Smith, R.W.
Clintonia borealis (Ait.) Raf.
Bluebead, Yellow bluebead-lily, Clintonia, Blue-bead lily
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
A basal clump of three to five thick, shiny,
oval leaves surrounds an 8-15 in. leafless
stem topped by a cluster of nodding, pale yellow-green flowers. The stalk rises from a basal set of shiny, bright green,
oblong leaves and has at its summit 3-6 yellowish-green, drooping, bell-like flowers. Bright blue, spherical berries follow the flowers.
The cluster of beautiful fruits are noted for their extraordinary true-blue color. The plant was named in honor of the former governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828). A less common species, White Clintonia (
C. umbellulata), has numerous, erect, white flowers and black berries.
Image Gallery:
9 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Complexity: Simple Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit: Blue
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: CT , GA , IL , IN , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , PA , RI , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI
Canada: NB ,
NL ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE Native Distribution: Lab. to Man., s. to New England, mountains of GA & TN, MI & MN
Native Habitat: Damp, coniferous woods & bogs; sometimes
deciduous and birch-fir woods; sub-alpine meadows
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Deep, damp, cold leafmold.
Conditions Comments: Difficult to grow where summer temperatures are substantially above 75 degrees. In appropriate environments, clintonia provides an attractive ground cover. Benefits from a heavy einter mulch of mixed pine and
deciduous leaves. Watch for slugs and snails.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Chipmunks and birds relish the berries.
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: Berries suspect, caution. No known cases. Toxic Principle: Unknown; suspected due to relation to toxic plants.
The plant was named in honor of the former governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828). (Niering)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2012-07-03
