Asphodeline liburnica - Jacob's Rod

Asphodeline liburnica, sometimes called Jacob's Rod because of its resemblance to Asphodeline lutea, is a distinct Mediterranean species displaying a more flexible habit, finer foliage and more delicate, somewhat lighter flowers that bloom later in the season. This perennial produces tall stems adorned with beautiful light and bright yellow flowers, reminiscent of lilies or very delicate daylilies. They seem to emerge from a graceful clump, reminiscent of fennel. Ideal in a dry garden, it likes heat but adapts well to cool regions as long as the soil is very well drained and hardy. Stunning in a natural, water-saving garden, it is perfect in poor and rocky soils.

Asphodeline liburnica is a plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family, along with lilies. It is native to the regions of the eastern Mediterranean basin, especially Greece, where it grows in somewhat humid areas and clear undergrowth, while Asphodeline lutea emerges from rocky areas and arid pastures. This tuberous-rooted perennial forms a clump of leafy stems, reaching a height of 80 cm (32 in) to 1 m (3 ft) when in bloom and a width of about 50 cm (20 in). The very light, linear, narrow foliage, more abundant towards the bottom of the sparsely branched stems, is greyish-green in colour. Flowering takes place from June-July to August, depending on the climate. It is earlier in Mediterranean climates but follows that of Asphodeline lutea. The light yellow flowers with 6 thin petals arranged in a star shape open in the morning and close in the evening. They are located towards the often branched end of rigid stems. Its foliage persists in winter while it disappears after flowering. The plant easily self-seeds in the driest areas of the garden.

Asphodelines find their place in rockeries and scree gardens but are also superb when isolated in paving. Their grass-like foliage pairs well with plants with wide leaves such as large sedums, the round and velvety foliage of Ballota pseudodictamnus or the round and thorny mass of Sarcopoterium spinosum, as well as blue summer blooms. Salvia chamaedryoides, Perovskia 'Blue Spire', and lavenders are lovely companions for this remarkably architectural, yet simple, yellow flower, .

Some believe that Asphodeline lutea and Asphodeline liburnica are two identical species, but when seen side by side, the difference in overall silhouette, habit, and flowering is clearly noticeable.