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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Chamaelirium luteum (L.) Gray
Blazing star, Fairywand
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
USDA Symbol: chlu
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A lily-like plant with a basal rosette of oval leaves and one or more, 2-3 ft. flower stalks, each topped with a spike of flowers. A wand-like stem, often drooping at tip, rising from a basal cluster of leaves and bearing a densely packed, elongated, terminal cluster of tiny white flowers. Male and female flowers are on separate plants, the male bearing a white, feathery 4-8 in. raceme and the female a shorter and more slender spike. The male flowers have a yellow tint from the color of the stamens, and the raceme, at first erect, becomes curving.
On the plants with all male flowers, yellow stamens create the creamier color of the male flower spike. This species can be readily cultivated.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , MI , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WVNative Distribution: MA to extreme s. IL, s. to n. FL & AR
Native Habitat: Moist, open, hardwood forests
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: Benefits from a winter cover of oak leaves.
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
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:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
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 pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Chamaelirium luteum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Chamaelirium luteum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Chamaelirium luteum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
