photo: Cleveland Metroparks
Star of Bethlahem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
Form:
Herbaceous plant that grows from ovoid bulbs that are renewed each year. The coat of the bulb is membranous.
Leaves:
The leaves are narrow and linear, measuring 4-12” long and 0.1-0.2” wide. The leaves form a tuft from which a scape emerges.
Flowers:
The white, star-shaped flowers are borne on a scape that can grow up to 12” in height, but is usually shorter. The umbel-like raceme contains 3-10 flowers. Each flower has 6 petals and measures 0.5-0.75” in diameter. The outside of the flower is green with white margins. The flowers appear on the plant from May to June.
Fruits & Seeds:
The capsules of this plant are subglobose in shape and 3-sided. Each locule contains many black seeds.
Similar Species:
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Tier 3 - Presence is of Interest
The species that occur in this tier are likely ornamental escapes. It is not known whether they are established and/or spreading within Cleveland Metroparks. The ecological impact is poorly known for these species.
Action: The presence of these plants should be recorded by approximating the number of plants. Initial population numbers are likely small.
