Ornithogalum nutans

Plants (15–)30–50(–60) cm; bulbs progressively renewed over 3–4 years, 2–3 × 2.5–3.5 cm; bulblets numerous. Leaves (3–)4–6; blade with white adaxial stripe, 30–60 cm × (3–)5–10(–15) mm. Scape 2–5 dm. Inflorescences racemose, 5–12(–18)-flowered, cylindrical; bracts 3–4 cm. Flowers nodding, especially after anthesis; perianth campanulate; tepals white with wide green abaxial stripe, lanceolate, 20–30 × 9–12 mm, outer 3 slightly gibbous at base, inner 3 slightly wider; stamens: outer 6–8 × 3–4 mm, inner 13–15 × 4–5 mm; filaments 3-dentate, flattened; anthers 3–4 mm; ovary ovoid to subglobose, slightly 6-angled, 5–6 mm; style 5–6 mm; lower pedicels to 1 cm. Capsules broadly ovoid. 2n = 45.

Phenology: Flowering spring.
Habitat: Fields, waste places, abandoned gardens
Elevation: 0–1500 m

Introduced; Ont., Conn., Del., D.C., Ill., Md., Mich., Mo., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Oreg., Pa., Va., W.Va., Europe, sw Asia, expected elsewhere.

Discussion

Though widely cultivated and naturalized, Ornithogalum nutans is not as common as O. umbellatum.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa