Onion weed, Hollow-leaves asphodel
Asphodelus fistulosus
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
What it is like
A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It is erect. It can be 60 cm high. The leaves near the base are long, hollow and like a cylinder. The flowering stems are round and hollow. The flower buds are pink. The open flowers are pink to white. There are 6 petals and orange coloured anthers. The fruit is a wrinkled capsule. It contains 3-6 black wrinkled seeds which are triangle shaped.
There are 12 Asphodelus species. Also put in the family Asphodelaceae.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows on dry, rocky and waste places. It needs well-drained soils. It suits a shaded position. It grows in warm temperate places. It is damaged by drought and frost. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Chile, Europe, France, Greece, India, Italy, Mali, Mediterranean (country/location of origin), New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Saudi Arabia, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Tunisia, USA, West Africa
How it is used for food
The root is cooked and reduced to a pulp then blended with barley and buckwheat flours. The shoots can be steamed, boiled or fried.
It is a famine food.
Edible parts
Root, leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by division.
Its other names
Local names
Asphodel, Bouzlima, Cebollino, Izian, Pink asphodel