Ornithogalum umbellatum - Star-of-Bethlehem
Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Asparagales - Family: Asparagaceae
Description
This pretty perennial plant is a member of the Asparagus family. Its six-tepalled flowers are 1.5 to 2.5cm across and the strap-like leaves are greyish green. The plants usually grow to a height of 15 to 30cm, depending on the degree of exposure.
Flowering Times
The flowers of Star-of-Bethlehem appear from March until May.
Habitat
This plant favours stony or rocky ground. It can also be found occasionally on disturbed or abandoned agricultural land.
Star-of-Bethlehem can be found in many European countries from the north right down as far south as Portugal and east as Slovenia.
The specimens shown on this page were photographed in the Aveyron region of southern France and in the Algarve, Portugal, in May.
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