Ornithogalum umbellatum
Umbeled star-of-bethlehem is a small bulbous plant famous for its delicate, six-pointed, star-shaped white flowers. It is one of the first to herald the arrival of spring, forming beautiful green carpets dotted with white in gardens, meadows, and open fields. Its tepals (petals and sepals of similar appearance) feature a characteristic green stripe on the underside, which is particularly visible when the flower is closed or in bud.
Botanically, it belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is native to a wide region spanning from Europe to Western Asia. It develops from underground bulbs that produce narrow, linear, and fleshy leaves, similar to grass, often with a central white line. It prefers open, sunny habitats with good drainage, being very commonly found in grasslands or at roadsides.
In landscaping, it is valued for its hardiness and ease of naturalization, although in certain parts of North America, it is considered an invasive species due to its rapid spread. It is essential to exercise caution in homes with children or pets, as the entire plant, especially the bulb, is highly toxic due to the presence of alkaloids and glycosides. A fascinating curiosity is that its flowers close at night and on cloudy days, only opening in intense sunlight.
Moderate, twice a week in spring, always avoiding waterlogging.
Full sun or partial shade; requires direct sun to open flowers.
Very resistant down to -15°C; prefers temperate to cool climates.
Well-drained soil, preferably a mix of garden soil with sand.
Balanced fertilizer for bulbous plants every 20 days during spring.
Examples shared by the community when the plant was in bloom
Its flowers close at night and on cloudy days, opening exclusively under intense sunlight.
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