Asparagus setaceus, also known as Cloud Pine, Prickly Asparagus, or Cloud Bamboo, can grow up to several meters in height. Its roots are slightly fleshy,with soft and tufted stems that are slender. The stems branch profusely and are nearly smooth. The phylloclades are bristle-like, slightly trigonous; the scale-like leaves have a slightly spiny spur at the base or the spur is indistinct. The flowers are white with short stalks, and the flowering period is from September to October. The berries turn purple-black when ripe, containing 1 to 3 seeds. The fruiting period lasts from winter to the following spring.

The name "Wenzhu" (文竹) means "refined bamboo". Although it is not a true bamboo, its delicate leaves remain evergreen, and the jointed stems resemble bamboo in shape. However, compared to the tall and straight bamboo, it exudes an elegant and unrestrained demeanor, hence the name "Wenzhu". With its slender and beautiful leaves densely arranged like feathery plumes, forming layers of green clouds, and an elegant plant shape full of charm, it is also known as "Yunzhu" (云竹). As an ornamental plant of high aesthetic value, Wenzhu can be placed in the living room or study, not only purifying the air but also adding an intellectual ambiance. Its roots can be used as medicine to treat acute bronchitis, possessing the function of moistening the lungs and relieving cough.

文竹，又称云片松、刺天冬、云竹，高可达几米。文竹根部稍肉质，茎柔软丛生，细长。茎的分枝极多，近平滑。叶状枝，刚毛状，略具三棱；鳞片状叶基部稍具刺状距或距不明显。花白色，有短梗，花期9~10月。浆果熟时呈现紫黑色，有1~3颗种子。果期冬季至翌年春季。

文竹是“文雅之竹”的意思。文竹虽然不是竹，但是它的叶片轻柔，常年翠绿，枝干有节外形似竹，但与挺拔的竹子相比，它又凸显出姿态的文雅潇洒，所以称为文竹。它叶片纤细秀丽，密生如羽毛状，翠云层层，株形优雅，独具风韵，故又有云竹之称。文竹是具有极高的观赏植物，可放置客厅、书房，净化空气的同时也增添了书香气息。以根入药，可治急性气管炎，具有润肺止咳的功能。