Star of Bethlehem -- Ornithogalum narbonensThe book of II Kings 6:25 talks about dove's dung found on the hills and cliffs. Most readers of the scripture assume these are the droppings from doves. In reality, botanists believe this is the plant we now call Star of Bethlehem. There is some doubt as to the exact species because some are actually native to Europe. Use any species available (O. umbellatum, O. nutans. O. tenuifolium) to you because they all have grasslike foliage and star shaped white flowers. It acquired the name "dove's dung" because it was so common that the hills and cliffs looked like they were covered with bird droppings. Only bulbs from the species O. narbonese could be eaten raw. The other species must be roasted or boiled before being eaten because they are poisonous. Poor people of the region eat these bulbs even today as food. Cultivation This plant spreads rapidly in almost any garden soil. It is considered invasive by many gardeners. The plant is hardy to -20°F. Plant about 4 inches deep or follow package directions Bible References 2 Kings 6:25: And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. Return to Enabling Bible Gardens Return to Enabled Gardener This entire website is copyrighted by Diana Pederson, 2006-2009. Use of any page |