Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem (Gagea lutea), fam. Liliaceae.
   Occurs rarely both in the forest and in the garden beds of the city. The plant can be seen in early spring only, when it blooms. It is quite sun-loving, and in May, when the the leaves grow on surrounding trees, and the mighty neighboring herbs overtop the Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem several times in height, it goes dormant until the next spring.
   There is information about edibility of Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem; however, it is not abundant enough in Kyiv.
   Do not confuse this plant with white Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum), which is also a bulbous spring flower, but not very close relative of Gagea.

---