Floral Friday ~ Ornithogalum

When someone asks for “ornithogalum”, what first comes to mind?  Is it the black-eyed star flowers, the ever so popular white star-of-Bethlehem or yellow/orange star-shaped dubium?  Those are all species of Ornithogalum, more commonly known as star-of-Bethlehem, wonder flower or Chincherinchee.

The name is derived from Greek, “ornis” (a bird) and “gala” (milk) ~ meaning something amazing. It is a little known group with great merit.   A vase full of these wondrous flowers will last 14-21 days in floral preservative.  Similar to tulips, once cut, star-of-Bethlehem will continue to grow toward a source of light.

Most varieties are available year-round.