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Ornithogalum narbonense - L.

Common Name Star Of Bethlehem
Family Liliaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards Although no specific mention of this plant as being toxic has been seen, it belongs to a family where there are some species that are said to be toxic. Caution should be observed. Any toxins are likely to be concentrated in the bulb[200].
Habitats Grassy places and waste ground[50, 90].
Range Europe - Mediterranean.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Ornithogalum narbonense Star Of Bethlehem


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Lucarelli
Ornithogalum narbonense Star Of Bethlehem
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ornithogalum_narbonense_from_Kedumim.JPG

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of bulb
Ornithogalum narbonense is a BULB growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

O. arcuatum. O. pyramidale narbonense.

Habitats

 Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Bulb[46, 61, 177]. No further details are given, though it is probably cooked before being eaten. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

References

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant[90], it succeeds in any position[42] in ordinary garden soil[1]. Prefers a sunny position[200]. Succeeds in short grass[90], though this should not be mown from the time the bulbs start to grow until they have set seed and the leaves are dying down. Plants are hardy to about -10°c[200].

References

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. Sow the seed thinly and leave the seedlings undisturbed in the pots for their first dormancy, but apply liquid feed at intervals, especially in their second year of growth. Divide the bulbs at the end of their second year of growth, putting 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for one more year and them plant them out into their permanent positions whilst they are dormant. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in early spring. Division of offsets in September/October[200]. The larger bulbs can be replanted immediately into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year before planting them out when dormant in late summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Ornithogalum pyrenaicumBath Asparagus, Pyrenees star of BethlehemBulb0.6 5-9  LMHSNM20 
Ornithogalum umbellatumStar Of Bethlehem, Dove's DungBulb0.3 6-9 FLMHSNM310

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

50200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

nobody   Sun Jan 16 08:15:36 2005

Link: biodiversity plants only a bit of it is on the flower itself,though

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Subject : Ornithogalum narbonense  
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