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Spring starflower

How to identify Spring starflower (Ipheion uniflorum)

Spring starflower, also known as Mexican Star

Spring starflower is a bulbous perennial reaching heights of up to 10 inches (25 cm). The foliage is reminiscent of grass with a distinctive onion-like fragrance when disturbed. In early spring, it produces slender 6-inch (15 cm) stems topped with solitary, star-shaped flowers. Each bloom typically spans 1.5 inches (4 cm) across with six bluish-white tepals, each marked by a darker central vein on its underside. The plant tends to have a flurry of these flowers with narrow, blue-green leaves.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Spring starflower

1

Grass-like leaves up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, less than an inch wide, bluish-green with garlic scent.

2

Star-shaped flowers, 1.5 inches (4 cm) across, bluish-white with dark central vein.

3

Solitary blooms with 6 petals briefly united, color ranges from white with blue tinge to violet-blue.

4

Distinct onion-like fragrance when foliage is disturbed.

5

Flurry of slender stems in early spring, each topped with a single star-shaped flower.

Spring starflowerSpring starflowerSpring starflowerSpring starflowerSpring starflower

Detailed Traits of Spring starflower

Leaf Features

The leaves of spring starflower are grass-like, originating from the base of the plant. They are narrowly linear and somewhat glaucous, giving them a slightly bluish cast. These garlic-scented leaves reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and are less than an inch (2.5 cm) wide. Their bluish-green color enhances their distinct appearance. The texture is smooth, and despite their simplicity, the leaves are a key identifying feature.

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Flower Features

Spring starflower flowers are star-shaped and solitary, measuring approximately 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) in diameter. The blooms are salverform and feature 6 petals that are shortly united with spreading lobes. Each petal has a distinct dark central vein. The color ranges from white with a blue tinge to violet-blue. These flowers typically have no prominent scent and are most noticeable during their blooming period in early spring.

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Key Facts About Spring starflower

Attributes of Spring starflower
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
10 cm to 50 cm
Flower Color
Blue
White
Purple
Pink
Lavender
Fruit Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Spring starflower

Family
Amaryllis
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Species
Spring starflower (Ipheion uniflorum)
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Distribution Map of Spring starflower

Spring starflower is native to South America and has since spread beyond its original habitat. It is introduced and cultivated in various temperate regions across Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. This perennial plant has adapted to a range of climates and is often found in gardens and landscapes outside its native range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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