Asphodelus fistulosus
onion-leafed asphodel
Mediterranean, North Africa, south-western Asia
Overview
Asphodelus fistulosus is a short-lived perennial or annual herb in the Asphodelaceae forming a basal tuft of hollow, cylindrical, onion-like leaves 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long and sending up branched flowering stems 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) tall. The leaves are slender, hollow, and slightly fleshy, rising from a short crown with fibrous roots. Star-shaped flowers about 0.5-0.8 inch (12-20 mm) across open along the stems, white to pale pink with a brown or reddish midvein on each of the six tepals. Flowers open in daytime over a long season. Small rounded capsules follow, each holding several seeds. The plant grows quickly from seed, flowers within the first year, and self-sows heavily. It is a declared weed in parts of Australia and the United States, invading roadsides, pasture, and disturbed ground. It competes with pasture and native ground flora on dry, poor soils.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and south-western Asia. Widely naturalised in dry temperate and semi-arid regions, including parts of southern Australia and the southern United States, where it grows on roadsides, overgrazed pasture, and disturbed sandy or rocky ground.Suggested Uses
Rarely planted intentionally because of its weedy, self-seeding habit, and listed as a declared weed in several regions. Occasionally grown in dry gravel or Mediterranean-style plantings in its native range, spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Its invasive tendency limits use in most gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'4"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Flowers over a long season from winter through spring into early summer, roughly July to November in the southern hemisphere, with scattered flowering at other times in mild climates. Individual flowers last a day, opening in sequence up the stems. Heavy seed set follows.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pink with brown midveinFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in most well-drained soils, including poor, sandy, and rocky ground, and tolerates extended drought. Needs no irrigation once established and persists on neglected sites. It self-sows prolifically and forms dense stands that are difficult to remove. Removing flower stems before seed set limits spread. Where it is a declared weed, control follows local management requirements. It has no significant pest or disease problems.Pruning
Cut or remove flowering stems before seed matures to reduce self-seeding. Whole plants can be dug out, including the crown, to prevent regrowth. Cut stems left on the ground can still ripen and shed seed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring