Asparagus is a large genus of flowering plants , including many different species . One of these is often grown to be pretty , the `` asparagus fern '' , Asparagus setaceus ( although it is not a real fern ) . Schwetzingen claims to be the `` Asparagus Capital of the World '' and holds an annual Spargelfest ( asparagus festival ) in which an Asparagus Queen is crowned .