The genus includes a variety of extant forms, occurring from rainforest to semi-desert habitats; many are climbing plants.

[3] Approximately 27% of Asparagus species are dioecious and genomic and biogeographic analysis of the genus supports two independent clade-specific transitions from hermaphroditism to dioecy; both events occurred between three to four million years ago in Eurasia and the Mediterranean Basin.

[5] Species in this genus vary in their appearance, from unarmed herbs to wiry, woody climbers with formidable hooked spines that earn them vernacular names such as "cat thorn" and "wag 'n bietjie" (literally "wait a bit").

As of September 2014[update], the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families accepts 212 species of Asparagus, including:[7] A. asparagoides, known as bridal creeper, is a problematic weed in southern Australia.

[11][12] Asparagus asparagoides, A. scandens and A. setaceus are considered potentially destructive in California, growing as the result of escaped seeds; all can still be purchased at major and local garden centers.