Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Star-of-Bethlehem — Overview
Ornithogalum umbellatum, commonly recognized as the Star-of-Bethlehem or Sleepydick, is a captivating yet often invasive bulbous perennial belonging to the Asparagaceae family. This species is indigenous to various parts of Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia, but its remarkable adaptability has led to its naturalization across numerous temperate zones globally, frequently establishing itself as a persistent garden escape or an agricultural weed. The plant typically achieves a modest height of 15 to 30 centimeters. It features a distinctive basal rosette of narrow, linear, dark green leaves, each characteristically adorned with a prominent white central stripe. These leaves emerge in late winter or early spring, providing early season greenery, but then senesce and disappear by late spring or early summer, prior to the full development of its flowering stalks.
The inflorescence is a loose, terminal raceme, showcasing several delicate, star-shaped white flowers. Each flower is composed of six tepals (three petals and three sepals that are morphologically indistinguishable), typically spanning 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. A key identifying feature is the prominent green stripe visible on the reverse of each tepal. Blooming occurs from late spring into early summer, often accompanied by a subtle fragrance. Following successful pollination, the plant produces a capsule fruit containing numerous small, black, glossy seeds.
Ornithogalum umbellatum thrives in a wide range of well-drained soils and demonstrates tolerance for both full sun and partial shade conditions. It is frequently encountered in diverse habitats such as meadows, pastures, residential lawns, and various disturbed areas. While its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, its vigorous reproductive strategy—through prolific bulb division and abundant seed production—allows it to rapidly spread and outcompete native flora, posing a significant ecological concern in many natural ecosystems.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Ornithogalum umbellatum
1.1 Wikipedia — Ornithogalum umbellatum
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.1.Star-of-Bethlehem — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Common Name</strong> — Star-of-Bethlehem, Sleepydick.
- ✓ <strong>Scientific Name</strong> — Ornithogalum umbellatum.
- ✓ <strong>Family</strong> — Asparagaceae.
- ✓ <strong>Plant Type</strong> — Bulbous perennial.
- ✓ <strong>Native Range</strong> — Europe, Northwest Africa, Western Asia.
- ✓ <strong>Distinctive Flowers</strong> — White, star-shaped with green stripes on reverse of tepals.
- ✓ <strong>Foliage</strong> — Linear, dark green leaves with a white central stripe, appearing in early spring.
- ✓ <strong>Toxicity</strong> — Highly toxic due to cardiac glycosides, especially the bulb.
- ✓ <strong>Growth Habit</strong> — Spreads aggressively via bulbils and seeds, often invasive.
- ✓ <strong>Traditional Use</strong> — Primarily external applications for pain and inflammation; internal use is dangerous.
1.2.Star-of-Bethlehem — Quick Summary
- ✓ Highly toxic plant, especially the bulb, due to cardiac glycosides.
- ✓ Traditional uses are primarily external for inflammation and pain.
- ✓ Invasive species; found in temperate regions globally.
- ✓ Distinctive white, star-shaped flowers with green stripes.
- ✓ Contains steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
- ✓ Absolute contraindication for internal consumption.
2.Star-of-Bethlehem — Scientific Identity
3.Star-of-Bethlehem — Quick Facts
4.Star-of-Bethlehem — Appearance & Identification
5.Star-of-Bethlehem — Native Habitat
6.Star-of-Bethlehem — Water Requirements
- ✓ Site Selection — Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types from sandy to clay.
- ✓ Planting — Plant bulbs in autumn, about 5-10 cm deep and 5-10 cm apart, for spring flowering.
- ✓ Watering — Requires moderate watering during active growth; reduce significantly after leaves wither in summer.
- ✓ Fertilization — Generally not needed; can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring if soil is poor.
- ✓ Propagation — Spreads aggressively via bulb offsets (bulbils) and seeds; divide crowded clumps every few years to manage.
- ✓ Pest and Disease — Generally resistant to most pests and diseases, though slugs and snails may occasionally feed on foliage.
- ✓ Invasive Potential — Be aware of its potential to naturalize and become invasive; consider planting in contained areas or removing spent flower heads to prevent seed dispersal.
- ✓ Dormancy — Enters dormancy in late spring/early summer after flowering, with foliage dying back until the next growing season.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 19, 2026
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