Clinton's Lily

Clintonia umbellulata (klin-TOH-nee-ah um-bel-lew-LAH-tuh)

Family: Liliaceae Native Herbaceous

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.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 52 attributes.