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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Clintonia umbellulata (White clintonia)
Cressler, Alan

Clintonia umbellulata

Clintonia umbellulata (Michx.) Morong

White Clintonia, White Bluebead-lily, Speckled Wood-lily

Liliaceae (Lily Family)

Synonym(s): Clintonia alleghaniensis, Xeniatrum umbellulatum

USDA Symbol: CLUM2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A low plant with a basal clump of broad, glossy, slightly pubescent leaves surrounding an 6-20 in. leafless stem topped by a cluster of nodding white flowers speckled with green and purple. Black, spherical berries follow the flowers.

Long-lasting leaves remain green all summer, creating an excellent groundcover for shady spots. This species is considered easier to establish and maintain than the more northerly C. borealis.

 

From the Image Gallery

12 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall when flowering.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: GA , KY , MD , NC , NJ , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: NJ, c. NY & OH, s. to GA mts.
Native Habitat: Cool, rich mt. woods

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Humus-rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Long-lasting leaves remain green all summer, creating an excellent groundcover for shady spots. This species is considered easier to establish and maintain than the more northern C. borealis.

Propagation

Description: Usually propagated by dividing clumps or underground runners in fall or early spring, but may also be readily grown from seed planted immediately after ripening.
Seed Treatment: Must be stratified; accomplished naturally by planting outdoors.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-01
Research By: TWC Staff, SCB

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