Asphodelus aestivus - Common Asphodel

This is a member of the Lily family of plants - Liliaceae - and is extremely common throughout the Mediterranean countries along with Hollow-stemmed Asphodel which has a darker and more pronounced pink stripe on its flower petals and flowers slightly later than Common Asphodel.

Often appearing as early as December, Common Asphodel can form vast stands and appear to dominate large areas. It is fond of disturbed and abandoned agricultural land but can appear almost anywhere including close to the sea. It flowers from December and can be found right through until June. The plants are disliked by grazing animals, which probably accounts for its vast numbers.

This specimen was photographed in the Algarve, Portugal in April.