White asphodel (Asphodelus albus, Gard. Dict. ed. 8.: n.° 3 (1768))

Family: Asphodelaceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8.: n.° 3 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asphodelus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: W. France to WC. Spain and W. Alps

Description

White asphodel, scientifically known as Asphodelus albus, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. First described by Mill. in 1768, this striking plant has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.

White asphodel is native to Western France, extending to Western Central Spain and the Western Alps. It thrives in sunny meadows, grassy slopes, and light woodlands, flourishing at elevations up to 2,000 meters. The plant is well-adapted to diverse environmental conditions, preferring well-drained, poor, and rocky soils, which makes it a resilient addition to various garden types.

Characterized by its erect, sturdy stems that rise from a basal rosette of long, fleshy leaves, Asphodelus albus can grow up to 1.2 meters in height. The plant boasts a spectacular floral display, particularly noted in late spring to early summer, when it produces dense clusters of star-shaped white flowers, each approximately 2-3 cm in diameter. These blooms are arranged on tall, racemose inflorescences that create a visually appealing spike-like formation.

The flowers of the white asphodel are not only attractive to the human eye but also play a critical role in pollinator support. They are a desirable food source for various insects, including bees and butterflies, which contribute to the propagation of this species through pollination.

White asphodel has been a subject of folklore and tradition. In ancient Greek mythology, it was associated with the afterlife, where asphodel meadows were believed to be the dwelling place of souls. This historical significance adds a layer of intrigue and cultural richness to the plant.

Despite its ethereal beauty, the white asphodel is also recognized for its robustness. It is relatively low-maintenance once established, making it suitable for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant specimen. Gardeners appreciate it for its ability to add height, texture, and a touch of elegance to landscape designs.

In summary, Asphodelus albus, or white asphodel, is a plant brimming with beauty, historical significance, and ecological value. Its striking white flowers, adaptability, and ease of care make it a cherished addition to gardens and natural spaces across its native regions.

Common Names

Dan: hvid affodil
Swe: afodill
Spa: gamón-blanco
Eng: white asphodel
Cym: cilgain wen
En: White asphodel, Gamón-blanco, Asphodel, King’s Sear
Ar: بروق أبيض
Eu: Anbulo zuria
Bg: Бял бърдун
Ca: Albó de muntanya
Zh: 白阿福花
Cs: Asfodel bílý, Kopíčko
Da: Hvid Affodil
Nl: Witte affodil
Et: Valge tooneliilia
Fi: Valkosoihtu
Fr: Asphodèle blanc, Bâton royal, Bâton-blanc
Gl: Abrótega
De: Weißer Affodill, Kaiseraffodill, Weißer-Affodill
El: Ασφόδελος
Hu: Genyőte
It: Asfodelo montano
Pt: Abrótea-da-primavera
Ru: Асфоделус белый
Sk: Asfodel biely
Es: Gamón-blanco, Gamón blanco
Sv: Afodill
Zh-tw: 日影蘭
Cy: Cilgain wen

Synonyms

• Asphodelus ramosus subsp. albus ((Mill.) Baker)
• Asphodelus ramosus var. albus ((Mill.) Fiori)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 26, 2019 by camarcam78 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2018 by Jean-Rémy mallard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2017 by patrick locheron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2019 by Aitor Ramiro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by cequoideja (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Jean-Marc LASSERRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2021 by Martina Pizzi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by s marisa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Aurélia et JChris Courte-Barbary (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Aurélia et JChris Courte-Barbary (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 23, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2017 by jose (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.

Leaf

Taken Feb 21, 2018 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2020 by Gabriella Gabriella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by de Vicente Nacho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 23, 2021 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Aurélien (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 12, 2020 by gear box (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by bob bob petra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2021 by gerardo santalla (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Sébastien Baratchart (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2778457)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:531456-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asphodelus albus Mill.)

Specifications

Growth