It has been reclassified in the genus Asparagus by W. Wight in 1909, or Myrsiphyllum by Carl Ludwig von Willdenow in 1808.

[2] Asparagus asparagoides grows as a herbaceous vine with a scrambling or climbing habit which can reach 3 m (10 ft) in length.

[3] It has shiny green leaf-like structures (phylloclades) which are flattened stems rather than true leaves.

The seeds are readily spread in the droppings of birds, rabbits and foxes, as well as the plant extending its root system.

[7] In New Zealand, A. asparagoides is listed under the National Pest Plant Accord and is classified as an "unwanted organism".