The onion weed is known in Maltese as berwieq żgħir.

The onion weed is a spring-flowering plant of the lily family. It is found in Mediterranean countries but has been introduced in many areas with a Mediterranean climate, particularly in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. It has also been introduced in Australia and New Zealand.

In the Maltese islands, the species can only be found in a few localities. I have seen them growing mostly on the walls of the bastions at the Argotti Batonic Gardens in Floriana and at Sa Maison Garden in Pietà. In Maltese, the onion weed is known as berwieq żgħir.

In non-Mediterranean countries, the plant has become a pest and measures are being taken to try to eliminate it. This happens where plants are introduced in areas where they are not indigenous. In Malta, this has occurred with many species, the best known example being the Cape sorrel, known in Maltese as ħaxixa ngliża.

The onion weed is an asphodel and is related to the very common species known as the branched asphodel. Both plants are very similar except for a big difference in size. The branch asphodel can grow up to 150cm while the onion weed rarely reaches a height of 50 centimetres.

In non-Mediterranean countries, onion weed has become a pest

This plant is an annual or short-lived perennial. It reproduces by seed which can be dispersed by wing water, machinery or agricultural produce.

The seeds can also be carried around by mud attached to animals and vehicles.

The very common and larger branch asphodel flowers in winter and early spring. It grows in most habitats but is more common in rocky steppe.

In some places, especially in areas that are regularly burnt, it can become the most common flowering plant.

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