Ornithogalum umbellatum – Star-of-Bethlehem

Explore Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star-of-Bethlehem) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Ornithogalum umbellatum | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Star-of-Bethlehem

Family: Asparagaceae

Appearance: A bulbous perennial with narrow grass-like basal leaves marked by a white midrib and clusters of white star-shaped flowers with green undersides. Flowers open in sunlight and close in cloudy conditions or at night.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A

Layer: Groundcover

Root System: Bulb with fibrous roots; produces bulb offsets

Height: 0.1–0.3 m

Width: 0.1–0.3 m

Lifespan: Long-lived

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees and other insects

Toxicity: All parts toxic if ingested; bulbs contain cardiac glycosides and other toxic compounds

Ornithogalum umbellatum | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: Europe, western Asia, and North Africa

• Companionship: Suitable for naturalizing beneath deciduous trees and in meadow plantings; may spread aggressively in favorable conditions

• Invasive Range: Naturalized and invasive in parts of North America and other temperate regions

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 6–9

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: None

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance

• Drought: Moderate tolerance during dormancy

• Shade: Moderate tolerance

• Flood: Low tolerance

• Wind: Moderate tolerance

• Maritime: Moderate tolerance

• Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

• Fire: Low tolerance

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Moisture: Moderate during growth; dry to moderate during dormancy

• Soil Type: Well-drained loam or sandy soils

• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral

Propagation

• Seeds: Yes; viable but slower than vegetative spread

• Division: Yes – bulb offsets are the primary propagation method

• Cuttings: Not applicable

Ornithogalum umbellatum | Functional Uses and Benefits

Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.

Edible: No

Medicinal: Toxicity restricts safe use

Cosmetics: No

Animal Feed: Not suitable; toxic to livestock and pets

Fiber: No

Timber: Not applicable

Firewood: Not applicable

Wind Break: No

Fence: No

Cover Crop: No

Mulch: No

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data

Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees and insects

Pest Repellent: No

Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar and pollen for pollinators

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