Scientific Name
Ornithogalum umbellatum, O. thrysoides
Common Name
Star-of-Bethlehem, Ornithogalum

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Liliaceae
Plant Description
Herbaceous perennial from a bulb; leaves basal, narrow, strap-like, with a light green midrib; flowers in a cluster at the top of a naked stem, white to pale yellow, star-like, 6-parted, in O. umbellatum the parts with a green stripe on the back.
Origin
Europe, North Africa.
Distribution
Piedmont.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape in flower gardens as hardy bulb, weedy in disturbed areas and naturalized in open fields, lawns, pastures, roadsides.
Mode
Ingestion and dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
All parts, but mainly bulbs
Symptoms
Nausea, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath. Pain, burning, and swelling of lips, tongue, and throat. Skin irritation following prolonged contact.
Edibility
Bulbs are NOT EDIBLE contrary to some sources.
Toxic Principle
Several cardiac glycosides and others plus calcium oxalate crystals.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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