Bog asphodel - Narthecium ossifragum

Common Name :	Bog asphodel
Binomial Name :	Narthecium ossifragum
Family :	Nartheciaceae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

Botanical Identity

Narthecium ossifragum, commonly known as Bog Asphodel, is a striking herbaceous plant belonging to the Nartheciaceae family. It is native to western Europe, particularly found in acidic bogs and wet heaths in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, and parts of Scandinavia. The species name ossifragum, meaning “bone-breaker,” stems from a historical belief that animals grazing in areas where this plant grows developed brittle bones — although this was likely due to calcium-poor soils rather than the plant itself.

Plant Description

This is a low-growing, perennial herb that forms small tufts or clusters of narrow, grass-like leaves. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and are slightly grooved, often turning orange or reddish in late summer or autumn. The flowering stem is erect, leafless, and typically reaches heights of 20 to 40 cm. Narthecium ossifragum thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor wetlands, especially in areas with consistent moisture and open sunlight. It is well adapted to boggy, peat-rich soils and is often found alongside sphagnum mosses and other moorland flora.

Flowers and Fruit Characteristics

Bog Asphodel produces bright yellow, star-shaped flowers arranged in a dense, upright spike. Each flower has six narrow petals and prominent orange stamens, giving it a vivid and eye-catching appearance. Flowering typically occurs from mid to late summer (June to August). After pollination, the plant develops capsule-like fruits that split open to release numerous small seeds. The vibrant flowering spikes are often a visual highlight in the otherwise subdued tones of bog landscapes.

Uses and Ecological Importance

While not widely used in modern herbal or culinary applications, Narthecium ossifragum holds ecological significance in bogland ecosystems. It serves as a bioindicator of acidic, nutrient-poor soils and contributes to the unique biodiversity of these habitats. The plant is mildly toxic and was historically avoided by livestock. Its presence in bogs highlights the need to conserve such fragile environments, which are important for carbon storage, water regulation, and rare species conservation. Though modest in size, the bright floral display of Bog Asphodel makes it a memorable feature of moor and heathland habitats.


Photos of this Bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum+01) were taken from the following locations:
1) July 2020: Wicklow, Ireland. Near the Lough Ouler.


* All parts of the plant are poisonous.


Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com