Onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus)

Family: Asphodelaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Asphodelus fistulosus is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - cooked. The root is fibrous according to one report whilst another says that the swollen root has radical root fibres. The plant is eaten as a vegetable, records of 'edible bulbs' seem to be erroneous. — The root is fibrous according to one report whilst another says that the swollen root has radical root fibres.; The plant is eaten as a vegetable, records of 'edible bulbs' seem to be erroneous.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry sandy or rocky places in fields, track-sides and uncultivated ground. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)