Narthecium ossifragum - Bog Asphodel - (Liliaceae)

Bog Asphodel is widespread in Ireland, and in the UK is more common in the north and west.

Bog Asphodel

Golden yellow spikes of Bog Asphodel photographed in mid Wales.

Often more familiar in autumn and winter from its overall orange colour as Bog Asphodel fruits, the flowers actually appear from June to August and can create a good display - as above in mid-Wales in July.

The orange seed heads of Bog Asphodel

The orange seedheads of of Bog Asphodel which persisit well into winter

Narthehicum ossigragum

Bog Asphodel likes marshy ground and is usually found up in the hills on heaths and moors. The yellow, star-like flowers are most attractive when viewed up close. Over the years the plant has been used to make yellow dye, and also as a substitute for saffron in cooking. The Latin name ossifragrum refers to the belief that the legs of sheep that grazed on the plant became brittle and broke easily. There is no evidence to support this, and it is more likely that the terrain favoured by Bog Asphodel which is treacherous, and the fact that it also tends to be low in nutrients, was the real cause of such injuries to flocks of animals.

The plants on this page were photographed in mid-Wales in July.