Garden Star-of-bethlehem
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Garden Star-of-bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 3"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Garden Star-of-bethlehem
Garden Star-of-bethlehem is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaGarden star-of-bethlehem is a low-growing bulb that produces clusters of white, star-shaped flowers in spring. This compact perennial forms small clumps and naturalizes easily in partial shade areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Garden Star-of-bethlehem takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Non-native species that can spread aggressively
- Considered invasive in some areas
- May look weedy when foliage dies back after blooming
Wildlife value
The spring flowers provide nectar for bees and beetles during early season foraging. However, this is a non-native species that offers limited ecological value compared to native alternatives.
Common questions
- How much sun does Garden Star-of-bethlehem need?
- Garden Star-of-bethlehem grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Garden Star-of-bethlehem bloom?
- Garden Star-of-bethlehem blooms in April, May, and June.
- Is Garden Star-of-bethlehem toxic to cats?
- Yes. Garden Star-of-bethlehem is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Garden Star-of-bethlehem attract?
- Garden Star-of-bethlehem draws bees and beetles.
- Is Garden Star-of-bethlehem HOA-friendly?
- Garden Star-of-bethlehem takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Garden Star-of-bethlehem? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz