code: 710
The attractive black seedheads that follow the flowers have their own appeal
Family: XANTHORRHOEACEAE
Common name: Jacob’s rod, Asphodeline liburnicus
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 80 cm
Maximum Height: 1.2 meters
The upstanding habit and racemes of star-shaped, pale yellow flowers, striped green on the backs of the petals, are quite exceptional combined with tall ornamental grasses, or to add architectural interest to a planting scheme. The spires of golden flowers appear in early summer above clumps of triangular, blue-green, grass-like foliage. The attractive black seedheads that follow the flowers have their own appeal.
Sowing advice:
Sow seeds at any time covering them with compost or grit 5mm deep, in a cool, well-lit spot outdoors. Artificial heat is not needed and can prevent germination. Many species will only germinate in the spring after a good chilling or freezing in the moist seed tray in the winter. Grow on seedlings in small pots before planting out into sharply draining compost in a pot, or the open ground in a well-drained spot.
Medicinal uses:
Medicinal and toxicological properties of Asphodeline liburnicawere studied. The extract showed potent radical scavenging ability and inhibited tyrosinase significantly. Chrysophanol established coordinative bonds with Cu in the enzymatic cavity of tyrosinase in silico.
