star-of-Bethlehem, in botany, low, spring-blooming bulbous plant
( Ornithogalum umbellatum ) of the family Liliaceae (lily
family), native to the Mediterranean region but naturalized in
North America and cultivated in gardens. The plant has rather
stiff, grasslike leaves and a cluster of white star-shaped
flowers marked on the back with green. It spreads easily and
tends to become weedy. Although the fresh plant is poisonous,
the bulbs have been prepared and used as food in the Old World.
The flower has been associated with the star that guided the
Wise Men to the manger (see Star of Bethlehem). The star-of-
Bethlehem is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class
Liliopsida, order Liliales, family Liliaceae. See more
Encyclopedia articles on: Botany: General