Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) L.OriginNative to most of southern and central Europe, north-western Africa and south-western Asia.AppearanceOrnithogalum umbellatum is an herbaceous perennial plant that prefers full sun to semi-shade in fertile loam soil and moist to mesic conditions.FoliagePlants consist of linear rosette basal leaves approximately 6-12″ (15-30 cm) in length and 1′ (30 cm) across. Leaves curve upward at the base and bend downward starting in the middle. Each leaf has a white stripe in the middle with smooth margins and parallel venation.FlowersO. umbellatum flower stalks are hairless. Flower stalks end in an umbel like stalk of white flowers. Each flower is approximately 0.75″ (1.9 cm) across when open and consists of 6 white tepals, each with a broad green midstripe beneath. Each flower has 6 stamens and a single pistil. Star-of-Bethlehem flowers bloom in late spring for about 2 weeks with flowers opening in the morning and closing at noon.FruitEach star-of-Bethlehem flower is replaced by a 3-celled seed capsule that contains black seeds.Ecological ThreatO. umbellatum is an aggressive plant that was introduced into the United States as an ornamental plant. When escapes occur, its habitat includes waste areas, meadows, cemetery prairies and sunny to semi-shaded banks of streams and drainage ditches. It can displace native species and invade high-quality natural habitats.http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/starbeth.htm