Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Bog Asphodel

Facts
Scientific Name: 
Narthecium ossifragum
Height: 
Up to 45cm
Also Known As: 
Bone-breaker, Lancashire Asphodel, Maiden's Hair, Moor-Golds, Yellow-grass
Information
Description: 

This plant, which is a perennial herb produces yellow star shaped flowers on the end of upright, leafless stems. The plants anthers are a bright orange-yellow colour and once the flowering stage is over, the stems turn a deep saffron colour. It spreads by means of creeping rhizomes but also produces seeds.

Distribution: 

Common throughout the U.K. less so in the midlands and parts of eastern England, possibly due to loss of habitat.

Habitat: 

Grows in boggy ground, wet heaths and moorland and wet acid habitats but cannot tolerate shade. The plant has declined over the years as a result of the drainage of suitable habitats.

Status: 

Not threatened.

Did You Know?: 

The plant was once used as a dye substitute for Saffron.