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Description
Narthecium Ossifragum, commonly known as bog asphodel, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Nartheciaceae. It is native to the bogs and wet heaths of Europe, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scandinavia. It grows up to 50 cm tall and produces bright yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. The leaves are long and narrow, resembling grass blades.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Nartheciaceae |
| Genus | Narthecium |
Appearance
Bog asphodel has long, narrow leaves that grow up to 50 cm tall. The leaves are dark green in color and resemble grass blades. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters on a tall stem. Each flower has six petals and six stamens. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and are followed by seed pods.
Care Guide
Water: Bog asphodel prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.Fertilization: Bog asphodel does not require fertilizer.Soil: Bog asphodel prefers acidic, well-draining soil. It can tolerate boggy conditions but does not like to be waterlogged.Sunlight: Bog asphodel can tolerate full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Bog asphodel is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bog asphodel is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if it is planted in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
Bog asphodel is native to bogs and wet heaths in Europe, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scandinavia. It prefers wet, acidic soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can bog asphodel tolerate drought?
A: No, bog asphodel prefers moist soil and does not tolerate drought well.Q: Can bog asphodel grow in full sun?
A: Yes, bog asphodel can tolerate full sun to partial shade.Q: Is bog asphodel invasive?
A: No, bog asphodel is not considered invasive.Q: Can bog asphodel be grown in containers?
A: Yes, bog asphodel can be grown in containers as long as they are kept moist.
Related Plants
- Narthecium Americanum
- Narthecium Asiaticum
- Narthecium Calamagrostis
- Narthecium Nudicaule
References
- “Narthecium ossifragum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292654.
- “Narthecium ossifragum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8470/Narthecium-ossifragum/Details.
- “Bog Asphodel.” The Wildlife Trusts, www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/bog-asphodel.
