Asphodelus aestivus, commonly known as Summer Asphodel, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, including the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It thrives in open grasslands, meadows, and rocky places, often on calcareous soils. This geophyte has an underground storage organ, allowing it to endure extreme conditions such as heat and drought. Summer Asphodel typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm, with a spread of 15-30 cm. It features linear, fleshy leaves and erect stems topped with racemes of star-shaped, pink and white flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers are particularly showy and attract pollinators. In the Algarve, flowering may begin as early as late April.

Summer Asphodel is valued for its drought tolerance and striking floral display, making it suitable for rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and Mediterranean-style landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance once established. For optimal growth, it prefers full sun and well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil. While it is generally disease-free, it can be harmful to grazing livestock when leaves are fresh. It is important to be cautious with this plant as it can become invasive outside its native range, particularly in similar Mediterranean climates.CC BY-SA 4.0