Sternbergia clusiana is native to the East Aegean Islands, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, the Palestine region and Turkey.

The greenish-yellow flowers are produced in late autumn (October to November in their natural habitats).

They are the largest flowers in the genus, with tepals of up to 7 cm plus a slightly shorter tube.

The grey-green leaves, which are 8–16 mm wide, appear after the flowers, in winter or early spring.

[4] Sternbergia clusiana is not reliably hardy in countries subject to frost and is then recommended for culture under the protection of at least a cold greenhouse or frame.