Asphodelus Microcarpus

Branched asphodel, now usually treated as Asphodelus ramosus, is a commanding Mediterranean perennial with a broad clump of long, blue-green, sword-like leaves. From the centre rise branching stems carrying many white star-shaped flowers, each petal marked by a distinct brown or reddish central stripe. The flowers open progressively and are followed by rounded green seed capsules that mature to brown. Asphodels have been associated with burial grounds and the afterlife since ancient Greek times, giving the plant a strong cultural history as well as ornamental value. It excels in sunny, dry and stony gardens.