'Mary Washington' is an heirloom variety with rust-resistant, uniform stalks. Asparagus is a hardy perennial with thick, succulent shoots that are harvested in April to early May, leaving younger shoots for future growth. Asparagus is high in vitamin K and many minerals. It needs to be planted in well-drained soil, with careful selection of the site, considering that it will continue to grow for 15 to 20 years. It also makes an attractive perennial, with airy fine-textured foliage. The branches are covered with clusters of tiny short stems called “cladules” that look like needle-like leaves. Flowers are tiny greenish-white bells. The plants turn bright yellow in the fall. In the wild, female plants produce inedible red berries. Native to Eurasia, it sometimes shows up as a weed in the Midwest. Commercially, male clones are usually sold.