Ornithogalum umbellatum
common star-of-bethlehem
Europe, Mediterranean, and North Africa
Overview
Ornithogalum umbellatum is a bulbous perennial in the asparagus family, growing 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall from a small underground bulb that produces many offsets. The narrow, grass-like basal leaves, 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long, are dark green with a pale white stripe down the center. In late spring it bears flat-topped clusters of star-shaped white flowers, each about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, with six tepals that show a green stripe on the reverse. The flowers open only in bright sun and close by afternoon and in dull weather. After flowering, the foliage dies back and the plant rests as a dormant bulb through summer. Native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa, it has naturalized across North America and other temperate regions, where it spreads by bulb offsets to form dense colonies in lawns, meadows, and woodland edges and is treated as a weed. All parts, especially the bulbs, contain cardiac glycosides that are poisonous to people, livestock, and pets. Because it multiplies underground, established patches are difficult to remove.
Native Range
Native to Europe, the Mediterranean region, and North Africa, in grassland, open woodland, and rocky slopes. It has naturalized widely in North America and other temperate areas, often escaping from gardens.Suggested Uses
Grown in rock gardens, naturalized in short grass, and used for early-season white flowers in informal plantings. It suits sunny banks and the front of borders where its spread can be tolerated. In many regions it is managed as a weed because of its invasive bulb offsets.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in late spring, generally April to June, with clusters of white star-shaped blooms that open in sunshine and close in shade or late in the day. The flowers draw bees and other insects on sunny days. Foliage yellows and dies back soon after flowering as the bulb enters summer dormancy.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with green outer stripeFoliage Description
Green with a white midrib stripeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade in most well-drained soils with a pH of about 6.0 to 7.5. Drought tolerant once established and undemanding, drawing on the bulb through dry summers. It multiplies quickly by bulb offsets and self-seeds, forming spreading colonies that can invade lawns and beds. Bulbs left undisturbed naturalize readily and are hard to dig out completely. All parts are poisonous if eaten and pose a risk to grazing stock.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Let the foliage die down naturally so the bulb can store energy for the next year. Removing flower heads before seed set and lifting excess bulbs can limit its spread.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons