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Clintonia umbellulata

Phonetic Spelling
klin-TOH-nee-ah um-bel-lew-LAH-tuh
Description

White Clintonia is an herbaceous perennial wildflower in the lily family, native to the eastern United States from New York south to Georgia.  It is a shade-loving plant with a clump of broad, glossy leaves at the base that surround a 6 to 20 inch leafless stem. The stem supports a cluster of white flowers speckled with green and purple that bloom from late spring into early summer. Black, spherical berries follow the flowers. in nature, this plant is often found in rich, moist wooded areas (often near oaks), and dry ridges and slopes. The genus is named in honor of the former governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828). The species name means "umbelled", referring to the shape of the flowers.

White Clintonia does best in a shaded, or semi-shaded, site in rich, moist, acidic soil. The plant will spread by means of underground, short, thick rhizomes, or you can propagate the plant by dividing the clumps or underground runners in fall or early spring.

White Clintonia and its fellow species, C. borealis, sometimes grow in the same area, but White Clintonia is usually found at lower elevations, is easier to grow and maintain, and tends to be more drought tolerant. The long-lasting leaves of White Clintonia remain green all summer, making it an excellent groundcover for shady spots

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. Slugs and snails may be a problem.

 

 

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#NC native#herbaceous perennial#pollinator plant#native wildflower#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#food source soft mast fruit#bee friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#Audubon#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#NC native#herbaceous perennial#pollinator plant#native wildflower#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#food source soft mast fruit#bee friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#Audubon#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Clintonia
    Species:
    umbellulata
    Family:
    Liliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Root Cutting
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern U.S.A
    Distribution:
    Eastern North America; New York south to Georgia and Tennessee.
    Wildlife Value:
    White Clintonia attracts pollinators. Songbirds and chipmunks eat the berries.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Blue
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    This plant has an umbel of dark blue to black berries, about a quarter inch in diameter. Fruit is available August-October.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    This plant has umbels of 5 to 30 small, white flowers (sometimes edged in pink) on 8 to 18 inch, almost-leafless, stems. They are often speckled with purple. Flowers bloom from May to June.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Obovate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    This plant has 2 to 5 basal, elliptical leaves, each 7 to 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. They have hairs along the margins and midrib.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Songbirds