Asphodelus aestivus

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

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

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Stem Edible Uses: Tuber - cooked[4]. Rich in starch[89, 177]. Dried and boiled in water it yields a mucilaginous matter which can be mixed with grain to make a nutritious bread[4, 105]. Boiling destroys the acrid principle in the tubers[4], rendering them quite pleasant to eat[K]. Flowering stalk - cooked[89, 148]. Seed - roasted[89, 148].

Medicinal Uses

Acrid Antispasmodic Diuretic Emmenagogue The root, gathered at the end of its first year, is acrid, antispasmodic, diuretic, emmenagogue[4]. It was used in the treatment of several diseases by the Greeks and Romans, but is not employed in modern medicine[4].

Known Hazards

None known