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Spring starflower
Also known as: Mexican Star
Spring starflower (Ipheion uniflorum) is a plant species known for its star-shaped flowers and tall stems. It grows in early spring and grows from bulbs and self-seeding. This species grows well when planted in mass plantings, border plantings, and rock gardens.
Scientific classification
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Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Green, Blue
Leaf Color
2.5 cm
Flower Size
Green
Fruit Color
Blue, White, Purple, Pink, Lavender
Flower Color
Deciduous
Leaf type
5 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Spring starflower

Distribution of Spring starflower

Distribution Map
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
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Garden
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Symbolism
Sad parting, Mean, Grudge
Interesting Facts
Spring starflower is a member of the onion family, so although the flowers have a sweet and slightly spicy scent, the leaves, when crushed, smell of onion or garlic.
Name Story
Springstar: The common name says it all: the star-like flowers appear in early spring. “Uniflorum” means “single flower," referring to the fact that each stem bears only one flower.
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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Spring starflower, including the following common varieties :

Toxicity

Spring starflower is moderately toxic to humans, cats, and dogs, primarily through ingestion of its bulb. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting, and more severe effects like diarrhea and dehydration. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for pets, and awareness is essential to prevent accidental ingestion, especially by children and pets. Cats and dogs may exhibit lethargy and physical discomfort. Avoid plant access. Immediate response is essential for safety and health. Be aware of potential risks and prevent accidental ingestion of the bulb of spring starflower. Seek immediate medical and veterinary care if poisoning occurs. Continuous monitoring is necessary for pets. Prevent access to the plant to avoid poisoning. Immediate veterinary care is essential for managing potential poisoning effectively. Milder to severe symptoms vary based on the amount ingested. The bulb is hazardous, and awareness is critical. Seek urgent care for poisoning symptoms. Effective management necessitates prompt veterinary consultation. Moderation is key, ensuring safety. Preventative measures enhance well-being for all. Prioritize safety. Spring starflower contains toxic elements primarily in its bulb; ingestion leads to nausea, vomiting, and severe dehydration. Seek veterinary and medical assistance swiftly. Accurate prevention maintaining safety. Monitor pets and children to avoid accidental plant ingestion. Immediate care provides the best outcomes. Effective handling of poisoning cases requires awareness and timely intervention. Maintain a safe environment, considering the toxicity risks of spring starflower. Recognize symptoms early. Prompt care is essential to manage toxicity in humans, cats, and dogs. Advocate for awareness regarding the toxic nature of spring starflower. Monitor exposure, securing health. Immediate response critical for safety. Preventative approaches minimize risk. Effective management involves monitoring and immediate medical care for ingestion symptoms. Highlighting the toxicity, especially the bulb, is vital for health safety. Managing toxicity requires proactive measures and timely care responses. Awareness reduces risks, enhancing safety standards. Act swiftly in poisoning scenarios, ensuring safety. Proper care and monitoring ensure well-being across all affected by spring starflower. Conscious effort in maintaining awareness helps prevent poisoning mishaps. Timely actions are crucial.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Spring starflower

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.
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Care Guide for Spring starflower

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
5 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Spring starflower thrives in temperate grasslands, preferring consistent moisture but tolerating short dry spells. Optimal growth requires weekly watering. As an herbaceous perennial, its bulb storage capability allows it to sustain flowering during brief droughts.
Fertilize: To enhance growth and flowering in spring starflower, use a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus in early spring, feeding monthly during the active season with a lighter dose. Reduce feeding as dormancy nears, and always water well after fertilization to ensure nutrient absorption and protect roots.
Pruning: Spring starflower produces star-shaped, fragrant flowers. Prune in early to late spring post-bloom cycle, focusing on removing dead foliage. Light cuts promote health and flowering; avoid heavy pruning. Regular removal of spent blooms enhances aesthetics and ensures vibrant displays annually.
Propagation: Spring starflower is a low-growing plant ideal for rock gardens and ground cover, thriving in well-drained soil. Propagation is simple via bulb division after foliage dies back. Replant bulbs immediately, ensuring proper depth for optimal growth, leading to blooms in the next season.
Repotting: Spring starflower requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive. Ensuring proper drainage promotes healthy root development and prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
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RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Spring starflower
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