Nodding Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans) is a perennial bulb native to the Balkan regions of Europe and Turkey which features white bell-shaped perianth flowers with six green and grey striped tepals. Although it is quite beautiful and has even won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK, it is considered an invasive species in parts of the Eastern US, especially in Maryland and surrounding states where it has out-competed many native forest species. Here it is shown in my woodland garden, in the floodplain of the Reedy River.
Hortitopia 
When we lived on the Eastern Shore of Maryland we had a large patch of these little lilies outside our laundry room door. We also had an old timey clothes line and there was nothing more picturesque than sheets billowing in the breeze over the field of white flowers. We had more than 8 acres and I never saw them anywhere else on the property. Thanks for posting the photo Marian, it brought back lovely memories.
Alice–It is a real beauty and I’ve been down the hill nearly every day for a visit. Since I don’t know this plant, I want to see how it’s growing and what it will do if it is pollinated and sets seed.
I love it, green flowers are always a winner. In my garden Ornithogalum umbellatum is a pernicious weed, but this is so much prettier.
Chloris–I love it too and since it is not listed as invasive in South Carolina and this is the first I’ve seen, it’s going to stay. At least for now.
We are sharing another plant in flower, Marian, I’m very surprised to hear it is considered invasive, my patch grows very slowly and I had to beg some from a friend to have any at all.
Christina–It’s not considered invasive in South Carolina, but it’s location in the floodplain, where I have a number of persistant invasives (such as Japanese knotweed), is not a surprise.
Yet it grows naturally here with no irrigation, its versatility obviously increases its invasiveness in certain situations.
I tried them once and never saw them again! Maybe I ought to try where my soil is damp as yours is growing on your flood plain.
Pauline–Yes, the area near the riverbank stays rather damp. It’s also most shade, but has a little sun too.
Its behaviour maybe naughty but its beauty is indisputable. I love the washing line description above.
Dorris–Naughty, but no fault of its own. It’s just doing what it was made to do, but in the wrong place.
It’s lovely Marian, did you plant it or discover it?
Susie–Discovered! Probably never would have noticed it was there except for the bloom.
Gorgeous. I shall definitely take the risk. Although my outcome is more likely to be the same as Pauline’s.
Jessica–It’s worth the chance. The flower is as ethereal as a ghost.
I love this plant Marian, as it brings back mean happy memories of a garden I cared for and it was prolific but very welcome.
Julie–Good to know. I don’t think it is rare here, but from what I read, it is not invasive in this area.
I don’t have this bulb – it’s a beauty! I doubt it would be invasive in my area.
Jason–Well, if I get any babies, I’ll dig them up and send them to you!
I love colour! But this is so delicate….thanks for showing me it!
I dearly love these little bulbs. Mine haven’t started yet, but soon! Happy Gardening Marion.
Understated and beautiful. 🙂