Star Tulip
Tulipa clusiana stellatafam. Liliaceae
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Pl. A794 — Tulipa clusiana stellata
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IOverview
Overview
Star Tulip (Tulipa clusiana stellata) is a member of the Liliaceae family and is native to regions including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and the West Himalaya. This small herbaceous plant reaches a height of about 20 cm and is known for its edible roots and documented medicinal uses. It thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions. Its distinctive feature lies in the star-shaped flowers that give it its common name, adding ornamental value to gardens while also serving as an edible and medicinal resource.
Quick answers
What is Star Tulip?
Star Tulip (Tulipa clusiana stellata) is a member of the Liliaceae family and is native to regions including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and the West Himalaya. This small herbaceous plant reaches a height of about 20 cm and is known for its edible roots and documented medicinal uses.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tulipa clusiana stellata thrives in light conditions of moderate intensity and prefers moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is best suited to light (sandy) or medium soil types. This plant grows to about 20 cm tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, it can be divided after flowering or through seed sowing. Edible parts include the root, which can be harvested for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Star Tulip for the first time
8steps
Start with Star Tulip as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Star Tulip bulbs, potting soil, a small container or planting area.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in autumn, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7–7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 10 cm deep, spacing them 10-15 cm apart in the ground or container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rot. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, especially after flowering. Fertilize lightly once in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
No need for harvesting; simply remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting drainage, not providing enough light, and using incorrect soil pH.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Tulipa clusiana stellata is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is typically dug up and either eaten raw or cooked to enhance its flavor and texture. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they are not provided.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 7 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 5 native· 7 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)FrancePortugalSpain
Asia5 regions
native (4)AfghanistanIranIraqPakistan
introduced (1)Turkey
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Tunisia
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya
introduced:California, East Aegean Is.
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Liliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Liliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
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