Asphodelus

Throughout southern Europe, North Africa and across through to eastern Asia, the elegant white asphodels can be seen, isolated, or in drifts on dry hillsides. From a cluster of fleshy, moisture-conserving roots they produce a huddle of long narrow leaves above which their flower stems proudly stand. Flowering normally takes place in spring, with each white to pink tepal, having a contrasting central stripe. Leaves are weirdly slimy to the touch, but inedible to sheep!

The nectar attracts larger bumblebees and honeybees and the easily available pollen masses are eaten by some hoverflies.