Branched st. bernard’s-lily (Anthericum ramosum, Sp. Pl.: 310 (1753))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 310 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Anthericum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to N. Türkiye

Description

The Branched St. Bernard’s-lily, scientifically known as Anthericum ramosum, is a botanical gem that adds a touch of delicate elegance to the landscapes of Europe and northern Türkiye. This perennial herb, belonging to the Asparagaceae family, has been recognized for its graceful inflorescence and resilience, making it a favorite among botanists and gardeners alike.

Characterized by its slender, grass-like leaves, the Branched St. Bernard’s-lily features a striking branched flowering stem, from which it derives its common name. The plant can grow to a modest height, with its unpretentious foliage often providing the perfect backdrop for the star attraction – its flowers. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the lily displays clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers with six slender, pointed petals. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract various pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions where the plant is found.

Anthericum ramosum was first described in 1753, reflecting its long-standing recognition within scientific literature. The description by L. in “Sp. Pl.: 310” highlights its botanical features and the regions it inhabits. This lily thrives in a variety of habitats, from meadows to forest edges, often favoring well-drained, calcareous soils. Its adaptability makes it a resilient species, capable of withstanding different environmental conditions while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Ecologically, it plays a role in supporting local ecosystems. The flowers provide nectar for insects, including bees and butterflies, which in turn help in the pollination process. The plant also acts as a food source for certain species of caterpillars, integrating itself into the intricate web of life within its native habitats.

Cultivating the Branched St. Bernard’s-lily in gardens can bring a touch of natural beauty and a hint of wild elegance to designed landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance once established, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add hardy yet attractive plants to their collections. Proper care involves planting it in a sunny to partially shaded spot, ensuring that the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.

In conclusion, the Branched St. Bernard’s-lily, with its enduring botanical history and charming floral display, signifies more than just a pretty plant. It embodies the resilience and beauty of nature, thriving across diverse landscapes from Europe to the northern regions of Türkiye. Whether appreciated in the wild or cultivated in a garden, Anthericum ramosum continues to be celebrated for its timeless elegance and ecological importance.

Common Names

Dan: grenet edderkopurt
Deu: rispige graslilie, ästige graslilie
Nor: småsandlilje
Eng: branched st. bernard’s-lily, branched st bernard’s-lily
Swe: liten sandlilja, grenig sandlilja, sandlilja
Nld: vertakte graslelie
En: Branched St. Bernard’s-lily, Spider Plant, Branched St Bernard’s lily, Spider plant ̠, Branched St Bernard’s-lily, Branched Saint-Bernard’s-lily, Spider Wort
Be: Бялюк галiнасты
Bg: Разклонен венечник
Cs: Bělozářka větevnatá, Bělozářka větvitá
Da: Grenet Edderkopurt
Nl: Vertakte graslelie
Fi: Haarahietalilja, Pikkuhietalilja
Fr: Phalangère ramifiée, Anthéricum ramifié, Phalangium ramifié, Herbe à l’araignée, Patte-d’araignée, Phalangère rameuse, Phalangium rameux
De: Ästige Graslilie, Rispige Graslilie, Spinnenkraut, Kleine Graslilie
Hu: Ágas homokliliom
It: Lilioasfodelo minore
No: Småsandlilje
Pl: Pajęcznica gałęzista
Ru: Антерикум ветвистый, Венечник ветвистый
Sk: Jagavka konáristá
Sv: Liten sandlilja, Grenig sandlilja, Sandlilja
Uk: Віхалка гілляста
: Branched st. bernard’s-lily

Synonyms

• Phalangites ramosus ((L.) Bubani)
• Pessularia ramosa ((L.) Salisb.)
• Liliago ramosa ((L.) C.Presl)
• Endogona ramosa ((L.) Raf.)
• Anthericum non-scriptum (Poelln.)
• Anthericum dorsetii (Baker)
• Ornithogalum ramosum ((L.) Lam.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (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 Jul 10, 2021 by Ilaria Mosti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Christoph Zirwes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Christoph Zirwes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by Pierre GUDEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Claire Perrachon (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Jundricho V (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Marjorie Berard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Georg Jurceka (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Christoph Zirwes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Leo Nell (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Clélia PULIDO-FERROIS (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Pedrocchi César (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Cristian Zanella Cristian Zanella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Agnès Gallet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by Cristian Zanella Cristian Zanella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Vincent Thery (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 24, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2018 by Fabrice Mélet (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2773942)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:530637-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anthericum ramosum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 3