Star-of-Bethlehem, common name for a bulbous-rooted herb of the lily family. The erect linear leaves of the plant grow in a clump from an onionlike bulb, reaching a height of about 30 cm (about 12 in). These are followed in spring by an attractive cluster of white, lilylike flowers. Star-of-
Bethlehem was introduced from the Mediterranean region as a garden perennial but has become naturalized in grasslands throughout the eastern and central United States. The bulbs, which may be brought to the surface by plowing or by frost heaving, contain poisons that, when eaten, produce symptoms of depression, salivation, and bloat and may eventually cause death.