Family: Nartheciaceae
Author: (L.) Huds.
Bibliography: Fl. Angl.: 128 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Narthecium
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Sweden to N. Portugal
Description
Bog-asphodel, scientifically known as Narthecium ossifragum, is a fascinating and distinctive plant that belongs to the family Nartheciaceae. This perennial herbaceous plant can be primarily found in the regions extending from Southeastern Sweden down to Northern Portugal.
The genus name ‘Narthecium’ signifies its affiliation within the botanical hierarchy, and ‘ossifragum’ is derived from Latin, meaning “bone-breaking.” Historically, it was believed that the plant caused brittle bones in livestock that grazed upon it, although it is now understood that the poor soil quality where the plant thrives was likely the true cause of the condition.
Bog-asphodel features vibrant, star-shaped yellow flowers that typically blossom during the summer months. These striking blooms present a visually captivating display in the wet, boggy habitats it prefers. The plant’s blooming period is a particularly enchanting sight, often turning parts of the moorlands into golden fields of color.
This hardy plant grows amidst the acid bogs and wet heaths, which makes it a crucial component of its native ecosystems. The presence of Narthecium ossifragum can be indicative of the health of these particular habitats, as it thrives in environments that are relatively undisturbed and possess specific soil and moisture conditions.
First documented in 1762 under the bibliographic reference “Fl. Angl.: 128,” the plant was later classified by the author Huds., (short for Hudson.) Through the centuries, the Bog-asphodel has intrigued botanists and nature enthusiasts alike, not only for its unique aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological importance and the folkloric legends surrounding it.
In the broader context of plant conservation and wetland preservation, Narthecium ossifragum serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within these ecosystems. Preserving its habitat ensures that this quaint yet vibrant species continues to thrive, maintaining the biodiversity that is crucial to the health of boggy and heathland environments.
Common Names
Deu: beinbrech, beinbrech, ährenlilie
Dan: benbræk, sværd-benbræk
Nld: beenbreek
Nor: bjønbrodd, krøkle-græs, liaa-græs, romme-græs, stikle-græs, sturgræs, valsax
Eng: bog asphodel, bog-asphodel, asphodel
Swe: myrlilja
Fra: narthécie des marais
Sme: jeaggeliljá
Cym: bladurwellt y fawnog, brenhines y gors, gwayw’r brain, gwayw’r brenin, llafn y bladur, serllys y gors
Gla: bliochan
En: Bog-asphodel, Bog asphodel, Asphodel
Ca: Narteci
Cs: Liliovec kostilomka
Da: Almindelig Benbræk, Benbræk, Sværd-benbræk
Nl: Beenbreek
Fi: Suolilja
Fr: Narthécie des marais, Ossifrage, Brise-os, Narthécium
De: Beinbrech, Moor-Ährenlilie, Moorlilie, Beinbrech, Ährenlilie, Ährenlilie
Hu: Közönséges lápcsillag
Ga: Sciollam na móna
Se: Jeaggeliljá
No: Rome, Bjønbrodd, Krøkle-græs, Liaa-græs, Romme-græs, Stikle-græs, Sturgræs, Valsax
Pl: Łomka zachodnia
Gd: Bliochan
Sk: Kostilomka obyčajná
Sv: Myrlilja
Cy: Llafn y bladur, Bladurwellt y Fawnog, Brenhines y Gors, Gwayw’r Brain, Gwayw’r Brenin, Serllys y Gors
Synonyms
- Tofieldia ossifraga ((L.) Chaub.)
- Narthecium anthericoides (Hoppe ex Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
- Narthecium palustre (Bubani)
- Phalangium ossifragum ((L.) Muhl. ex Steud.)
- Abama ossifraga ((L.) DC.)
Distribution
- Belgium (native)
- Denmark (native)
- France (native)
- Føroyar (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- Norway (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Aug 20, 2018 by Michel Laval (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Mark Radcliffe (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2020 by Sébastien Sébastien YAZINSKI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Léo TETREL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Anna Childs (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 17, 2022 by rinnie wilbers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2020 by Manuel Ibanez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Claudine Feinte (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2019 by Chrissy Lanser (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 22, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Pampanoni Valerio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Jakub Jan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2022 by Chris Challis (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 6, 1875 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Alain LÉTRANGE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2021 by Alyona Appel (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 1, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5602614)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:538658-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Narthecium ossifragum (L.) Huds.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 4.5
Ph minimum: 4.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 8
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 2