Star of Bethlehem
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Also called Ornithogalum, Grass lily and Nap-at-noon
Garden plant · BulbsIT SHUTS IN THE AFTERNOON — hence nap-at-noon — and only opens again in sun, so a dull week looks like a failure and is not. It naturalises hard in grass and is very difficult to remove once it is in a border.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 6 daysDrench and drain — water the whole surface until it runs from the holes.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 0.2 m tall · 0.1 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Europe and the Mediterranean
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsNothing recorded against it
No animal-poison authority lists this plant either way.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The bulb and the sap.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-22.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.