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(c) 2010 Ken Fern & Plants For A Future |
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| (c) 2010 Ken Fern & Plants For A Future |
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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Asphodelus albus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
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.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
A. macrocarpus.
Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:
The root was at one time eaten as a food but, since it contains the alkaloid asphodeline, this is not really very advisable[7].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antidermatosic Detergent Emollient Vulnerary
The tubers are antidermatosic, detergent, emollient and vulnerary[7]. They are mainly used externally in the treatment of skin conditions and for lightening freckles[7]. They have also been employed internally as a cough remedy[7]. The tubers are harvested in the spring and dried for later use[7]. Use internally with caution, especially if you are suffering from nephritis or gastritis[7].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Alcohol
An alcohol can be obtained from the fermented roots[7].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, tolerating partial shade[200]. Requires a well-drained soil and a sheltered position[42]. Prefers a deep rich sandy loamy soil[1, 111]. Prefers a soil that is not too rich and a sunny position[200]. Grows well on hot dry banks and in thin grass[42, 200]. Established plants are drought tolerant[190]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[187]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
The PFAF Bookshop
Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.
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Propagation
Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[134]. 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. When the plants are large enough to handle, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring or autumn[111].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Mill.
Botanical References
50200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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