Common asphodel
Asphodelus aestivus

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae

What it is like

A clump forming herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 100 cm high. It spreads 60 cm wide. It has several fleshy roots. The leaves near the base are long and flat. They are strap like. They are grey-green and 12-30 mm wide. The flowering stems have short, side branches. The flowers are 20-30 mm wide. The flowers are star shaped and white. There is a central brown stripe on each petals. The fruit is a capsule 6-8 mm across.

There are 12 Asphodelus species. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows on rocky places and waste ground. It can grow in dry salty soil. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, Arabia, Australia, Balkans, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, France, Greece, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The spindle shaped tubers are eaten. The stems and roots produce sugar.

Edible parts

Root, stem, seeds, tuber, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by division.

Its other names

Local names

Cebollina, Poletni zlati koren

Synonyms

Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. et Viv.;