Ferns of real asparagus, hence how asparagus fern got its name Q. I recently purchased an asparagus fern, which now, after a few weeks of tender loving care has decided to go bonkers.  It is sending up spikes of growth with little or no “leaves” on it!  Should these be trimmed or left alone and see how they end up? A. If these “spikes” look like a spear of asparagus, then that is normal and why it is called an “asparagus” fern. These spikes will “fern out” just like an asparagus spear and will be all bushy again. Just be patient and observe.