Common Name: Common Star of Bethlehem

Scientific Name: Ornithogalum umbellatum

Family: Asparagaceae

Habitat: Woodlands, Meadows, Hedgerows

Native: No

Life Cycle: Perennial

Bloom Time: Spring, Summer

Height: Up to 6 inches

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist, Well drained

Pollinators: Bees

Description: Common Star of Bethlehem is an invasive, non-native perennial that is native to southern Europe, southwest Asia, and northwest Africa. Common Star of Bethlehem, which blooms between in woodlands, meadows, and along forest edges between April and June, can be identified by its three white petals which are identical to its three white sepals (creating the appearance of a flower that has six petals). Although Common Star of Bethlehem is a beautiful flower, it can spread aggressively and is considered to be invasive. This photo of Common Star of Bethlehem was taken along the Turkey Trot trail at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.