Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

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Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a member of the Liliaceae or Lily Family.  Like most lilies, it is a perennial, but in this case it grows from a poisonous bulb.  The leaves, from 6- to 18-inches long and 0.08- to 0.25-inches wide, are all basal, have a white stripe on the upper surface, and wither soon after flowering.  The leafless flower stalk, from 4- to 12-inches tall, has a terminal cluster of 3 to 10 flowers.  The petals, from 0.6- to 0.8-inches long are spreading and white with a broad green stripe on the back.  Another plant introduced from Europe, like the Garlic Mustard, this plant can be found in lawns, waste grounds, old fields and alluvial woods throughout the eastern US.  It flowers from March to May.