What is a star flower and how do I manage it?
I planted "star flowers" that was given to me for free and I've also seen it in the wild, what are they?
**FULL QUESTION**
Dear *Gardening Life*,
I recently purchased some plants from a woman selling them from her home. She gave me two “freebies”, which she called star flowers. I planted them and they are doing well. Then on a hike, I saw them along a trail in the wild. What are they?
*—Michelle Berezowski, Milton, ON*
**FULL ANSWER**
Michelle,
Oh dear, that’s star of Bethlehem (*Ornithogalum umbellatum*). Pretty as it is, it’s also one of the most invasive plants I know. This European native was brought in as an ornamental and has escaped into fields, open woods and roadsides. I bought a few bulbs many years ago and I still spend time every year rooting them out. I advise you to get rid of them while you have the chance. There are forms of *Ornithogalum* such as *O. reverchonii* that are fantastic, but usually when people are giving things away, it means they are invasive.
*—Marjorie Harris, Editor at Large*
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