Status:
valid
Authors:
B.Nord.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1982
Citation Micro:
Opera Bot. 64: 37 (1982)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000712795
Common Names
- Ornithoglossum
- Bird's Tongue
- Bird's Foot
Description
Ornithoglossum vulgare (also called common star-of-Bethlehem, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, growing up to 30 cm tall. It is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, and is widely naturalized elsewhere. It grows in dry open habitats, such as scrub, woodland, and grassland.
Uses & Benefits
Ornithoglossum vulgare is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating fever, cough, and colds.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ornithoglossum vulgare has white or pink flowers, with yellow anthers. Its seeds are small and black, and its seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ornithoglossum vulgare is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F. It can be pruned to shape in late winter or early spring.
Where to Find Ornithoglossum vulgare
Ornithoglossum vulgare can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ornithoglossum vulgare FAQ
What is the natural habitat of Ornithoglossum vulgare?
Ornithoglossum vulgare is native to South Africa.
What type of soil does Ornithoglossum vulgare prefer?
Ornithoglossum vulgare prefers well-draining, sandy soil.
How much water does Ornithoglossum vulgare need?
Ornithoglossum vulgare needs moderate amounts of water.
Species in the Ornithoglossum genus
Ornithoglossum calcicola,
Ornithoglossum dinteri,
Ornithoglossum viride,
Ornithoglossum vulgare,
Ornithoglossum parviflorum,
Ornithoglossum gracile,
Ornithoglossum zeyheri,
Ornithoglossum undulatum,
Ornithoglossum viride,
Ornithoglossum pulchrum,
Species in the Colchicaceae family
Baeometra uniflora,
Baeometra uniflora,
Burchardia bairdiae,
Burchardia congesta,
Burchardia monantha,
Burchardia multiflora,
Burchardia rosea,
Burchardia umbellata,
Camptorrhiza indica,
Camptorrhiza strumosa,
Colchicum alpinum,
Colchicum antilibanoticum,
Colchicum arenarium,
Colchicum arenasii,
Colchicum asteranthum,
Colchicum atticum,
Colchicum autumnale,
Colchicum balansae,
Colchicum baytopiorum,
Colchicum bivonae,
Colchicum boissieri,
Colchicum bulbocodium,
Colchicum burttii,
Colchicum chalcedonicum,
Colchicum chimonanthum,
Colchicum cilicicum,
Colchicum confusum,
Colchicum corsicum,
Colchicum cretense,
Colchicum crocifolium,
Colchicum cupanii,
Colchicum davisii,
Colchicum decaisnei,
Colchicum doerfleri,
Colchicum dolichantherum,
Colchicum eichleri,
Colchicum euboeum,
Colchicum fasciculare,
Colchicum feinbruniae,
Colchicum filifolium,
Colchicum freynii,
Colchicum gonarei,
Colchicum graecum,
Colchicum haynaldii,
Colchicum heldreichii,
Colchicum hierosolymitanum,
Colchicum hirsutum,
Colchicum hungaricum,
Colchicum imperatoris-friderici,
Colchicum inundatum,