Asphodeline

Asphodeline is a genus of perennial plants in the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, first described as a genus in 1830. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and the Middle East from Italy and Algeria east to Iran.

Asphodeline has fleshy roots and fragrant, starry flowers that are yellow in May to June. It grows up to 4 ft in well-drained soil. Its foliage is blue-green and grassy, with tall, narrow flower spikes. It takes at least three years before newly planted seedlings flower. The yellow flowers always make an interesting addition to the late-spring garden. The individual flowers on the spikes open in a seemingly random order, and do not last long, being replaced quickly by other flowers.