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Star-grass (Hypoxis)
Also known as : Yellow stars, Stars
Growing from rhizomes, corms, or tubers, star-grass are some of the earliest plants to start producing flower stems after the first rainfall in the spring. The star-shaped blossoms bloom in the spring and attract bees and other pollinators to gardens. The plants' uniquely shaped blossoms make them popular in flowering borders, wildflower, and butterfly gardens.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Star-grass
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Attributes of Star-grass
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Star-grass
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Monocotyledons
Order
Asparagus and allies
Family
Stargrass
Genus
Star-grass
Distribution of Star-grass
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Distribution Map of Star-grass
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Star-grass
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The star-grass genus, often called star grass or African potato, requires light for optimum growth, and moderate watering, without over-saturation. They thrive in a broad temperature range and well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Gardeners often grapple with snails and spider mites, the common pests that infect these plants. Diseases like root rot occur due to overwatering. Seasonal care includes increased watering during the growing season (spring-summers) and reduced watering in winters while ensuring protection from frost.
Exploring the Star-grass Plants
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8 most common species：
Yellow Star Grass
Yellow Star Grass (Hypoxis hirsuta) is a low-growing perennial that will grow to 15 cm tall. Most commonly found growing in dry prairies and open woods. Blooms from spring to summer with yellow star-shaped flowers. Prefers full sun to partial shade. It appears green when the flower is closed but when open it displays a beautiful array of golden yellow blossom.
African potato
African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) gets its specific epithet, hemerocallidea, from the Greek words for "day" (hemera) and "beauty" (kallos) which refers to the plant's attractive but short-lived yellow flowers. The plant's tubers have been used as a black dye to stain floors. African potato has ornamental appeal and can be grown in warm climate rock gardens that are similar to its native habitat.
Golden star grass
Golden star grass is a perennial herb recognized by its cheerful, star-shaped yellow flowers centered on grass-like foliage. These hardy blooms sit atop slender, erect stems and are hallmarks of the plant's resiliency, thriving in various conditions from grasslands to woodlands. Its corm-like structures fuel growth and survival, forming dense clumps that enhance its vibrant display each season.
Hypoxis sobolifera
Hypoxis sobolifera sports yellow, star-shaped flowers atop slender stalks, with grass-like leaves that form a lush base. Thriving in well-drained soil and open grasslands, this perennial's hardy underground corms enable it to survive through seasonal fluctuations. Its radiant blooms often serve as indicators of an ecosystem in healthy balance.
Hypoxis argentea
Hypoxis argentea is a perennial herb with grass-like leaves and bright yellow star-shaped flowers that bloom in spring to early summer. The silvery hairs that cover its lance-shaped foliage contribute to its common name, and reflect sunlight, which may reduce water loss and deter herbivores. Thriving in well-drained soils, its corms allow hypoxis argentea to survive periods of drought, ensuring resilience in its native grassland habitat.
Wright's star-grass
Wright's star-grass is a small, perennial bulbous plant with grass-like leaves that form a rosette at its base. It displays vibrant yellow star-shaped flowers set upon slender stalks, which bloom under full sun in prairie-like habitats. This hardy species showcases a resilience to fluctuating weather, often contributing to its spread in savannahs and open woodlands. The bright blossoms not only captivate onlookers but also attract various pollinators, playing a key role in the ecosystem.
Hypoxis multiceps
Hypoxis multiceps emerges as a resilient herbaceous perennial, featuring grass-like leaves and a constellation of starry yellow flowers poised atop slender, fibrous stalks. Thriving in well-drained soils, hypoxis multiceps harnesses its bulbous base to endure dry periods, a testament to its adaptability in varying environments.
Hypoxis longifolia
Hypoxis longifolia is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its elongated, grass-like leaves, and bright yellow star-shaped flowers. Its resilience is seen in the robust rhizomes that allow it to thrive in varied environments, often being found in open grasslands where it receives ample sunlight. The striking blooms not only mark its identity but also attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the ecosystem.
All Species of Star-grass
Yellow Star Grass
Yellow Star Grass
Yellow Star Grass (Hypoxis hirsuta) is a low-growing perennial that will grow to 15 cm tall. Most commonly found growing in dry prairies and open woods. Blooms from spring to summer with yellow star-shaped flowers. Prefers full sun to partial shade. It appears green when the flower is closed but when open it displays a beautiful array of golden yellow blossom.
African potato
African potato
African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) gets its specific epithet, hemerocallidea, from the Greek words for "day" (hemera) and "beauty" (kallos) which refers to the plant's attractive but short-lived yellow flowers. The plant's tubers have been used as a black dye to stain floors. African potato has ornamental appeal and can be grown in warm climate rock gardens that are similar to its native habitat.
Golden star grass
Golden star grass
Golden star grass is a perennial herb recognized by its cheerful, star-shaped yellow flowers centered on grass-like foliage. These hardy blooms sit atop slender, erect stems and are hallmarks of the plant's resiliency, thriving in various conditions from grasslands to woodlands. Its corm-like structures fuel growth and survival, forming dense clumps that enhance its vibrant display each season.
Hypoxis sobolifera
Hypoxis sobolifera
Hypoxis sobolifera sports yellow, star-shaped flowers atop slender stalks, with grass-like leaves that form a lush base. Thriving in well-drained soil and open grasslands, this perennial's hardy underground corms enable it to survive through seasonal fluctuations. Its radiant blooms often serve as indicators of an ecosystem in healthy balance.
Hypoxis argentea
Hypoxis argentea
Hypoxis argentea is a perennial herb with grass-like leaves and bright yellow star-shaped flowers that bloom in spring to early summer. The silvery hairs that cover its lance-shaped foliage contribute to its common name, and reflect sunlight, which may reduce water loss and deter herbivores. Thriving in well-drained soils, its corms allow hypoxis argentea to survive periods of drought, ensuring resilience in its native grassland habitat.
Wright's star-grass
Wright's star-grass
Wright's star-grass is a small, perennial bulbous plant with grass-like leaves that form a rosette at its base. It displays vibrant yellow star-shaped flowers set upon slender stalks, which bloom under full sun in prairie-like habitats. This hardy species showcases a resilience to fluctuating weather, often contributing to its spread in savannahs and open woodlands. The bright blossoms not only captivate onlookers but also attract various pollinators, playing a key role in the ecosystem.
Hypoxis multiceps
Hypoxis multiceps
Hypoxis multiceps emerges as a resilient herbaceous perennial, featuring grass-like leaves and a constellation of starry yellow flowers poised atop slender, fibrous stalks. Thriving in well-drained soils, hypoxis multiceps harnesses its bulbous base to endure dry periods, a testament to its adaptability in varying environments.
Hypoxis longifolia
Hypoxis longifolia
Hypoxis longifolia is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its elongated, grass-like leaves, and bright yellow star-shaped flowers. Its resilience is seen in the robust rhizomes that allow it to thrive in varied environments, often being found in open grasslands where it receives ample sunlight. The striking blooms not only mark its identity but also attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the ecosystem.
Hypoxis villosa
Hypoxis villosa
Hypoxis villosa is a perennial herb adorned with lanceolate leaves forming a basal rosette. It blooms star-shaped yellow flowers on hairy stems that rise above the foliage. This species thrives in well-drained soils and open areas, where it takes full advantage of sunlight. The hairs on hypoxis villosa are not mere decoration; they protect against herbivores and minimize water loss, aiding its survival in its native grassland habitat.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Star-grass
Hypoxis
Also known as: Yellow stars, Stars
Growing from rhizomes, corms, or tubers, star-grass are some of the earliest plants to start producing flower stems after the first rainfall in the spring. The star-shaped blossoms bloom in the spring and attract bees and other pollinators to gardens. The plants' uniquely shaped blossoms make them popular in flowering borders, wildflower, and butterfly gardens.
Lifespan
Perennial
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Key Facts About Star-grass
Feedback
Attributes of Star-grass
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Star-grass
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Monocotyledons Order
Asparagus and allies Family
Stargrass Genus
Star-grass Distribution of Star-grass
Feedback
Distribution Map of Star-grass
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Star-grass
Feedback
The star-grass genus, often called star grass or African potato, requires light for optimum growth, and moderate watering, without over-saturation. They thrive in a broad temperature range and well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Gardeners often grapple with snails and spider mites, the common pests that infect these plants. Diseases like root rot occur due to overwatering. Seasonal care includes increased watering during the growing season (spring-summers) and reduced watering in winters while ensuring protection from frost.
Exploring the Star-grass Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Yellow Star Grass
Yellow Star Grass (Hypoxis hirsuta) is a low-growing perennial that will grow to 15 cm tall. Most commonly found growing in dry prairies and open woods. Blooms from spring to summer with yellow star-shaped flowers. Prefers full sun to partial shade. It appears green when the flower is closed but when open it displays a beautiful array of golden yellow blossom.
African potato
African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) gets its specific epithet, hemerocallidea, from the Greek words for "day" (hemera) and "beauty" (kallos) which refers to the plant's attractive but short-lived yellow flowers. The plant's tubers have been used as a black dye to stain floors. African potato has ornamental appeal and can be grown in warm climate rock gardens that are similar to its native habitat.
Golden star grass
Golden star grass is a perennial herb recognized by its cheerful, star-shaped yellow flowers centered on grass-like foliage. These hardy blooms sit atop slender, erect stems and are hallmarks of the plant's resiliency, thriving in various conditions from grasslands to woodlands. Its corm-like structures fuel growth and survival, forming dense clumps that enhance its vibrant display each season.
Hypoxis sobolifera
Hypoxis sobolifera sports yellow, star-shaped flowers atop slender stalks, with grass-like leaves that form a lush base. Thriving in well-drained soil and open grasslands, this perennial's hardy underground corms enable it to survive through seasonal fluctuations. Its radiant blooms often serve as indicators of an ecosystem in healthy balance.
Show More Species
All Species of Star-grass
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
