Drooping star-of-bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans, Sp. Pl.: 308 (1753))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 308 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ornithogalum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Bulgaria to Türkiye

Description

The Drooping star-of-bethlehem, scientifically known as Ornithogalum nutans, is an enchanting perennial that captivates botanists and garden enthusiasts alike with its delicate, nodding flowers. Described in 1753 by renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this charming plant has been a subject of admiration and study for centuries.

Native to the regions extending from Bulgaria to Türkiye, the Drooping star-of-bethlehem flourishes in well-drained soils and enjoys full to partial sunlight. It is a resilient species that adapts well to various garden environments, making it a popular choice for decorative planting.

Belonging to the Asparagaceae family, Ornithogalum nutans exhibits a graceful structure with flower stalks that can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. The plant’s most distinctive feature is its drooping, star-shaped blooms that are typically white with a green stripe running down the center of each petal. These elegant flowers appear in the late spring, adding a touch of sophistication and subtle beauty to any garden setting.

Gardeners appreciate Drooping star-of-bethlehem not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its low maintenance requirements. The plant thrives with minimal care, making it ideal for both seasoned gardeners and novices. Its bulbs should be planted in autumn, allowing them to establish roots before the onset of winter, and they will reward with a splendid display of blooms year after year.

In addition to its ornamental value, this species holds a special place in the natural landscape of its native regions, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance. It is a testament to the botanical richness of Bulgaria to Türkiye, embodying the delicate interplay of flora within these environments.

For anyone looking to introduce a touch of understated elegance to their garden, the Drooping star-of-bethlehem stands out as a perfect choice. Its unique flowers and hardy nature ensure that it will remain a treasured addition to your plant collection, evoking admiration and appreciation from all who encounter it.

Common Names

Eng: drooping star-of-bethlehem, drooping star of bethlehem, nodding star-of-bethlehem
Nld: knikkende vogelmelk
Deu: nickender milchstern
Dan: nikkende fuglemælk
Lit: nusvirusioji paukštpienė
Fra: ornithogale penché, ornithogale à fleurs penchées
Swe: aftonstjärna, nuokkutähdikki, aftonstjärnor
Hun: bókoló madártej
Nno: nikkestjerne
Nob: nikkestjerne
Fin: nuokkutähdikki
Ces: snědek nicí
Cym: seren fethlehem ogwydd, seren-fethlehem unochrog
En: Drooping star-of-Bethlehem, Nodding star-of-Bethlehem, Drooping star of Bethlehem
Ar: صاصل منحني
Hr: Kimajuće ptičje mlijeko
Cs: Snědek nicí
Da: Nikkende fuglemælk
Nl: Knikkende vogelmelk
Et: Longus linnupiim
Fi: Nuokkutähdikki
Fr: Ornithogale à fleurs penchées, Ornithogale penché
De: Nickender Milchstern
Hu: Bókoló madártej
It: Latte di Gallina a fiori penduli, Latte-di-gallina a fiori penduli
Lt: Nusvirusioji paukštpienė
Nb: Nikkestjerne
Nn: Nikkestjerne
Sv: Aftonstjärna, Nuokkutähdikki, Aftonstjärnor
Cy: Seren-Fethlehem unochrog, Seren Fethlehem Ogwydd
Fy: Grutte gersstjer
: Drooping star of bethlehem

Synonyms

• Ornithogalum asernii (Velen.)
• Myogalum thirkeanum (K.Koch)
• Honorius prasandrus ((Griseb.) Holub)
• Honorius nutans ((L.) Gray)
• Brizophile nutans ((L.) Salisb.)
• Ornithogalum nutans subsp. prasandrum ((Griseb.) K.Richt.)
• Myogalum nutans subsp. prasandrum ((Griseb.) Nyman)
• Hyacinthus myogalea (E.H.L.Krause)
• Myogalum prasandrum ((Griseb.) Walp.)
• Myogalum nutans ((L.) Link)
• Albucea nutans ((L.) Rchb.)
• Ifuon nutans ((L.) Raf.)
• Myogalum affine (K.Koch & C.D.Bouché)
• Albucea chlorantha (Rchb.)
• Albucea neapolitana (Montandon)
• Ornithogalum prasandrum (Griseb.)

Distribution

• Bulgaria (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Greece (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 20, 2021 by Katy Ohara (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2021 by Alidgy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Marie Gentile (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2020 by Roland Haase (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2020 by Gitta Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 8, 2022 by Petr Harant (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 20, 2020 by Strătilă Dimitrie (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by Jennie O’Hagan (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 13, 2022 by in_gra (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Thomas Huntke, Germany (der Uploader) http://www.huntke.de. Original uploader was Huntke at de.wikipedia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Meneerke bloem (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2773281)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:539382-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ornithogalum nutans L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’]

Soil nutriments: 7