Native Plant Database

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Galax urceolata (Beetleweed)
Bransford, W.D. Mrs.

Galax urceolata (Poir.) Brummitt

Beetleweed, Galax, Coltsfoot, Wand flower

Diapensiaceae (Pincushion-Plant Family)

Synonyms: Galax aphylla

USDA Symbol: GAUR2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Spike-like racemes of dainty, white flowers grow on leafless stalks, 8-15 in. high. The round basal foliage is shiny green, leathery, and often has a reddish tint. These evergreen leaves are held on long petioles. Rhizomes are red and spread widely, allowing the plant to colonize.

The long flower stalk rising from the roundish, evergreen leaves identifies this attractive southern wildflower. Its rare smaller relative Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia) is found only in the southern Appalachians. Planted in gardens as far north as Massachusetts, Beetleweed may escape from cultivation. The genus name is from the Greek word gala (milk) and refers to the flower color.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Basal
Size Class: 1-3 ft. , 0-1 ft.
Size Notes: Leaves 3 to 6 inches high. Flower stalks 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaf Color: Bright green
Flower Size: 2 to 5 inch flower spikes

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , GA , KY , MA , NY , NC , OH , SC , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: Mts. of MD to KY, s. to GA & AL; also extending to coastal plain of s.e. VA, Zones 6 to 7
Native Habitat: Moist to dry, mountain woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low , Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Rich, loose, acidic, well-mulched, well-drained sand or loam.
Conditions Comments: Does not do well in the disturbed, impoverished soil of typical home landscapes. Needs rich, well-drained woodland soils.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: A delicate groundcover for the Southeastern woodland garden
Use Wildlife: Browsed by deer
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: No

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds , Softwood Cuttings , Root Division
Description: Propagate by fresh seed, cuttings in summer, or root division in spring. Divide large clumps, leaving soil adhering. Seed should be planted as soon as ripe.
Seed Treatment: Use a coldframe.
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Bibliography

Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski and Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-12
Research By: TWC Staff

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