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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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall when flowering.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: GA , KY , MD , NC , NJ , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WVNative Distribution: NJ, c. NY & OH, s. to GA mts.
Native Habitat: Cool, rich mt. woods
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: ShadeSoil 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 PlantsFNA: Find Clintonia umbellulata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Clintonia umbellulata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-01Research By: TWC Staff, SCB