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Trientalis borealis Raf.

Starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem

KingdomPlantaePlants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
SubkingdomTracheobiontaVascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
DivisionMagnoliophytaFlowering plants, also known as angiosperms
ClassMagnoliopsidaDicotyledons—plants with two initial seed leaves
SubclassAsteridaeA large class that encompasses asters
OrderEricalesTea, persimmon, blueberry, Brazil nut, azalea, many others
FamilyPrimulaceaePrimrose family
GenusTrientalisOne-third of a foot in height, about the height of these small plants
SpeciesborealisNorthern

About plant names...

Starflowers are native to wooded areas of North America. The genus Trientalis means "a third of a foot," possibly a reference to the height of these diminutive plants: about a third of a foot (4 inches). Borealis means northern.

Identification: Plants are 4-8″ (10-20 cm) tall. From 5 to 9 narrow leaves are arranged in a whorl around a stem, each leaf 1-4″ (3-10 cm) long by ⅜-¾″ (1-2 cm) wide. Leaves are light green, and may be smooth or have fine teeth. Usually one, or sometimes two or three flowers, each about ½″ (1.3 cm) across, appear on each stem. Flowers usually have seven petals, sometimes 5 or 9. They are white, sometimes pink; stamens are yellow. Flowering is during May and June. The shape of the flowers is probably their most unmistakable feature.

Online References:

Earl J.S. Rook's Flora, Fauna, Earth, and Sky ... The Natural History of the Northwoods

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Academics.skidmore.edu

The Connecticut Botanical Society's Connecticut wildflowers site

CalPhotos

Wikimedia Commons

EFloras

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

4/30/2010 · Stan and Connie’s, Falmouth, Maine · By Constance B. Kent

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/18/2021 · Cathance River Nature Preserve, Topsham, Maine · ≈ 6 × 4″ (15 × 10 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/12/2023 · Long Reach Preserve, Harpswell, Maine

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

4/23/2021 · Otter Brook Preserve, Harpswell, Maine · ≈ 6 × 4″ (15 × 10 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/25/2023 · Maquoit Bay Conservation Land, Brunswick, Maine

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/4/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, East Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 8 × 5″ (19 × 13 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/4/2012 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 7 × 4½″ (17 × 11 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/20/2014 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hamp­shire · ≈ 8 × 5″ (19 × 13 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/12/2016 · Wildlife Pond Trail, Beaver Broo, Hollis, New Hamp­shire

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/18/2018 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 6 × 4″ (16 × 11 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/4/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, East Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 11 × 7″ (27 × 18 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/17/2021 · Bijhouwer Forest, Phippsburg, Maine · ≈ 5 × 3½″ (13 × 8.7 cm)

 

Trientalis borealis description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 11 Jul 2023.

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Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/14/2013 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hamp­shire

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/17/2021 · Bijhouwer Forest, Phippsburg, Maine · ≈ 8 × 5″ (20 × 13 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/25/2023 · Maquoit Bay Conservation Land, Brunswick, Maine

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/18/2017 · Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Wildflower Trail, Hollis, New Hamp­shire · ≈ 7 × 4½″ (18 × 12 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/18/2018 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 8 × 5″ (20 × 13 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/20/2016 · Jeff Smith trail off Bemis Road, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/20/2021 · Eaton Farm Preserve, Wiscasset, Maine · ≈ 6 × 4″ (15 × 10 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

Before flowering. · 5/7/2021 · Long Reach Preserve, Harpswell, Maine · ≈ 8 × 5″ (20 × 13 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/20/2012 · J. Harry Rich State Forest, Groton, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 8 × 5″ (19 × 13 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/16/2014 · Acton Arboretum, Action, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 7 × 10″ (16 × 25 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/18/2018 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 8 × 5″ (20 × 13 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/21/2013 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hamp­shire · ≈ 8 × 5″ (19 × 13 cm)

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

5/20/2016 · Jeff Smith trail off Bemis Road, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

Trientalis borealis (starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem)

4/28/2023 · Josephine Newman Sanctuary, Georgetown, Maine

Range: Zones 3-7:

About this map...