WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Widespread throughout Southern and central England but scarce, scattered elsewhere. It exists in highest quantities around Bath and Keynsham on towards Bristol. Some think it was introduced in to England by the Romans, however it is believed to be native and that its very restricted distribution is due to its large seeds, making seed dispersal very tricky. Habitats include: woodland (Ash and Elm), hedgerows, road side verges rough grassy banks on calcareous soils, lane sides etc. Sometimes grown in gardens and escapes. Other names include: Prussian Asparagus, Wild Asparagus, Pyrenees Star of Bethlehem, Spiked Star of Bethlehem. It was formerly harvested, sometimes on a commercial scale, as an equivalent to asparagus which is where it gets the name from. lowers: June to July. Height: Up to 6 cm. Perennial.