Onionweed
Asphodelus fistulosus

Family: Asphodelaceae

What it is like

Asphodelus fistulosus is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. 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.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry sandy or rocky places in fields, track-sides and uncultivated ground.

S. Europe - Mediterranean. W. Asia.

Conservation Status: Status: Least Concern

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - cooked. The root is fibrous according to one report whilst another says that the swollen root has radical root fibres. The plant is eaten as a vegetable, records of 'edible bulbs' seem to be erroneous.

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

Medicine

Rating: 1

The seed is diuretic. It is also applied externally to ulcers and inflamed parts of the body. The seed contains oils rich in linoleic acid and are of value in preventing atherosclerosis.

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

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating: 0

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

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 in a soil that is not too rich. Grows well on hot dry banks. This species is often a short-lived perennial, though it is not very hardy in Britain. This has contributed to the mistaken belief that it is an annual. A covering of bracken overwinter is usually ample protection in most districts. Asphodelus fistulosus has become a noxious weed in California and in other places with Mediterranean climates worldwide. The flowers are sweetly scented. 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: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

This plant can be weedy or invasive. An invasive exotic weed in the US, with significant infestations in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Also a common weed in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico, and it thrives in any area with a Mediterranean climate.

Its other names

Local names

Hollow-stemmed asphodel, wild onion, onionweed, onion-leafed asphodel, and pink asphodel.

Synonyms

A. tenuifolius. Cav.