The alternative common name for ornithogalum pyrenaicum, Bath asparagus, arises from its occurrence in the woods around Bath, and because it was once collected and sold as food. This species has limited distribution but can be locally abundant
Common names:
Spiked star-of-bethlehem, Bath asparagus
Family:
Scientific name:
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum
Main flower color:
Range:
Southwest England, mostly restricted to a narrow band between Bristol and Reading
Height:
Between 50 cm and 100 cm
Habitat:
Open woodland
Flowers:
Formed of six equal lobes, around 10 mm long, narrowly ovate, coloured creamy yellow and crossed with a few narrow greenish veins. Six stamens, with white filaments and light brown anthers, and a green, three-celled ovary. Flowers are arranged in a vertical spike, often dropping towards the tip, and maturing from the base upwards, over a period of several weeks
Leaves:
Greyish-green, linear, grass-like, basal, up to 60 cm long; usually withered before flowering
Season:
May to July
Rarity:
★★★★★
