Native Plants
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.
Aletris farinosa
Aletris farinosa L.
White Colicroot, Colic Root, Unicorn Root
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ALFA2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Low, yellow-green, grass-like leaves subtend colic root’s leafless flowering stalks which rise 2-3 1/2 ft. At the top of a sturdy, round stem is a spike-like cluster of small, white, urn-shaped flowers.
Until the 19th century the roots were collected and used medicinally to treat colic. In the South, Blunt-leaved Colic-root (A. obovata) has globose white flowers. Yellow Colic-root (A. aurea) has globose yellow flowers 1/4 of an inch (6 mm) wide. Flowers of this group resemble Ladies’-Tresses (Spiranthes), members of the Orchid Family.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , WI , WVCanada: ON
Native Distribution: C. MA, s. Ont. & WI, s. to FL & TX
Native Habitat: Moist peaty, sandy or gravelly areas
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist to dry, sandy soil.
Conditions Comments: Aletris lutea, with yellow flowers, occurs in similar habitats and blooms from June to July.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesPropagation
Description: Propagate by seed.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Natural Biodiversity - Johnstown, PA
Additional resources
USDA: Find Aletris farinosa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Aletris farinosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Aletris farinosa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2018-03-08Research By: TWC Staff