The star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is an attractive bulbous perennial plant that originated in Europe and western Asia. However, behind its beauty lies a highly poisonous plant that can cause severe illness and even death if ingested by humans or animals. Being aware of the risks and identifying this toxic plant is critical for prevention.
Overview of the Star of Bethlehem Plant
The star of Bethlehem is a member of the lily family, growing from a bulb with long, slender leaves emerging from its base. In late spring or early summer, the plants produce beautiful clusters of star-shaped white flowers, often dotted with green markings. After flowering, the foliage dies back by midsummer, going dormant until the next year. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the plant spreads aggressively through its bulbs, quickly colonizing an area.
The star of Bethlehem was first brought to North America and Australia as an ornamental plant. It has since become a native plant in many places. It now grows in fields, gardens, along roadsides, and other places that have been disturbed. It takes over local habitats and beats out native plants as an invasive species.
The High Toxicity of the Star of Bethlehem Plant
All parts of the star of Bethlehem plant, including the bulbs, leaves, and flowers, contain dangerously high levels of toxic cardiac glycosides The bulbs have the highest concentration of these toxic compounds
When ingested, the cardiac glycosides disrupt electrolyte balance in the heart muscle, causing heart palpitations, irregular heart rhythms, and convulsions. The toxins make the heart work too hard and beat erratically, essentially causing heart failure.
Poisoning symptoms can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue, weakness, dizziness
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Hypotension
- Muscle tremors or seizures
- Coma, death
Without swift treatment, the heart may beat itself to death. These severe effects demonstrate how star of Bethlehem poisoning is a life-threatening emergency
High Risk of Accidental Poisoning
Accidentally consuming any part of a star of Bethlehem plant poses a major risk for humans and animals. The bulbs resemble onions and are most frequently ingested. Bitter taste often limits intake, but just a small amount of a bulb can cause toxicity.
Because they are interested, kids or pets may nibble on flowers or leaves. People and animals often get sick when the plant takes over gardens and yards and comes into contact with them. It’s also risky to pick plants in the wild if they aren’t recognized.
Vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing heart conditions, are at highest risk. Pet owners must prevent access and contact a vet immediately if poisoning is suspected.
Preventing Exposure and Poisoning
Avoiding accidental poisoning requires proper identification of star of Bethlehem. Once you know what kind of plant it is, you can take steps to get rid of or separate it. Key identification features include:
- Clusters of white, star-shaped flowers with green dots
- Slender leaves from the base of the bulb
- Aggressive spreading habit
Search your yard thoroughly and remove any star of Bethlehem plants, especially before allowing children or pets access. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling to prevent skin irritation from the sap. Fully dig up bulbs to prevent regrowth.
When landscaping, choose non-toxic alternatives like snowdrops or bluebells. Seek out native species to prevent invasive spread. Group toxic ornamentals away from areas used by children or pets.
If poisoning is suspected, immediately call emergency services. Do not induce vomiting. Provide information about the plant and estimated amount consumed. Rapid treatment is critical for the best chance of recovery.
Staying informed and vigilant is vital for avoiding the significant dangers of the highly poisonous star of Bethlehem plant. While visually appealing, its aggressive and toxic nature means it should be handled with extreme caution and kept far away from people and pets. Poisoning emergencies can only be prevented through awareness and proactive measures. Do not take chances with this potentially deadly plant.
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The star of Bethlehem is an easy-to-care-for spring flower that does best in light shade, like at the edge of a forest.
The unusual thing about the star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is certainly its flowers, which can turn the garden into a white sea of flowers in spring. The bulbous plant doesn’t need much care, though, and it goes back into the ground after flowering until the next spring. In this article you will find everything you need to know about the cultivation and care of the star of Bethlehem from the fact sheet to pictures and tips on its uses.
Dividing star of Bethlehem
Another reason why the star of Bethlehem may cease to grow is excessive competition. Therefore, you should divide the bulb approximately every 3 to 5 years. This is best done after flowering around autumn. Then you prick out part of the bulb and either plant it in a new location or dispose of it in the compost. The punched hole is again loosely filled with soil.
If the star of Bethlehem has faded and the plants no longer look attractive, you can cut back the flower stalks close to the ground. This also prevents star of Bethlehem from spreading further by seed. However, you should wait until the leaves too are withered before pruning. The key reserves and nutrients are then transferred to the bulbs as a storage organ so that there is enough energy for budding the following spring. If you have enough space in the garden and the faded star of Bethlehem plants do not bother you, you do not need to worry about them further and can leave them to themselves.
Tip: the star of Bethlehem tolerates superficial tillage. You can therefore rake leaves as normal in autumn without causing any issues.
The star of Bethlehem is one of the hardy varieties, as it can tolerate temperatures down to -28 °C. This means that you can leave your bulbs in the bed over the winter without additional protection. Only winter dampness poses a threat, causing the plants to fall victim to mould and preventing their sprouting in the spring.
Tip: the star of Bethlehem is less suitable as a houseplant. Nevertheless, if you are looking for this variety for your home, the Arabian star flower (Ornithogalum arabicum) is a good choice.
Care at a glance:
- Only water star of Bethlehem in very dry springs.
- Fertilising is necessary only when growth slows down.
- Withered parts of the plant can be removed after flowering.
- Star of Bethlehem is tough, so it doesn’t need any extra care.
- So that the plants always have enough room, thin or divide them every few years.
Star-of-Bethlehem: Poison, Edible & Medicinal
FAQ
Is Star of Bethlehem safe to touch?
Tip: like all plants of this species, the star of Bethlehem is highly toxic. Because of this, the plants are also known as gardener’s bug or gardener’s death because they spread quickly through seeds and runners when the conditions are right. After flowering, the star of Bethlehem retracts completely.
Can you touch the star of Bethlehem flower?
Human Connections. All parts of this plant are poisonous to both humans and to animals. Don’t confuse this plant with wild onion.
How toxic is Star of Bethlehem to dogs?
Lily of the Valley, Foxglove, Oleander, Milkweed, Kalanchoe, Dogbane, Star of Bethlehem. This affects both cats and dogs, and cause life threatening heart irregularities, or death. Signs include drooling, nausea, vomiting, irregular heart rate, weakness, collapse, dilated pupils, tremors, seizures and death.
Is the Star of Bethlehem plant poisonous to cats?
The Star of Bethlehem can cause life threatening heart irregularities, or death. The Asian lily, also referred to as the Asiatic lily or Oriental lily, is highly toxic to cats. Cats can end up with kidney failure if they eat even two petals or drink water from a vase with this flower in it.