Star Of Bethlehem
Ornithogalum narbonense

Family: Liliaceae

What it is like

Ornithogalum narbonense is a BULB growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from June to August. 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): 0.4

Where it is found

Grassy places and waste ground.

Europe - Mediterranean.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Bulb. No further details are given, though it is probably cooked before being eaten. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any position in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a sunny position. Succeeds in short grass, though this should not be mown from the time the bulbs start to grow until they have set seed and the leaves are dying down. Plants are hardy to about -10°c.

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: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no specific mention of this plant as being toxic has been seen, it belongs to a family where there are some species that are said to be toxic. Caution should be observed. Any toxins are likely to be concentrated in the bulb.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. arcuatum. O. pyramidale narbonense.