Pronounced (approximate): or-nith-oh-GAY-lum um-bel-LAY-tum
White star-shaped flowers have six pointed tepals. Green stripes mark the backs of the tepals.
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum): flower details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Asparagaceae
Life cycle Bulbous perennial
Blooms Late spring to early summer
Height About 1 foot
Habitat fields, lawns, gardens and woodland margins
Common names: Star of Bethlehem
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
fields, lawns, gardens and woodland margins. Flowering season: Late spring to early summer.
Compare the six white tepals and their green backs with spring beauties and onions. A flowering close-up is more useful than foliage alone.
White star-shaped flowers have six pointed tepals.
Green stripes mark the backs of the tepals.
Narrow basal leaves often show a pale central stripe. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
4 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Introduced in North America; native to Europe and the Mediterranean.
Reported U.S. distribution
AL, AR, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Star of Bethlehem in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.