Definition

Noun: * A plant species: Bath asparagus is the common name for Ornithogalum pyrenaicum, a perennial plant native to Europe and Western Asia. It is a type of star of Bethlehem. Historically, its young flower buds and shoots were harvested and eaten, often as a substitute for asparagus.

Usage and Examples

• As a common name for a plant:
  • Foragers in the region sometimes gather bath asparagus in the spring.
  • The bath asparagus plant produces tall spikes of white flowers.
• Referring to its historical culinary use:
  • In the past, bath asparagus was a popular seasonal vegetable in some parts of England.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily historical or botanical. In modern contexts, it is rarely used outside of foraging communities, historical cooking references, or specific botanical discussions.
• It is sometimes encountered in the study of ethnobotany (the study of how people of a particular culture and region make use of indigenous plants).

Variants and Related Words

• Pyrenean star-of-Bethlehem: Another common name for the same plant ().
• Spiked star-of-Bethlehem: A descriptive name referencing its flower structure.
• Prussian asparagus: A regional name used in some areas.
• Star of Bethlehem: The common name for the larger genus () to which this plant belongs.

Synonyms

• Pyrenean star-of-Bethlehem (botanical synonym as a common name)
• Edible star-of-Bethlehem (descriptive synonym)

Notes on Meaning

• Important Distinction: is not true asparagus (genus ). It is a completely different plant that was used similarly. Some sources note that other, potentially toxic, species exist, so correct identification is crucial.
• The name "Bath" is believed to originate from the city of Bath in England, where the shoots were traditionally sold in markets.

Noun

1. Old World star of Bethlehem having edible young shoots