Galax urceolata
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Galax aphylla
- Phonetic Spelling
- GAY-laks ur-see-oh-LAH-tuh
- Description
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Galax is a North Carolina native in the Diapensiaceae family that is a common understory species of awide variety of forests in the east-central and southern United States that exhibits shiny, long-stalked, roundish heart-shaped leaves, 2-5 in. wide. The genus name is from the Greek word gala ("milk") in reference to the flower color.
It is a perennial with bright green leaves in summer that become bronzed to reddish in winter. Small white feathery flowers arranged in a narrow cluster on a naked stalk rise above the leaves in late spring or early summer. The flower stalks are 8-15 inches high.
Galax prefers cool, moist sites with partial shade. It is common in the NC mountains and Piedmont, but unusual in the coastal areas. It grows in slow-expanding clumps and its flowers attract bees. Use this plant in woodland gardens, on banks and slopes, in naturalized areas and cottage gardens.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Galax
- Species:
- urceolata
- Family:
- Diapensiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Ohio to South Eastern U.S.A
- Distribution:
- Southeastern US (except Florida); expanding northward and into the Midwest. Mostly in mountainous areas
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees visit the flowers
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The capsule contains many seeds. Displays from August to October
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Small white feathery flowers with 5 petals are arranged in a narrow cluster on a naked stalk that rises above the leaves. Blooms from May to July
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Leathery heart-shaped leaves with toothed margins 2-5 inches in size
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Smooth green stem
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Slope/Bank
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Native Garden
- Shade Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
