Ornithogalum umbellatum

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Ornithogalum umbellatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Scilloideae
Genus: Ornithogalum
Species: O. umbellatum
Binomial name
Ornithogalum umbellatum
L.
Global distribution (native + introduced) of Ornithogalum umbellatum

Ornithogalum umbellatum (Star-of-Bethlehem, grass lily, nap-at-noon, eleven-o'clock lady), is a perennial bulbous flowering plant, native throughout most of southern and central Europe, north-western Africa and south-western Asia.[1] In North America, it has escaped its cultivation as a garden ornamental and can be found in many areas.[2]

Description

This plant is perennial with bulbs below ground; the bulb is 15–25 millimetres (0.6–1.0 in) long and 18–32 mm (0.7–1.3 in) in diameter. It has 6–10 leaves, linear with a white line on the upper surface, up to 30 centimetres (12 in) long and 8 mm (0.3 in) broad, and a scape of 10–30 cm (4–12 in). The flowers group in a corymbose raceme with 6–20 flowers, and are white with a green stripe outside.[3][4]

Cultivation

O. umbellatum requires considerable moisture during winter and spring, but can tolerate summer drought. It can be grown in a woodland garden as semi-shade is preferable. It is hardy to hardiness zone 5, and can become weedy. The plant is toxic. It is used in some herbal remedies.[5][6]

References

  1. ↑ Euro+Med Plantbase: Ornithogalum umbellatum
  2. ↑ "Ornithogalum umbellatum Linnaeus". Flora of North America. 
  3. ↑ Flora of NW Europe: Ornithogalum umbellatum
  4. ↑ Blamey, M. & Grey-Wilson, C. (1989). Flora of Britain and Northern Europe. ISBN 0-340-40170-2.
  5. ↑ Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.
  6. ↑ "Star-of-Bethlehem, snowdrop, nap-at-noon, Ornithogalum umbellatum (lily family)". Indiana Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets. Purdue University. Archived from the original on February 17, 2008. Retrieved May 31, 2013. 

External links

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