Knowledgebase

can you identify this plant please? #927497

Asked April 04, 2026, 12:13 PM EDT

I have noticed this plant in my backyard and it seems to be spreading. It is not onion grass.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

This looks like Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum), an unfortunately widespread invasive bulb. Eradication is difficult, as they are perennial and are dormant for a significant part of the year (they start to lose leaves after flowering). Other than manual removal by digging out all bulbs you can find, you may need to resort to systemic herbicide (potentially glyphosate) to kill the weed's roots. See if the label notes whether a spreader-sticker (also called an adjuvant or surfactant) can be added to the spray, which helps liquid herbicides adhere to very waxy, water-repellent leaves like this plant has. Follow all label directions for use (on both products) if you opt to use herbicide. Check with local laws if the weeds are growing in a lawn, since Montgomery County has restrictions on what pesticides can be applied to lawns; only some weed species are exempt.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 06, 2026, 10:39 AM EDT

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