Gagea lutea, commonly known as yellow star-of-Bethlehem, is a delicate perennial wildflower native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is recognized by its bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that open in early spring, often before trees fully leaf out. The genus name Gagea honors English naturalist Sir Thomas Gage, while “lutea” refers to the plant’s golden hue. Unlike many spring ephemerals, it prefers moist, shaded woodlands and riverbanks, where it forms small colonies from underground bulbs, marking one of the earliest bursts of color in the forest floor each year.
