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Vancouveria hexandra
Vancouveria hexandra (Hook.) C. Morren & Decne.
White Insideout Flower, White Inside-out-flower, Northern Inside-out Flower
Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)
Synonym(s): Vancouveria brevicula, Vancouveria parvifolia, Vancouveria picta
USDA Symbol: VAHE
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Horizontal rhizomes produce large, erect, basal leaves geometrically compound in two sets of triplets. Above the delicate, apple-green, deciduous leaves rises a leafless, leathery flower stalk to 12 in. It bears an open cluster of dainty, white, inside-out flowers. Inside-out because the petals and sepals are turned abruptly backwards revealing the stamens and pistil.
This genus has only 3 species; in mild climates they make excellent ground cover for woodland gardens. Golden Inside-out Flower (V. chrysantha) has yellow flowers.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 1 foot tall.
Flower: Flowers 1.5 inches.
Fruit: Brown 10-15 mm.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , YellowBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Bloom Notes: White, aging to yellowish.
Distribution
USA: CA , OR , WANative Distribution: S. end of Puget Sound, w. of the Cascades to n.w. CA
Native Habitat: Moist to drier, shady woods
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Drought Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Damp to mesic soils.
Conditions Comments: A vigorous ground cover.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: This genus has only 3 species. in mild climates they make excellent ground cover for woodland gardens.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Propagation
Description: Increase with pieces of rhizome or seeds sown soon after harvest. Plants are produced very rapidly from rhizome divisions.Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Search More Titles in Bibliography
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 Vancouveria hexandra in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Vancouveria hexandra in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Vancouveria hexandra
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-01Research By: TWC Staff