Ornithogalum umbellatum

Other names: Pale-eyed Susan, Snowdrops, Hellebores, White Hellebores, Star of Bethlehem, Bird's Milk, White-eyed Susan

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

Sneek, also known as the Pale-eyed Susan, Sneek, Sagebrush, White Sagebrush, Star of Bethlehem, Bird's Milk, or White-eyed Susan, is a species of plant in the hyacinth family. It is found in Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus in lowlands to foothills. The milkweed is a perennial bulbous plant that grows to a height of 10-35 cm. It is an inconspicuous flower that will delight many a grower and spice up many a garden with its star-shaped and always ten to twenty flowers arranged in a panicle-shaped inflorescence.

The uses of the plant are varied. It is a great favourite with gardeners, who grow it extensively for its unpretentiousness and beautiful flowers. However, its bulbs are poisonous, hence its other uses. This is because this plant has a high content of cardenolides, which are substances similar to those found in digitalis purpurea (thimbleberry). These substances in small doses can be used by people suffering from heart disease. However, it is not recommended to experiment with them on their own, without a doctor's supervision. In the Middle Ages, fenugreek was also used to remove warts. In the culinary arts, its onions are used, which, when cooked, have a pleasant taste similar to chestnuts, but, as has been said, only after expert preparation, since raw onions are poisonous. Historically, it was also used to make an arrow for fishing.