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Bruso, George H.

Trientalis borealis ssp. borealis

Trientalis borealis Raf. ssp. borealis

Starflower, Maystar

Primulaceae (Primrose Family)

Synonym(s): Trientalis americana

USDA Symbol: TRBOB

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

The slender, upright stem is usually less than 8 in. tall and is topped by a whorl of 5-9 lance-shaped leaves which itself is topped by a loose cluster of starry, white flowers on slender stalks.

The backgrounds of shiny green leaves against which these pure white, star-like flowers are set accentuates the allusion to a star. The genus name is from a Latin word meaning "one-third of a foot" and refers to the height of the plant.

From the Image Gallery

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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: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CT , DC , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , NS , PE
Native Distribution: Lab. to Sask., s. to VA, mts. to GA, OH & MN
Native Habitat: Mixed woods; peaty slopes

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Description: Damp, cool, humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: An excellent ground cover for cooler climates; it spreads once established.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by seed or by sod from rescue missions. Sow seeds in flats as soon as they ripen and cover with a lot of mulch. Germination is slow.
Commercially Avail: yes

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

Metadata

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

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