Anthericum ramosum

Branched St. Bernard's Lily Asparagaceae

A handsome, clump-forming perennial producing a fountain of narrow, grass-like leaves, above which rise slender, much-branched stems carrying clouds of sparkling white, starry flowers in summer. Unlike the unbranched flower stems of Anthericum liliago, this species rather enthusiastically branches, giving it a lighter and more graceful appearance — hence the Latin ramosum, meaning ‘branched’. The flowers are carried in loose, elegant panicles and are particularly effective when allowed to mingle with grasses and other summer perennials.

Native across much of Europe, extending eastwards through European Russia, the Caucasus and the Balkans to northern Türkiye, with populations ranging from Scandinavia and Central Europe southwards into Spain, Greece and the Balkans. It is typically found in sunny, relatively dry grassland, open woodland, woodland margins and often calcareous soils. 

The nomenclature has had rather more of a wander than the plant itself. Anthericum ramosum was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in Species Plantarum, and remains the accepted name. Over the years it has been shuffled through several genera, including Ornithogalum, Liliago and Phalangium — botanical taxonomy having apparently decided that one genus was not nearly enough. Anthericum ramosum is now firmly placed in Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. 

Height: 60–90 cm
Spread: 40–60 cm
Flowers: June–August
Hardiness: Fully hardy

Best grown in full sun to light shade in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Once established it is surprisingly tolerant of dry conditions and is particularly good for naturalistic planting, prairie-style schemes and the lighter edge of woodland. A very useful plant for adding height without bulk — essentially the botanical equivalent of someone who enters a room quietly and then proceeds to occupy the entire conversation.