Eastern Forest Threat Center - Star-of-Bethlehem

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Star-of-Bethlehem flowers

Star-of-Bethlehem flowers

R.A. Howard, © Smithsonian Institution

Star-of-Bethlehem
Ornithogalum umbellatum

Star-of-Bethlehem is native to northern Africa, Europe, and western Asia. It has been sold as an ornamental and has escaped cultivation.

Keywords: Liliaceae, herbaceous, bulbs, annual renewal, membranous bulb coat, linear leaves, white midrib, white flowers, leafless flowering stems, glycosides

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Star-of-Bethlehem is an herbaceous plant in the lily family that grows from bulbs with annual renewal. The bulbs are ovoid in shape and measure ½-1½ in. in length. The coat of the bulb is membranous. Shiny, dark green leaves are narrow and linear with a distinct white midrib. Leaves are approximately 4-12 in. long, 0.1-0.2 in. wide, and hollow in cross section. Flowers consist of 6 white petals, ½-¾ in. in diameter, which collectively resemble a star. Flowers occur at the ends of leafless flowering stems (scapes) that can grow up to 1 ft. in height. The umbel-like raceme contains 3-10 flowers that appear from May to June. The fruit is a 3-lobed capsule that contains several oval black seeds. Emerging star-of-Bethlehem shoots resemble wild garlic or wild onion but lack the characteristic odor of these species. This plant prefers moist to wet habitats and can be found along the banks of rivers and streams, in disturbed situations, in early succession forest, forest edge, floodplain forest, wet meadows, yards, and gardens. Star-of-Bethlehem causes potential threats to native vegetation, and flowers and bulbs contain glycosides similar to digitalis.