Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park, Glen Echo, MD
Ornithogalum nutans
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park, Sharpsburg, MD
Ornithogalum nutans
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park, Sharpsburg, MD
Ornithogalum nutans
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Family: Hyacinthaceae - Hyacinth family
Mid-Atlantic bloom time: April - May
Star-of-Bethlehem occurs in scattered locations in the mid-Atlantic area where, once established, it readily spreads and displaces many species of native ephemeral plants. It is native to northern Africa, western Asia and Europe. Although a relative to wild garlic, it does not have a garlicky smell when crushed and is inedible (see caution, below). It has become particularly invasive along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in Maryland.
Star-of-Bethlehem has flowering stems 30 - 60 cm (11.5 - 22.5 inches) high, with leaves 5 - 15 mm wide and with a white midvein. Its inflorescences are racemose, occuring all along the top of the flowering stem. The species name nutans means 'nodding', referring the slightly drooping habit of the flowers.
A very similar, closely related plant also called Star-of-Bethlehem is Ornithogalum umbellatum, also known as Common Star-of-Bethlehem, Sleepydick, or Nap-at-noon. The shorter Ornithogalum umbellatum's flowering stems are 10 - 25 cm (4 - 10 inches) high, with leaves 2-6 mm wide (usually less than 1/4 inch) with a pale or white midvein. Its inflorescences are more rounded or flat (corymbose), occuring mostly at the top of the flowering stem.
Caution: Star-of-Bethlehem (both species), especially the bulbs, contain toxic digitalis-like glycosides (convallatoxin and convalloside), even when dried, that are poisonous to humans and livestock. If livestock or a pet is observed eating the plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.
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2 April 2006
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park, Glen Echo, MD Ornithogalum nutans
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25 April 2013
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park, Sharpsburg, MD Ornithogalum nutans
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25 April 2013
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park, Sharpsburg, MD Ornithogalum nutans
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