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Smith, R.W.

Trientalis borealis

Trientalis borealis Raf.

Starflower

Primulaceae (Primrose Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: TRBO2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)

Starflower is one of the few flowers that has seven petals. Two delicate, star-shaped white flowers open above a whorl of green leaves on each plant. So long as the weather does not get too warm, Starflowers will bloom for a couple of weeks. (Andy Fyon)

From the Image Gallery

13 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CA , CT , DC , DE , GA , ID , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , TN , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV
Canada: NL , NS , ON , PE , SK
Native Habitat: Woodland

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FAC				FAC	FAC		FAC	FAC

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 16 - Ontario Wildflowers (0)
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-03-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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