Starflower

(Trientalis borealis)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Starflower (Trientalis borealis Raf.)

Identification: Flowers white, star-like, with 6 to 7 sharp-pointed petals. Flowers solitary or in pairs on long, thin flower stalks arising from a single whorl of 5 to 9 shiny, pointed, tapering leaves. Rest of stem without leaves and arising from an underground runner. Plant 4 to 9 inches.

Distribution: Across Canada and southward to the northern United States and in the mountains to Georgia. Also occurs in the Pacific Northwest.

Habitat: Starflower is found in rich, cool woods.

Flowering period: May to June.

Similar Species: Starflower is a unique combination of white, star-like flowers and a single whorl of shiny, pointed leaves.

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