What one gardener may welcome, another will criticize. Star of Bethlehem plants are a great example. If the plant is rampant in unwanted spaces. you may need to step in.
Defining what is actually a “weed” can be tricky. For one gardener, a wild species is welcome, whereas another gardener will criticize the same plant. There is a plant called star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) that got out and now lives in the northern U.S. S. and Canada.
Weed control for star of Bethlehem is only needed when the plant is out of control and growing in places that shouldn’t have it. This is especially true when you find star of Bethlehem in lawns.
Star of Bethlehem is a spring wildflower that emerges in lawns and landscapes across much of North America Its star-shaped white flowers on slender stalks create a delicate display But is this plant an unwanted weed or a welcome ornamental?
There is debate over whether star of Bethlehem should be classified as a weed For gardeners battling an aggressive infestation, the plant is clearly a problematic invader But others appreciate its temporary floral show and cause no harm. Let’s explore both perspectives on this common bulbed perennial.
Star of Bethlehem Weed Identifiers
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) goes by several common names including nap-at-noon, eleven o’clock lady, and sleepydick. It is native to Europe and was brought to North America as an ornamental plant. It has since naturalized across the continent.
You can identify star of Bethlehem by these weed characteristics:
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Flowers have six shiny, white petals forming a perfect star shape.
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Slender, grass-like leaves emerge from underground bulbs in spring.
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Leaves have a distinct white stripe down the middle.
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Grows in clumps, spreading through bulb offsets and seeds.
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Blooms April through June with flowers opening on sunny days.
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Can reach 1-2 feet tall when in bloom.
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Has a grassy or onion-like aroma when crushed.
Is Star of Bethlehem Considered a Weed?
There are a few factors that contribute to star of Bethlehem sometimes being classified as a weed:
Invasive growth – Each bulb can produce up to 20 offsets annually, enabling the plant to spread aggressively. In ideal conditions, a few bulbs can quickly colonize an entire lawn or garden bed within several seasons.
Toxicity – All parts of the star of Bethlehem plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides. This makes the plant potentially dangerous if ingested by people, pets, or livestock.
Unwanted growth – Star of Bethlehem isn’t utilitarian and provides no forage value. Its ephemeral flowers give way to unsightly brown foliage by midsummer.
Difficult removal – Underground bulbs are hard to fully remove manually and can re-sprout for years. Chemical control options in lawns are limited as well.
So in circumstances where star of Bethlehem spreads uncontrolled on wanted turf or displaces preferred plants, it fits the definition of an invasive weed. But the classification is subjective based on the location and gardener’s perspective.
Benefits of Star of Bethlehem Plants
Despite sometimes being termed a weed, star of Bethlehem does offer ecosystem services and ornamental value:
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Provides early season nourishment for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
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Adds temporary color and interest to lawns and meadows.
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Grows well in poor, rocky soils with excellent drainage.
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Spreads rapidly to cover bare ground and prevent erosion.
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Rodents and deer avoid this toxic plant, limiting grazing damage nearby.
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Bulbs produce foliage & flowers without need for supplemental water or care.
When not growing invasively where it’s unwanted, star of Bethlehem acts as a hardy groundcover that rewards the viewer with charming spring blooms. It naturalizes easily with minimal care required.
How to Control Star of Bethlehem Weeds
If star of Bethlehem becomes too aggressive in your lawn or garden, you have several options to control its spread:
Manual removal – Thoroughly dig up bulbs, removing all small offsets. Dispose of bulbs in trash, not compost. Repeated digging will be needed in subsequent years to control regrowth.
Selective herbicides – Products containing 2,4-D, MCPP, or dicamba can help control emergence when applied early in spring. Avoid spraying near ornamental star of Bethlehem plants.
Grass suppression – Promote vigorous turfgrass by fertilizing, aerating, dethatching, and watering appropriately to crowd out weeds.
Preemergent herbicide – Applying a preemergent like prodiamine in very early spring may help reduce star of Bethlehem seed germination.
Landscape fabric – Installing a landscape fabric barrier can block sunlight and prevent sprouting in garden beds. Preventing flowering limits spread of new bulbs.
Reseed bare spots – Quickly reseeding areas where star of Bethlehem has been removed prevents reinfestation in thin or bare lawn areas.
Solarization – Covering areas with clear plastic during hot, sunny weather may help kill bulbs through solar heat buildup.
For extensive infestations, combining chemical and cultural control practices will provide the best results. Just be sure to properly identify star of Bethlehem plants before attempting removal so you don’t eliminate wanted ornamentals.
When is Star of Bethlehem a Problem?
You may begin to view star of Bethlehem as a weed requiring eradication when:
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It starts displacing preferred plants in garden beds.
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The bulbed perennial overtakes large portions of your lawn.
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You have concerns about toxicity to children, pets, or livestock.
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Its unattractive summer foliage becomes an eyesore after flowering ends.
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It spreads from your property into conservation areas, parks, or natural habitats.
If star of Bethlehem reaches nuisance proportions, implement control measures promptly. But occasional ornamental clumps are benign and offer seasonal floral interest.
Coexisting with Star of Bethlehem Plants
Unless growing invasively, star of Bethlehem can be welcomed on properties to enjoy its delicate spring blooms before the foliage fades. Here are some tips for coexistence:
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Plant bulbs in contained garden beds or rock gardens where spread can be controlled.
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Site star of Bethlehem away from areas frequented by children or pets if concerned about toxicity.
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Remove spent flower heads after blooming concludes to reduce self-seeding.
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Allow bulbs to naturalize in meadows, woodland edges, and other low maintenance areas.
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Mow remaining foliage in early summer before it becomes unsightly or creates a tripping hazard.
With proper placement and occasional maintenance, star of Bethlehem can be partitioned as an early season ornamental rather than reviled as an unwanted weed. Enjoy its fleeting floral display and take action if the bulbs become overly assertive.
Is Star of Bethlehem Right for Your Landscape?
Only you can decide if star of Bethlehem plants should be controlled as weeds or welcomed in your garden landscape. Assess the pros and cons and weigh whether you consider this spring wildflower to be a blessing or a pest.
If you have room for its seasonal blooms without aggressive spreading, include it alongside other naturalizing bulbs. But if star of Bethlehem is displacing wanted plants or spreading where it’s not wanted, take control measures to manage the infestation. Just be sure to properly identify the plant before removal.
About Star of Bethlehem Weeds
While star of Bethlehem produces very pretty flowers, all parts of the plant are poisonous. It is an escaped foreigner and spreads prolifically. This makes control of this flower important, especially in counties where the plant has become a nuisance.
Star of Bethlehem in grass is the most difficult to eradicate. There are, however, some tips on removal that can make weed control for star of Bethlehem easier.
The plant primarily grows from bulbs, which naturalize over time and produce more plants. In just a few years, a couple of plants can take over an area. If you like the short-lived starry flowers and don’t mind the plant taking over your garden, this is fine. However, in most cases, weed control is necessary and desired.
The plant resembles wild allium but without the onion scent when crushed. The leaves are narrow, shiny, grass-like, and have a white midrib.
Numerous experimental trials have been conducted on the use of chemicals on star of Bethlehem. But in garden beds, it’s okay to dig the plant out and kill it, as long as you can find all the new bulbs.
☠️ How To Get Rid Of Star Of Bethlehem Weed
What is a star of Bethlehem weed?
The star-of-Bethlehem is a perennial weed that resembles wild garlic. You will find it growing in the spring months in lawns and pastures of West Virginia. It doesn’t have the distinct smell of wild garlic and can be identified by its slender succulent leaves that have a prominent whitish midrib with round hollow leaves.
Are star of Bethlehem flowers noxious?
Some say Star of Bethlehem flowers are good companion plants for early blooming hellebores and dianthus. Others remain steadfast in the notion that the plant is a noxious weed and should never be planted as an ornamental. In fact, Star of Bethlehem flowers are labeled noxious in Alabama, and are on the invasive exotic list in 10 other states.
Is star of Bethlehem poisonous?
This is especially true when you find star of Bethlehem in lawns. While star of Bethlehem produces very pretty flowers, all parts of the plant are poisonous. It is an escaped foreigner and spreads prolifically. This makes control of this flower important, especially in counties where the plant has become a nuisance.
Is star of Bethlehem a wild plant?
For one gardener, a wild species is welcome, whereas another gardener will criticize the same plant. In the case of star of Bethlehem ( Ornithogalum umbellatum ), the plant is an escaped species that has colonized the northern U.S. and Canada.
