Early star-of-bethlehem (Gagea bohemica, J.J.Roemer & J.A.Schultes, Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 7: 549 (1829))

Family: Liliaceae

Author: (Zauschn.) Schult. & Schult.f.

Bibliography: J.J.Roemer & J.A.Schultes, Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 7: 549 (1829)

Year: 1829

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gagea

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Europe to Medit.

Description

The Early star-of-bethlehem, scientifically known as Gagea bohemica, is a fascinating bulbous perennial that belongs to the Liliaceae family. Recognized for its early bloom, the plant stands as an emblem of the impending spring, often making its appearance when the rest of flora is still in dormancy.

The foliage of Gagea bohemica is composed of narrow, grass-like leaves that emerge from a basal rosette. These leaves serve as the perfect backdrop for the plant’s bright yellow, star-shaped flowers. Flowering usually occurs from late winter to early spring, as the plant wastes no time in taking advantage of the seasonal sunlight. Each flower is typically made up of six tepals, combining the aesthetic of both petals and sepals, which contribute to its star-like appearance.

Gagea bohemica is native to a range that stretches from Western and Central Europe to the Mediterranean region. This wide geographical distribution is a testament to the plant’s adaptability to different climates and soil types. It thrives particularly well in well-drained soils, often favoring grassy meadows, open woodlands, and rocky landscapes. Its capability to flourish in these varied environments makes it a resilient and versatile species.

The Early star-of-bethlehem was first described by authors J.J. Roemer and J.A. Schultes in the 7th edition of “Systema Vegetabilium,” published in 1829. The botanical authority credited for this plant is (Zauschn.) Schult. & Schult.f., indicating that its classification was refined by Schultes & Schult.f.

Despite its delicate appearance, Gagea bohemica is quite hardy. It has evolved numerous strategies to ensure its survival, including the ability to enter a state of dormancy during unfavorable conditions. This mechanism allows the plant to survive through harsh winters and re-emerge when conditions improve.

In addition to its ecological significance, Gagea bohemica is also appreciated for its ornamental value. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts often cultivate it in rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and as part of naturalized bulb displays. The plant’s early bloom adds a splash of color to gardens that are still shaking off winter’s grasp, making it a cherished addition to any early-season landscape.

Overall, the Early star-of-bethlehem is not just a herald of spring but also a robust and versatile species that has carved out its niche across a diverse range of habitats in Europe and the Mediterranean. Its resilience and beauty ensure that it continues to be a subject of interest for botanists and gardeners alike.

Common Names

Cs: Křivatec český
Fr: Gagée de Bohème, Gagée fistuleuse
De: Felsen-Gelbstern
He: זהבית פעוטה
Sk: Krivec český
Cy: Seren y Creigiau, Seren-Fethlehem Gynnar
Eng: early star-of-bethlehem, radnor lily
Deu: felsen-gelbstern
Cym: seren y creigiau, seren-fethlehem gynnar
En: Early star-of-bethlehem, Radnor lily

Synonyms

• Gagea bohemica var. busambarensis ((Tineo) Fiori)
• Anthericum villosum (Labill.)
• Gagea callieri (Pascher)
• Gagea szovitsii ((Láng) Besser ex Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Gagea saxatilis var. gallica (A.Terracc.)
• Gagea szovitsii var. callieri ((Pascher) Miscz.)
• Gagea bohemica var. corsica ((Nyman) Rouy)
• Gagea pygmaea ((Willd.) Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Gagea bohemica subsp. gallica (I.Richardson)
• Solenarium fistulosum ((Ramond ex DC.) Dulac)
• Gagea billardierei (Kunth)
• Gagea szovitsii var. alepicca (A.Terracc.)
• Gagea saxatilis var. corsica ((Nyman) A.Terracc.)
• Stellaster saxatilis ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Kuntze)
• Gagea saxatilis subsp. corsica (Nyman)
• Gagea bohemica subsp. corsica ((Nyman) Gamisans)
• Gagea szovitsii f. australis (A.Terracc.)
• Stellaster bohemicus ((Zauschn.) Kuntze)
• Gagea bohemica var. saxatilis ((Mert. & W.D.J. Koch) Samp.)
• Ornithogalum busambarense (Tineo)
• Ornithoxanthum bohemicum ((Zauschn.) Link)
• Gagea bohemica subsp. nebrodensis ((Tod. ex Guss.) I.Richardson)
• Gagea bohemica subsp. eubohemica (Asch. & Graebn.)
• Gagea szovitsii var. intermedia (A.Terracc.)
• Gagea hypanica (Sobko)
• Gagea saxatilis subsp. australis (A.Terracc.)
• Ornithogalum pygmaeum (Willd.)
• Gagea bohemica subsp. saxatilis ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Gagea saxatilis var. sicula (A.Terracc.)
• Gagea saxatilis var. helvetica (A.Terracc.)
• Gagea szovitsii subsp. bohemica ((Zauschn.) A.Terracc.)
• Ornithogalum szovitsii (Láng)
• Gagea andegavensis (F.W.Schultz)
• Gagea foliosa subsp. pygmaea ((Willd.) Nyman)
• Gagea nebrodensis ((Tod. ex Guss.) Nyman)
• Gagea saxatilis subsp. bohemica ((Zauschn.) A.Terracc.)
• Gagea fistulosa ((Ramond ex DC.) Ker Gawl.)
• Gagea velenovskyana (Pascher)
• Gagea bohemica subsp. zauschneri ((Pohl) Stroh)
• Gagea bohemica var. szovitsii ((O.Lang) Nyman)
• Gagea foliosa subsp. nebrodensis ((Tod. ex Guss.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Gagea busambarensis ((Tineo) Parl.)
• Gagea smyrnaea (O.Schwarz)
• Gagea aleppoana (Pascher)
• Ornithoxanthum zauschneri ((Pohl) Link)
• Gagea minaae (Lojac.)
• Ornithogalum fistulosum (Ramond ex DC.)
• Gagea arvensis var. saxatilis ((Mert. & W.D.J. Koch) Sacc.)
• Gagea lanosa (Pascher)
• Gagea saxatilis var. hispanica (A.Terracc.)
• Ornithoxanthum fistulosum ((Ramond ex DC.) Link)
• Gagea foliosa var. busambarensis ((Tineo) Nyman)
• Gagea zauschneri ((Pohl) Pascher)
• Ornithogalum bohemicum var. saxatile (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Gagea bohemica subsp. aleppoana ((Pascher) Stroh)
• Gagea saxatilis subsp. pygmaea ((Willd.) Schult. & Schult.f. ex Cout.)
• Gagea saxatilis subsp. szovitsii ((Láng) A.Terracc.)
• Ornithogalum nebrodense (Tod. ex Guss.)
• Gagea bohemica var. velenovskyana ((Pascher) Stroh)
• Phalangium villosum ((Labill.) Poir.)
• Gagea bohemica var. andegavensis ((F.W.Schultz) Nyman)
• Stellaris bohemica ((Zauschn.) Samp.)
• Gagea saxatilis subsp. busambarensis ((Tineo) K.Richt.)
• Gagea bohemica var. gallica (Rouy)
• Gagea saxatilis var. pygmaea ((Willd.) A.Terracc.)
• Gagea pygmaea var. scaposa (Rouy)
• Gagea pygmaea subsp. saxatilis ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) A.Terracc.)
• Ornithogalum zauschneri (Pohl)
• Stellaster nebrodensis ((Tod. ex Guss.) Kuntze)
• Reggeria bohemica ((Zauschn.) Raf.)
• Ornithogalum bohemicum (Zauschn.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 12, 2020 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2018 by Petr Chaloupsky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2021 by tonysalix77 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2006 by David Genney (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2018 by Ernesto Sanz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 22, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2020 by Petr Vrána (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Feb 12, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 13, 2016 by Philippe Feldmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 13, 2016 by Philippe Feldmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2021 by knulli (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 22, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Fruit

Taken Mar 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5299816)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:535452-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gagea bohemica (Zauschn.) Schult. & Schult.f.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘jan’, ‘feb’, ‘mar’, ‘apr’]