Star-of-Bethlehem

(Ornithogalum umbellatum)

 

   

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum L.)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Flowers white, relatively large, with 6 petals. Each waxy petal with a green stripe on the underside. Flowers arising from leaf axils. Leaves grasslike with parallel veins and a white midrib. Plant arises from a round bulb. Plant 4 to 12 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern North America and the central United States. Also in the Pacific Northwest.

Habitat: Star-of-Bethlehem is found in fields, along roadsides, and in open spots in forest.

Flowering period: April to June

Similar Species: The green stripe on the lower side of each petal and the thin leaves with a white midrib are characteristic.

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