ExplorePlants

common star-of-Bethlehem

Ornithogalum umbellatum

The common star-of-Bethlehem is a pretty flower with star-shaped white blooms. It grows in gardens and fields, bringing beauty to nature in springtime.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The common star-of-Bethlehem has delicate, star-shaped white flowers, each with six petals often marked by a distinct green stripe on the outside. Its narrow, grass-like leaves feature a prominent white stripe down the center, making it easily recognizable even when not in bloom.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAsparagaceaeGenusOrnithogalum
common star-of-Bethlehem
flowering trait badgeornamental trait badgecluster_flower trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
common star-of-Bethlehem

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

In some places, it’s considered an invasive 'super-spreader' in gardens and fields!

Its specific name, 'umbellatum', refers to its umbrella-like flower cluster!

The plant's bulbs were once ground into flour in parts of the Mediterranean!

This plant can stay dormant underground for years, waiting for ideal conditions!

Special abilities

Ability

Energy Locker

common star-of-Bethlehem stores food in underground bulbs, helping it survive cold winters and bloom early in spring.

Ability

Bulblet Builder

common star-of-Bethlehem creates tiny new bulbs called bulbils, allowing it to spread quickly and form dense colonies.

Ability

Toxic Shield

common star-of-Bethlehem produces toxic compounds that deter many animals from eating its leaves or bulbs.

Ability

Flower Closer

common star-of-Bethlehem closes its star-like flowers at night and on cloudy days to protect its pollen.

Measurements & details

Height
15-30 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Helps transfer pollen between flowers.

pollinates

Viereck's Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum vierecki

One of many wild bees attracted to its blooms.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't eat any flowers you find outside, even if they look pretty!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common star-of-Bethlehem?

15-30 cm

How wide does common star-of-Bethlehem spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on common star-of-Bethlehem?

2-3 cm

When does common star-of-Bethlehem bloom?

Spring

Is common star-of-Bethlehem edible?

No

Is common star-of-Bethlehem toxic?

Moderate

What is common star-of-Bethlehem's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common star-of-Bethlehem pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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