UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

Star-of-Bethlehem

Herb Icon Native Flower     Edible Symbol  Toxic  Pet Toxicity
Image of Star-of-Bethlehem
Ornithogalum Umbellatum
Order: Asparagales Family: Asparagaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Star-of-Bethlehem
MainColor White
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Growth Type Native Flower Native
Season February
ImageUrl Ornithogalum-001
Photographer DP
Location London
Human Toxicity Toxic Highly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

Star of Bethlehem is a bulbous perennial plant with narrow, grass-like leaves and star-shaped white flowers. Each flower has six petals with a green stripe on the underside, and they bloom in late spring.

Distribution

Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, it has been widely naturalised in North America and other temperate areas.

Medicinal/Other Uses

— No significant medicinal uses.

Edibility Edible Symbol  

Caution Advised - bulbs contain toxic compounds and should not be consumed.

Human Toxicity Toxic

Highly Toxic - ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially more severe symptoms due to cardiac glycosides.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Highly Toxic to cats and dogs - ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and heart issues.

Active Compounds

Cardenolides, saponins, alkaloids.

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