Trientalis borealis Raf.
Starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem
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:
Trientalis borealis at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Trientalis borealis on academics.skidmore.edu Trientalis borealis on the Connecticut Botanical Society's Connecticut wildflowers site Trientalis borealis on CalPhotos Trientalis borealis on Wikimedia Commons Trientalis borealis on eFloras 4/30/2010 · Stan and Connie’s, Falmouth, Maine · By Constance B. Kent 5/4/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, East Pepperell, Massachusetts 5/4/2012 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Massachusetts 5/20/2014 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hampshire 5/12/2016 · Wildlife Pond Trail, Beaver Brook Association, Hollis, New Hampshire 5/18/2018 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Massachusetts 5/4/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, East Pepperell, Massachusetts Trientalis borealis description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020. © FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved. |
5/14/2013 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hampshire 5/18/2017 · Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Wildflower Trail, Hollis, New Hampshire 5/18/2018 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Massachusetts 5/20/2016 · Jeff Smith trail off Bemis Road, Pepperell, Massachusetts 5/20/2012 · J. Harry Rich State Forest, Groton, Massachusetts 5/16/2014 · Acton Arboretum, Action, Massachusetts 5/18/2018 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Massachusetts 5/21/2013 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hampshire 5/20/2016 · Jeff Smith trail off Bemis Road, Pepperell, Massachusetts Range: Zones 3-7:
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