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Native Plant Database

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Trientalis borealis ssp. latifolia (Broadleaf starflower)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Trientalis borealis ssp. latifolia (Hook.) Hultén

Broadleaf starflower, Maystar, Starflower

Primulaceae (Primrose Family)

Synonyms: Trientalis latifolia

USDA Symbol: TRBOL

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The slender, upright stem is usually less than 8 in. tall and is topped by a whorl of light-green, lance-shaped leaves which itself is topped by a loose cluster of starry, white or pink flowers on slender stalks.

The genus name derives from the Latin word for one-third foot, referring to the height of this charming plant. Although it is commonly called Indian Potato, because of the small underground swelling at the base of the stem, modern references do not mention edibility, so caution is advised. The similar Northern Starflower (T. europaea ssp. arctica), which grows in wet places from Alaska south to northwestern California, has white flowers and obovate leaves.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: San Luis Obispo & Mariposa Cos., CA, n. to B.C. & n. ID
Native Habitat: Woods below 4500 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Description: Damp, cool, humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: An excellent ground cover for cooler climates; it spreads once established but is never invasive.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by seed, little tubers or by sod from rescue missions. Sow seeds in flats as soon as they ripen and cover with a lot of mulch. Germination is slow.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No treatment necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes

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.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Trientalis borealis ssp. latifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Trientalis borealis ssp. latifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Trientalis borealis ssp. latifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-11-02
Research By: TWC Staff

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