Herbs

Wild Onion

Asphodelus fistulosus

Often in alkaline, sandy or well drained soil in Winter rainfall areas. Seed very resilient in soil.

• Family Asphodelaceae
• Origin Mediterranean
• Habit Annual, Bi-ennial or short lived perennial herb with rigid hollow stems that form a large onion like tuft to growing to 75 cm.
• Leaves Hollow onion-like leaves to 30 cm
• Flowers In Spring are white or very pale pink, 1.5 – 2 cm and grow alternately along the stem. They have a longitudinal strip of brown to red purple and close at night or in low light
• Fruit A rounded capsule divided into 3 segments each with 1-2 seeds
• Roots Not a true onion, does not have a bulb, but tuber like parts as base of stem
• Dispersal Seeds spread on vehiclesm machinery, animals, clothing, running water
• Control Hand pull small infestations. For larger infestations spray with registered herbicide.

Reported to cause dermatitis.

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