STAR OF BETHLEHEM

Star-of-Bethlehem is the common name for Ornithogalum umbellatum, a bulbous-rooted herb of the lily family. It is closely related to the Onion and Garlic. The narrow dark leaves grow in a clump to a height of about 12 inches. It has lily like flowers (brilliantly white on the inside, green-striped on the outside) that expand only in sunshine.The Star-of-Bethlehem, introduced from the Mediterranean region, has become naturalized in grasslands throughout the eastern and central United States.

The bulbs, in common with those of many Liliaceous plants, are edible and nutritious. They were in ancient times eaten, and form a palatable and wholesome food when boiled. They are still often eaten in the East, being roasted like chestnuts.They may have been the 'Dove's Dung' mentioned in the 2 Kings 6:25, when "one-fourth of a cab of dove's dung [was sold for] five shekels of silver." (NRSV) The Greek name, Ornithogalum, signifies the "birds' milk flower." The plains of Syria and Palestine are sheeted in spring with the white flowers of a species of Star of Bethlehem, and are still called by the Arabs, 'Dove's Dung.'

Ornithogalum Umbellatum