Garden star-of-bethlehem (Ornithogalum divergens, Notes Pl. Franç. 3: 15 (1847))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: Boreau

Bibliography: Notes Pl. Franç. 3: 15 (1847)

Year: 1847

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ornithogalum

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Europe to Medit.

Description

The Garden star-of-bethlehem, scientifically referred to as Ornithogalum divergens, is a delicate and captivating flowering plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family. It was first documented in the mid-19th century by the botanist Boreau, as noted in his significant work “Notes Pl. Franç.” published in 1847.

This perennial herbaceous plant is native to Central Europe and the Mediterranean regions, where it adorns meadows and grassy fields with its star-shaped blossoms. The flowers typically bloom in clusters atop slender stems, showcasing white petals that often bear a subtle green streak on their reverse, creating a striking contrast.

The foliage of the Garden star-of-bethlehem features narrow, strap-like leaves, which form a basal rosette. This natural arrangement not only supports the plant but also contributes to its aesthetic appeal. As a member of the Asparagaceae family, it shares several characteristics with its relatives, including a preference for well-drained soils and a sunny to partially shaded environment.

Ideal for ornamental gardening, Ornithogalum divergens provides a touch of elegance to garden beds and borders. Its resilience and adaptability make it a favored choice among gardeners seeking to introduce a hint of the wild European landscape into their own spaces.

Common Names

Dan: udspærret fuglemælk
Swe: spärrmorgonstjärna, spärrgrenig morgonstjärna
Nob: sprikestjerne
Nno: sprikjestjerne
En: Garden Star-of-Bethlehem, Sleepydick, Star of Bethlehem, Star-of-Bethlehem
Ar: صاصل متباعد
Ca: Llet d’ocell
Cs: Snědek rozkladitý
Da: Udspærret fuglemælk
Nl: Gewone Vogelmelk
Fi: Välimerentähdikki
Fr: Belle-d’onze-heures, Dame-d’onze-heures, Ornithogale en ombelle
De: Dolden-Milchstern, Doldiger Milchstern, Vogelmilch
It: Cipollone bianco, Latte-di-gallina ad ombrella, Latte-di-gallina comune
Nb: Sprikestjerne
Nn: Sprikjestjerne
Es: Leche de gallina
Sv: Spärrmorgonstjärna, Spärrgrenig morgonstjärna
: Garden star-of-bethlehem

Synonyms

• Ornithogalum umbellatum var. hortense ((Jord. & Fourr.) Rouy)
• Ornithogalum umbellatum var. paterfamilias ((Godr.) P.Fourn.)
• Ornithogalum umbellatum subsp. pater-familias ((Godr.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Ornithogalum umbellatum var. declinatum ((Jord. & Fourr.) Rouy)
• Ornithogalum siculum (Ucria)
• Ornithogalum divergens var. pater-familias ((Godr.) Nyman)
• Ornithogalum declinatum (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Ornithogalum umbellatum subsp. divergens ((Boreau) Bonnier & Layens)
• Ornithogalum umbellatum subsp. paterfamilias ((Godr.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Ornithogalum umbellatum var. divergens ((Boreau) Beck)
• Ornithogalum refractum (Guss.)
• Ornithogalum pater-familias (Godr.)
• Ornithogalum hortense ((Neilr.) Jord. & Fourr.)

Distribution

• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Netherlands (introduced)

Additional Images

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

Flower

Taken May 1, 2018 by Rodolphe C (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2022 by Yves NOEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2018 by Fernando Teixeira (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 26, 2020 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Wouter (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Zimmermann Josef (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Havranka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 13, 2021 by Tami Pecoraro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Nami Tzu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2020 by Roberto Ascoli Roberto Ascoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by enrico Mh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 5, 2022 by Sasha Boucher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2020 by Botasy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 24, 2021 by jacky Richardeau (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Zimmermann Josef (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Estrella Monroy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2020 by Günther Kastenfrosch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Wouter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2020 by Dennis C (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 21, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Loris STALPERS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Philip Ruffe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by parneodo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by Romain HERRERA (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2021 by François Tavoillot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2773453)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:539177-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ornithogalum divergens Boreau)

Specifications

Growth