Asphodel, Gamón-blanco
Asphodelus albus

Family: Asphodelaceae

What it is like

Asphodelus albus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Ploughed fields, rough ground, dry hills and mountain meadows.

S. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The root was at one time eaten as a food but, since it contains the alkaloid asphodeline, this is not really very advisable.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The tubers are antidermatosic, detergent, emollient and vulnerary. They are mainly used externally in the treatment of skin conditions and for lightening freckles. They have also been employed internally as a cough remedy. The tubers are harvested in the spring and dried for later use. Use internally with caution, especially if you are suffering from nephritis or gastritis.

Antidermatosic: Prevents or cures skin complaints.

Detergent: A cleansing agent, used on wounds etc. It removes dead and diseased matter.

Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 2

An alcohol can be obtained from the fermented roots.

Alcohol: Used for fuel etc. (this is wood alcohol, it is not the sort that can be drunk.

How it is grown

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, tolerating partial shade. Requires a well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Prefers a deep rich sandy loamy soil. Prefers a soil that is not too rich and a sunny position. Grows well on hot dry banks and in thin grass. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. When the plants are large enough to handle, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring or autumn.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The root is poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. macrocarpus.