Ornithogalum umbellatum

Ornithogalum umbellatum L.

Ornithogalum umbellatum

Ornithogalum umbellatum, commonly known as the garden star-of-Bethlehem, grass lily, nap-at-noon, or eleven-o'clock lady, is a perennial bulbous flowering plant. It produces conspicuous white flowers in a stellate pattern during mid to late spring. The plant is relatively short, with tufts of basal linear leaves and a scapose structure. It is native to southern and central Europe and northwestern Africa but has become invasive in North America.

Details

Order:

Asparagales

Family:

Asparagaceae

Genus:

Ornithogalum

Chemistry:

The plant contains cardiac glycosides, specifically convallatoxin and convalloside, which are toxic to humans and livestock. These compounds can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and skin irritation.

Uses:

Despite its toxicity, O. umbellatum has been used in traditional regional cuisines and medicines. It has been incorporated into some traditional regional cuisines, such as in Turkey, and traditional medicine in India. The plant has also been used to create essences sold as patent remedies and for aromatherapy, such as Bach flower remedies.

Flowering time:

Mid to late spring (May-June)

Sowing time:

Plant height:

10–30 cm (4–12 inches)

Flower color:

White

Suitable habitat:

Damp habitats, such as along rivers, streams, and lower, wet areas of pastures. Tolerant to shade and various soil types.

Info

Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.

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