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Native Plant Database

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Tellima grandiflora (Bigflower tellima)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Tellima grandiflora (Pursh) Dougl. ex Lindl.

Bigflower tellima, Fragrant fringecup

Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)

USDA Symbol: TEGR2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Out of flower, fragrant fringecups is often confused with alum-root. The clumps of leaves are similar and increase slowly. The flowering stalks are 1-2 ft. high, bearing a long succession of cup-shaped flowers crowned by white, green or pink fringed petals. A plant growing in clumps with most leaves near base and cream or pale pink, fringed flowers in several long racemes.

This species is a beautiful plant of shaded woods, the slender wands of flowers arching upward or standing erect above the rich green foliage. The unusual petals are at first white or cream but often become deep pink with age.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AK , CA , ID , MT , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: Mts. of San Luis Obispo and Placer Cos., CA to n.w. MT, n. to s. AK
Native Habitat: Cool, moist woods & rocky places below 5000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, rich, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Fringe cups can be somewhat aggressive. The plants are susceptible to mildew.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.
Warning: Leaves, twigs, and seeds inside fleshy berries are all poisonous if eaten, and potentially fatal. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Fragrant Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagate by division or seeds.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No treatment necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

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

View propagation protocol from Native Plants 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:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
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 Tellima grandiflora in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Tellima grandiflora in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Tellima grandiflora

Metadata

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

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