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Native Plant Database

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Clintonia uniflora (Bead lily)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Clintonia uniflora (Menzies ex J.A. & J.H. Schultes) Kunth

Bead lily, Bride's bonnet, Queen cup

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

USDA Symbol: CLUN2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Each rosette of 2-3 oblong, glossy-green leaves, up to 6 in. in height, bears a short flowering stalk with one or two open, bell-shaped, white flowers. 1 (rarely 2) white, star-like flower blooms on a short leafless stalk that grows from a basal cluster of 2 or 3 oblong or elliptic, shiny leaves. Each flower is followed by a single, amethyst-blue berry. This is a spreading perennial and serves as a ground cover.

Generally there are several clusters of leaves in a patch, for the plant produces an extensive system of underground stems.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit: Blue
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AK , CA , ID , MT , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: AK to Tulare Co., CA, e. to s.w Alt. & w. MT
Native Habitat: Cool, mid-elevation forests
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Rich, moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Bead lily will need protection from slugs.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Ruffed grouse are fond of the blue berries.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagate by root divisions taken in spring or by seed. Seedlings will take up to 4 years to flower.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Clintonia uniflora in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Clintonia uniflora in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Clintonia uniflora

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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