Asphodelus fistulosus 'Onionweed'

[Ex. Corbières 200 m., France]

Asphodelaceae: an annual/short-lived perennial herb to 70cm. Found in dry sandy or rocky places in fields, track-sides and uncultivated ground. The inflorescence is a panicle with widely spaced flowers, each 5-12mm wide with six tepals which are generally white to very pale pink with a neat central longitudinal stripe of brown to reddish-purple. The flowers are diurnal, closing at night and in overcast or low-light weather conditions. Blooming from July-August. The fruit is a rounded capsule containing six seeds. The plant takes the form of a large tuft of onion-like rounded hollow leaves up to 30mm long. The root system has a series of tuber-like parts at the base of the stem.

Native to the Mediterranean region. It is an invasive exotic weed in the United States, with significant infestations in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed by the United States Department of Agriculture. It is also a common weed in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico, and it thrives in any area with a Mediterranean climate.

USES:

There are reports that plant can be eaten as a vegetable, but it is very fibrous.

The seed has diuretic properties. It is also applied externally to ulcers and inflamed parts of the body. The seed contains oils rich in linoleic acid and are of value in preventing atherosclerosis.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in March/April in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 15°C. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, tolerating partial shade. Requires a well-drained soil. Prefers a deep rich sandy loamy soil. Prefers a sunny position in a soil that is not too rich. Grows well on hot dry banks. This species is often a short-lived perennial, though it is not very hardy in Britain, and is normally grown as an annual there. The flowers are sweetly scented.

NOTE: This plant is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

HARVESTED: 2022*
 

APPROX. 50 SEEDS