Narthecium
(from narthekion, a rod; in reference to the flower stems). Bog Asphodel. SYN. Abama. ORD. Liliaceae. A small genus (four species) of hardy, herbaceous, Rush-like, marsh plants, inhabiting the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere. Perianth of six equal, linear, membranous-herbaceous segments, which are yellow, green at back. Leaves distichous at base of stem, equitant, linear, often falcate, rigid, striated. The undermentioned species are well worth naturalising in boggy situations. Propagated by divisions of the root, or by seeds.
N. ossifragum (bone-breaking). fl., raceme uninterrupted, one bract at the base, another above the middle of each partial stalk. June. l. rigid, strongly-ribbed, acuminate, equitant. Stem leaf-less, or with one or two small leaves. h. 6in. to 12in. Europe (Britain), North Asia, North America. It was once thought that this plant caused rot among sheep who ate it with other herbage, among which it grows, hence the ill-omened specific name. (Sy. En. B. 1542.) N. o. americanum (American). fl. rather smaller, and leaves narrower, than those of the type. North America, 1811. (B. M. 1505.)