Ornithogalum pyrenaicum

Ornithogalum pyrenaicum, also known as Bath Asparagus, is a perennial plant species in the family Asparagaceae. It is native to western Europe, from the British Isles to Spain and Portugal, and also occurs in the Channel Islands.

Description

Ornithogalum pyrenaicum is a bulbous perennial plant. It grows to a height of 30–75 cm (12–30 in). The leaves are linear, 15–30 cm (6–12 in) long and 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) broad. The flowers are produced in a tall spike of 10-30 white star-shaped flowers, each flower 1.5-2.5 cm (0.6-1.0 in) diameter with six tepals.

Distribution and habitat

Ornithogalum pyrenaicum is native to western Europe, from the British Isles to Spain and Portugal, and also occurs in the Channel Islands. It is found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, scrub, and grassland, typically on calcareous soils.

Cultivation and uses

Ornithogalum pyrenaicum is cultivated as a garden plant, and has become naturalised in a few places outside its native range. The young shoots are edible and have been used as a vegetable in the same manner as asparagus. This has led to its common name, Bath Asparagus, as it was particularly associated with the English city of Bath.

Conservation

Ornithogalum pyrenaicum is not currently considered to be at risk. However, like all wild plants, it is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to uproot any wild plant without the landowner's permission.

See also

• List of Ornithogalum species
• Asparagaceae