Anthericum liliago aka Saint Bernard's Lily

Anthericum liliago is a perennial known as St. Bernard's lily. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Its native range runs from southern Sweden through southern Europe to Türkiye. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild plants grow in dry grasslands, rocky ground, and open woods. In gardens, it forms upright clumps from fleshy, tuberous roots.

Most garden plants reach 1.5–2 feet (0.46–0.61 metres) tall. Their spread is about 1–1.5 feet (0.30–0.46 metres). RHS gives a taller upper limit of 3.3 feet (1 metre). It also records spreads up to 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). Growth starts slowly, but clumps grow larger with time. Plants take about two to five years to reach full size. The narrow green leaves look like blades of grass. NC State gives leaf lengths of 0.33–1.25 feet (0.10–0.38 metres). RHS records leaves up to 1.5 feet (0.45 metres) long. The leaves have no hairs, and the plant sheds its foliage.

White flowers rise above the leaves on tall, upright stems. They form racemes, with blooms spaced along the stem. Each flower has a trumpet-like form that opens into a star. Yellow anthers stand out against the white petals. Flowers measure about 0.13 feet (0.04 metres) across. Bloom runs from May to June, spanning spring and early summer. Bees visit the flowers, which also suit cutting. The seed spikes can remain after bloom for their shape. Cut them back to limit plants spreading by seed.

Grow this plant in full sun and soil that drains well. It also tolerates some light shade, though RHS stresses full sun. Rich soil with steady summer moisture suits it best. Good winter drainage helps the fleshy roots survive cold weather. It accepts chalk, loam, or sand across a broad pH range. Its hardiness ratings are USDA zones 4–9 and RHS H5. Plant roots in autumn or early spring. Raise new plants from seed or divide established clumps.

Use it near the front of beds or in rock gardens. It also makes an edge beside paths and walls. Its grass-like clumps suit informal and cottage gardens. Care needs are low, with few serious pest or disease problems. Slugs and snails may still cause damage. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs. That pet safety listing does not establish that people can eat it.