SafePlants

Asphodelus: A Botanical Overview

Asphodelus is a genus of primarily perennial plants that was formally described in 1753. The name Asphodelus serves as both the scientific name for the genus and a common name.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species, like Asphodelus aestivus, have narrow, sword-like leaves.

Considerations for Children

• Some species, like Asphodelus aestivus, have narrow, sword-like leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Asphodelaceae (sometimes Xanthorrhoeaceae)
• Kingdom: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
• Species: The genus contains approximately 20 species. Examples mentioned include Asphodelus albus, Asphodelus aestivus, Asphodelus ramosus, Asphodelus microcarpus, Asphodelus fistulosus and Asphodelus tenuifolius.
• Subspecies: Examples include Asphodelus bento-rainhae ssp. bento-rainhae and Asphodelus bento-rainhae ssp. salmanticus, Asphodelus albus subsp. subalpinus, Asphodelus albus var. delphinensis, and Asphodelus albus var. monticola.
• Synonyms/Common Names: Other names for plants in this genus include White asphodel (for Asphodelus albus), Common Asphodel, Hollow-stemmed Asphodel (Asphodelus fistulosus), onion weed, common onion weed, hollow stemmed asphodel, onion asphodel, onionweed, and wild onion.

Distribution and Habitat

• Asphodelus species are native to temperate Europe, North Africa, and Asia, particularly the Mediterranean region.
• They are commonly found in dry, stony soils around the Mediterranean.
• Specific locations mentioned include Malta, Gozo, Portugal, and Western Australia (where some species are naturalized).
• In Italy, they can be found in fallow arid fields and pastures.
• In the United States, some species like Asphodelus fistulosus can be found in California, New Mexico, and Texas, in fields, pastures, roadsides, coastal dunes, and orchards.

Ecological Role

• Some Asphodelus species, such as Asphodelus fistulosus in Western Australia and California, are considered alien or naturalized.
• They can dominate degraded terrains in the Mediterranean basin.
• Asphodelus fistulosus is classified by the U.S. Federal Government.

Morphological Characteristics

• Asphodelus species can be rhizomatous perennials or annuals.
• They typically form clumps of linear basal leaves.
• Stems are leafless and bear racemes or panicles of star-shaped flowers.
• Asphodelus albus is a perennial growing to 1 meter (3ft 3in) in height and 0.5 meters (1ft 8in) in width.
• Asphodelus aestivus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 meter (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
• Asphodelus aestivus has gray-green narrow sword-like leaves reaching 12-18 inches in height.
• A. tenuifolius is an erect annual, monocotyledonous herb with yellowish roots in young plants and dark brown roots at maturity.

Quirky Facts

• The Asphodel (Asphodelus ramosus) is said to fill the plains of Hades in Greek mythology. It was considered the favorite food of the dead.
• One source states that there is a cross on the bulb "because Asphodelus means 'My regrets follow you to the grave'".

Further Information

• MaltaWildPlants.com provides an online database of wild plants growing on the islands of Malta and Gozo, including profiles for Asphodelus species.
• Linnaean Herbarium has several items related to Asphodelus including LINN 431.5 Asphodelus sp. and LINN 431.6 Asphodelus capensis.
• ARKive offers photos and facts about Asphodelus.
• Avon Bulbs sells Asphodelus albus online.