Hairy star of Bethlehem

Short Description

The hairy star of Bethlehem can grow up to 15 centimetres high.

The two long, narrow basal leaves look almost thread-like. They appear to come directly out of the ground (basal) and arise from the underground bulb. Under the inflorescence grow bracts that are often broader and much shorter than the two basal leaves.

The stem grows erect and is glabrous except for the bracts. The lower part is often purplish.

The flowers have up to ten petals arranged in a star shape. They are golden yellow or greenish yellow. There are often more than ten flowers in one inflorescence.

The fruits are three-parted capsules.

In the city

The hairy star of Bethlehem prefers to grow on the nutrient-rich and loose soils of fields. With the use of weedkillers, however, it has largely disappeared from cultivated areas. In the city, the field golden star can be found in cemeteries and parks.