Bath Asparagus, Pyrenees star of Bethlehem
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum
Family: Liliaceae
What it is like
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum is a BULB growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Woods and scrub. Dry stony places.
S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young shoots - cooked. The young, unexpanded flowering shoots are cooked and served like asparagus.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil, thriving in sun or shade. Succeeds in dry soils and, once established, is drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Grows well in the wild garden. The flowering shoots used to be sold as a food crop in Bath market.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow the seed thinly and leave the seedlings undisturbed in the pots for their first dormancy, but apply liquid feed at intervals, especially in their second year of growth. Divide the bulbs at the end of their second year of growth, putting 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for one more year and them plant them out into their permanent positions whilst they are dormant. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in early spring. Division of offsets in September/October. The larger bulbs can be replanted immediately into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year before planting them out when dormant in late summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Bulb
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Skin contact with the bulb can cause dermatitis in sensitive people. Any toxins in this plant are concentrated in the bulb.