Meadow gagea
Gagea pratensis
Synonyms: Gagea lutea subsp. stenopetala, Gagea pratensis var. sicula, Ornithogalum glaucum, Gagea stenopetala var. pollinensis, Gagea stenopetala f. acaulis, Gagea succedanea, Gagea equitans, Gagea stenopetala f. uniflora, Gagea schreberi, Gagea composita, Gagea pratensis subsp. gussonei, Gagea polymorpha, Gagea stenopetala f. exscapa, Gagea stenopetala f. grandiflora, Gagea gussonei, Gagea nova, Gagea stenopetala subsp. pratensis, Gagea pratensis f. stenopetala, Ornithogalum intermedium, Gagea stenopetala f. angustifolia, Gagea pratensis f. angustifolia, Ornithogalum stenopetalum, Ornithogalum simplex, Gagea pratensis f. exscapa, Gagea stenopetala, Gagea stenopetala subsp. schreberi, Ornithogalum pratense, Gagea pratensis f. grandiflora, Gagea pratensis subsp. nova, Gagea bracteolaris, Ornithogalum schreberi, Ornithogalum stenopetalum var. grandiflorum, Ornithoxanthum pratense, Gagea stenopetala var. schreberi, Ornithogalum nudiscapum, Stellaster pratensis, Ornithogalum exscapum, Gagea pratensis var. grandiflora, Ornithoxanthum stenopetalum, Gagea pratensis subsp. stenopetala
Gallery
Botanical Description
Gagea pratensis is a small bulbous perennial of the Liliaceae family growing 8-20 cm tall from one or two ovoid white bulbs surrounded by a brown papery tunic, often producing daughter bulbils at the base. The single basal leaf is linear, channelled, hollow and somewhat keeled below, 10-25 cm long and 4-8 mm wide, much exceeding the inflorescence and standing well above it. Two opposite stem leaves subtend the inflorescence; these are flat, lanceolate and unequal, the lower the larger and overtopping the flowers. The inflorescence is a loose, few-flowered umbel-like cyme of one to five star-shaped flowers on slender pedicels of unequal length. Tepals are six, lanceolate, 12-18 mm long, bright yellow within and with a broad green stripe on the outer surface, persisting in withered form around the developing fruit. Stamens are six with bright yellow anthers, and the ovary is superior with a single style. The fruit is a small obovoid capsule. Native to dry meadows, sandy grasslands, hedgebanks and open woodland across much of central and eastern Europe, flowering very early in spring.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.