Ornithogalum umbellatum, Star of Bethlehem.
Ornithogalum umbellatum, Star of Bethlehem, a member of the lily family, Liliaceae, sometimes placed in the asparagus family, Asparagaceae, is native to Europe but widely naturalized in the United States, easily identified with the green sripe down the back of each petal, along with its graceful leaves. Bulbs spread quickly once established. Contains cardioactive glycosides convallatoxin and convalloside, which in highly controlled dosages have been used for heart conditions. All fresh parts of the plant considered toxic. Historical literature reports that the bulbs, boiled and properly prepared were eaten in the south of Europe and Middle East.
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