserves a Spot in Your Space
The Foxtail Fern is the kind of plant that makes you look like a pro—even if you’re not. Its fluffy, bright green foliage looks high-maintenance but asks for very little. It’s structured without being rigid, lush without being wild, and just unique enough to turn heads without stealing the spotlight.
If you’re ready to add a hardworking, evergreen performer to your home or landscape, the Foxtail Fern is one of the smartest choices you can make, especially with Free Shipping!