Family: Asphodelaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 310 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Asphodelus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Canary Is., Medit. to Iraq
Description
Silverrod, scientifically known as Asphodelus ramosus, is an intriguing perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asphodelaceae. Described initially by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, this plant has held botanical interest for centuries.
Native to regions spanning the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean all the way to Iraq, Silverrod exhibits a remarkable adaptability to various environments. This plant is characterized by its robust stem, which can support an array of beautiful, star-like white flowers arranged in branched racemes. These blooms not only enhance the plant’s ornamental appeal but also play a crucial role in attracting pollinators, thus supporting local ecosystems.
The leaves of Asphodelus ramosus are typically long, narrow, and arranged in a basal rosette, offering a striking contrast to the flower stalks. One of the plant’s distinctive features is its rhizomatous root system, which enables it to survive and thrive in challenging, often arid conditions.
Silverrod’s ecological range extends across various terrains including rocky slopes and sandy soils, reflecting its extraordinary versatility and resilience. This adaptability is especially evident in its ability to withstand drought conditions, making it a valuable species for xeriscaping projects and restoration of degraded landscapes.
Moreover, Asphodelus ramosus has historical significance in traditional medicine and culture. It has been used in various remedial practices, although caution is advised due to its toxic properties if mishandled.
In essence, Silverrod is a remarkable plant that embodies both beauty and hardiness, thriving in diverse climatic regions from the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean basin to the distant terrains of Iraq. Its long-standing botanical presence and ecological importance make it a noteworthy species within the Asphodelaceae family.
Common Names
Swe: grenig afodill
Eng: silverrod
En: Silverrod, Branched Asphodel, Common Asphodel, Royal Staff, Small-fruited Asphodel
Ar: بروق متفرع
Ca: Albó, Albó microcarp
Cs: Afodel větévnatý
Fi: Kartiosoihtu
Fr: Asphodèle ramifié, Asphodèle à petits fruits, Bâton-blanc ramifié
De: Ästiger Affodill, Kleinfrüchtiger Affodil
El: Ασφόδελος ο πολύκλαδος
He: עירית גדולה
It: Asfodelo mediterraneo, Porraccio
Pt: Abrótea, Gamão, Abrótea (botânica)
Es: Asfódel, Gamón común
Sv: Grenig afodill
Synonyms
- Asphodelus albus subsp. ramosus ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Egypt (native)
- France (native)
- Greece (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 5, 2020 by Guillaume coignet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 23, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Rosa Saez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 12, 2018 by Jon Ander Laga (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 23, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 26, 2020 by adamumbe adamumbe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Harry Huettmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Georgia C (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 30, 2022 by joseronchel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Beatriz Carmona Membrive (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 1, 2020 by Otilio José Otilio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Georgia C (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 13, 2021 by joseronchel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Beatriz Carmona Membrive (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 5, 2020 by clorchidea clorchidea (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2021 by Mladen Glavic (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 4, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 10, 2021 by dinkel benjamin (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2022 by Etoile neiges (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 16, 2017 by carmen Pérez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Alduán Jacinto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2021 by Dieter Schwartz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2021 by hatice sarıtaş (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 28, 2021 by Giorgio Fornara (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2022 by Timothée Gonier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Georgia C (cc-by-sa)
© 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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:531548-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2778478)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asphodelus ramosus L.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 3
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]
Soil nutriments: 5