The branched asphodel is a species with a strictly Mediterranean distribution which is present in all regions of Central and Southern Italy, in Emilia-Romagna and Liguria (no longer found in recent times in the Marche). It grows in uncultivated ground, scrubland and grasslands, on dry soils rich in skeleton; its presence is indicative of degradation of the pastures. The species is very common in the pastures of Sardinia and sporadically colonizes the outer belt of the Mediterranean temporary ponds. The plant is toxic for the presence of several alkaloids: in Greek mythology it was the symbol of the dead. The generic name derives from the Greek 'a' (not), 'spodos' (ash), and 'elos' (valley) and therefore means 'the plant which has not been reduced to ashes in the valleys'; the species name refers to the branched inflorescences. Flowering period: March to May.

Italian name(s): Asfodelo mediterraneo (Italia), Asfodelo microcarpo (Italia), Asfodelo ramoso (Italia), Porraccio (Italia).