Asphodelus ramosus, commonly known as the branched asphodel, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean Basin, including southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, and is also found in the Canary Islands. It thrives in open, sunny habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and rocky slopes. It can form dense colonies, especially in disturbed areas. The plant reaches a height of 60-150 cm and features erect, branched stems. Its flowers are showy, with white petals marked by central brown streaks, blooming from April to June. The leaves are long, narrow, and gray-green in color.

The branched asphodel is appreciated for its striking inflorescences and is used ornamentally in rock gardens and as a border plant. It is drought-tolerant and requires well-drained soil, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it is not commonly used in modern horticulture, it has historical significance and is associated with the Elysian Fields in Greek mythology. It prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining. The plant’s leaves contain alkaloids that can be harmful to livestock, particularly in wet conditions, which is a consideration for those with grazing animals. In traditional medicine, it has been used for various ailments and contains colchicine, a compound used in the treatment of gout.CC BY-SA 4.0