Is Star of Bethlehem considered an invasive plant?
Yes, Ornithogalum umbellatum is considered invasive in several regions, particularly in parts of North America, due to its vigorous self-seeding and rapid spread via bulb offsets.
Common Star-Of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
Ornithogalum umbellatum, or Star of Bethlehem, is a bulbous perennial herb with star-shaped white flowers in spring. It spreads readily and is invasive in some regions. A
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate to low
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Low
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sun for best flowering.
Water
Moderate to low
During active growth, keep soil moist; dry during dormancy.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate
Hardy in zones 4-9; prefers 10-20°C during active growth.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Low
Light feed in early spring; avoid excessive nitrogen.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Category
Flowering, Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden, Groundcover, Pot
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
0.15-0.3 m
Spread
0.1-0.2 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
Summer
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Linear
Optimal Sunlight Lux
50000
Weed Status
Yes
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jun
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · OctPeak fruit · Nov
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Hyacinthus umbellatus (L.) E.H.L.Krause
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classLiliopsida
- orderAsparagales
- familyAsparagaceae
- genusOrnithogalum
- speciesOrnithogalum umbellatum
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
Yes
Rating: 7/5
Toxic for pets
Yes
Rating: 7/5
Edible
No
All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain cardenolides, which are toxic if ingested. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal upset, cardiac irregularities, and other systemic effects.
Additional Care Tips
Water moderately during the active growing season in spring, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering significantly as the foliage begins to yellow and die back in late spring or early summer, allowing the bulbs to enter their natural summer dormancy. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot.
Pruning requirements for Star of Bethlehem are generally minimal. It is crucial to allow the plant's foliage to yellow and die back naturally after the flowering period. This process enables the bulbs to store energy for the subsequent year's blooms. While not strictly necessary, spent flowers can be deadheaded to prevent unwanted self-seeding, although the plant also spreads effectively via bulb offsets.
Primarily propagated by separating offsets (bulbils) from the main bulb during the dormant period in late summer or early autumn. These offsets can be replanted immediately. It can also self-seed, but bulb division is the most common and effective method for propagation.
When grown in pots, repot every 2-3 years during dormancy (late summer/early autumn) to refresh the soil and divide overcrowded clumps. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current root ball to encourage flowering. Ensure good drainage.
FAQs
Is Ornithogalum umbellatum poisonous to humans or pets?
Yes, all parts of the Star of Bethlehem plant, especially the bulbs, are toxic if ingested by humans or pets. They contain cardenolides that can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiac issues.
When does Star of Bethlehem typically bloom?
Star of Bethlehem blooms in mid to late spring, usually from April to May, producing clusters of distinctive white, star-shaped flowers.
What are the ideal growing conditions for Star of Bethlehem?
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It requires moderate watering during its active growth in spring and should be kept dry during its summer dormancy.
How does Star of Bethlehem spread in the garden?
Star of Bethlehem spreads aggressively through both bulb offsets (bulbils) and self-seeding. This rapid propagation contributes to its invasive nature in many areas.