Asparagus officinalis. Open Pollinated. Perennial. UC 72 Asparagus. The plant produces heavy yields of dark green asparagus spears. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable, so you plant it just once and enjoy season after season. It is usually larger than the Mary Washington variety. Heat Tolerant. Drought Tolerant. It was developed at UC Davis for better production and tolerance to Fusarium Wilt. An excellent choice for home gardens, farmer’s markets, and market growers. United States Department of Agriculture, CIxt 65. Disease Resistant: FCRR. FW.