Asphodelus aestivus

Family: Asphodelaceae

What it is like

Asphodelus aestivus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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

Rocky places, hills, dry places and on poor uncultivated ground.

S. Europe. N. Africa. W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Tuber - cooked. Rich in starch. Dried and boiled in water it yields a mucilaginous matter which can be mixed with grain to make a nutritious bread. Boiling destroys the acrid principle in the tubers, rendering them quite pleasant to eat. Flowering stalk - cooked. Seed - roasted.

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

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root, gathered at the end of its first year, is acrid, antispasmodic, diuretic, emmenagogue. It was used in the treatment of several diseases by the Greeks and Romans, but is not employed in modern medicine.

Acrid: Causes heat and irritation when applied to the skin.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Other

Rating:

The dried tuber is pulverized and mixed with cold water to make a strong glue that is used by bookmakers and shoemakers. A yellow dye is obtained from the tuber.

Adhesive: Glues.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, tolerating partial shade. Requires a well-drained soil. Prefers a deep rich sandy loamy soil. Prefers a sunny position and a soil that is not too rich. Grows well on hot dry banks. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants are evergreen in mild winters. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. This species is closely related to A. ramosus.

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: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. microcarpus. A. ramosus.