Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, Yellow Starflower
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Monocots, Order: Liliales, Family: Liliaceae, Genus: Gagea, Species: Gagea lutea · Liliaceae (Lily family) · Simple, deciduous, monocotyledonous basal leaf
Species
Gagea lutea
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous, monocotyledonous basal leaf
Family
Liliaceae (Lily family)
Shape
Linear to lanceolate, tapering at the tip and base
Size
Basal leaf typically 15-20 cm long and 6-12 mm wide; specimen appears consistent with this mature range.
Margin
Entire (smooth) and somewhat thickened at the edges
Arrangement
Basal (solitary large basal leaf with two smaller, opposite bract-like leaves beneath the inflorescence)
Rarity
Common in many parts of continental Europe, but can be rare and localized in the UK and specific island habitats.
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green, currently displaying yellow-brown discolorations due to the drying/pressing process; lacks variegation.
Venation Pattern
Parallel venation (monocot characteristic)
Texture & Surface
Glabrous (smooth) and slightly fleshy when fresh; drying to a papery herbarium texture.
Description
Gagea lutea is a small, bulbous perennial. It features a single, prominent basal leaf that overleaps the flowering stem. The 3-10 flowers are yellow-green, star-shaped, and arranged in an umbel-like cyme. It spends most of the year as an underground bulb, emerging early in spring to capitalize on the forest canopy light before leaf-out.
Key Features
Single large basal leaf, yellow six-tepaled flowers with green reverses, and two leaf-like bracts just below the inflorescence.
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands, damp meadows, and riverbank copses; prefers nutrient-rich, moist, calcareous soils.
Geographic Range
Native to temperate Eurasia, from Great Britain and Scandinavia east to Japan; also found in parts of the Himalayas.
Condition Notes
Pressed herbarium specimen. The leaf shows signs of desiccation (intended for preservation) with some browning at the base; floral structures are well-preserved but withered. Overall health grade: Good (as a specimen).
Interesting Facts
Named after the English botanist Sir Thomas Gage. It is a spring ephemeral, completing its entire above-ground life cycle in just a few weeks in early spring.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used in folk medicine for its diuretic properties, though rarely used today. Primarily valued as an indicator species for ancient woodlands.
Ecological Role
Provides an early spring nectar source for bees and flies; its presence often indicates a high-quality, undisturbed ancient woodland habitat.
Similar Species
Gagea pratensis (usually has 3 basal leaves and a different bulb structure) and Gagea minima (much smaller and more slender).
Foraging Tips
Look for this species in early spring (March-April) in moist deciduous woods. It is best identified when the yellow star-like flowers are open in the morning sun.
Toxicity Warning
All parts contain alkaloids common to the lily family. Rated as Moderately Toxic; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress. Not for consumption.