Star-of-Bethlehem

Description:

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 to Austria and Belgium), and in northwestern Africa and southwestern Asia.[1] In North America, it has escaped its cultivation as a garden ornamental and can be found in many areas.[2] This plant is perennial with bulbs below ground; the bulb is 15-25 mm long and 18-32 mm diameter. It has six to ten leaves, linear with a white line on the upper surface, up to 30 cm long and 8 mm broad, and a scape of 10-30 cm. The flowers group in a corymbose raceme with 6-20 flowers, and are white with a green stripe outside.[3][4]

Habitat:

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.

Notes:

Invasive species Spotted growing wild in historic Marietta Confederate Cemetery