Asphodelus fistulosus

LILIACEAE
Onion weed


Native to Southern Europe & Northern Africa & Western Asia.
Common naturalised species particularly found in Southern parts of Australia, VIC, NSW, WA, QLD & southern NT. Pastures, rangelands, open woodlands, grasslands, disturbed sites, cropping areas, common along roadsides.
A tufted herbaceous plant 20-80cm tall. Onion-like leaves, cylindrical, hollow & elongated, 2.5 to 7mm thick.
Flowers arranged on the upper stems on short stalks, white or pinkish with a reddish stripe down its center ,6 petals, 15 to 20 mm across. Flowering Spring & Summer. Most plants do not flower in their first year.
Fruit is an almost round capsule, 4 to 7mm across, divided into 3 compartments containing 1 or 2 seeds. Turning from green to pale red-brown or sandy brown. Seeds are dispersed by wind, water, machinery or mud. Germinates at any time of year mostly late Summer & Autumn.
Regarded as an environmental weed of high invasive nature, competitive with native & pastoral species. Not eaten by stock.
Dig out isolated plants being careful to remove root pieces before flowering. Increase the level of cultivation. Spray larger areas on advice of the local herbicide retailer in Winter to Spring.