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Aletris lutea

Phonetic Spelling
AY-le-triss LOO-tee-uh
Description

Yellow colic-root is a short-lived perennial wildflower found in savannas, bogs, and flooded pine woodlands along the coast from Louisiana to Florida. It is in the bog asphodel family (Nartheciaceae) though previously in the lily family (Liliaceae). The common name refers to it once being used to treat colic.

The plant will grow 1-4 feet tall and 6 inches to 1 foot wide and prefers full sun in moist to seasonal flooded sandy acidic soils. It propagates by seed or division of the rhizomes.

The plant can bloom anytime from spring to fall with a spike-like cluster of tubular yellow flowers. The leaves are in a rosette at the base of the stem.

It is difficult to grow and hard to find for sale. If attempting to grow, plant in groups along a bog or pond. It may be best enjoyed in its native habitat.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#mass planting#NC native#short lifespan#food source summer#border back#food source nectar#food source pollen#small group plantings#wet soils tolerant#Audubon#boggy sites#wildflower#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#mass planting#NC native#short lifespan#food source summer#border back#food source nectar#food source pollen#small group plantings#wet soils tolerant#Audubon#boggy sites#wildflower#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Aletris
    Species:
    lutea
    Family:
    Nartheciaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeastern U.S.A.
    Distribution:
    LA, GA, AL, MS, FL; possibly native to southeastern NC
    Wildlife Value:
    Pollinators are attracted to flowers
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Heat tolerant.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    3-parted beaked capsule with tiny reddish seeds displays in June.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    fused petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Raceme of 3/4 inch cylindrical yellow flowers on stalks 1'-3' tall. Flowers are 2 1/2 times longer than they are wide with tepals (petals and sepals) that have a mealy texture like ground grain leading to the name of this genus. They are composed of 6 fused petals that flare into 6 triangular-shaped lobes when open. Flowers can bloom anytime from March to June.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    3-7 inch long stemless yellow-green leathery leaves are linear to lance-shaped and form a basal rosette
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Unbranched green stem is mostly naked but may have a few reddish-green bracts.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Wet Soil