The scientific name of this specimen is derived from a few sources. The Greek word 'streptos' translates to twisted, while 'pous' means footed. Put them together and these words refer to 90 degree twist in the flower stalk once it emerges from the base of the plants upper leaves. In addition, 'amplexi' is to clasp, while 'folios' translates to the foliage. These in turn refer to the manner in which the upper leaves clutch the stem. This perennial an erect, branched herb that can be found growing in its natural habitat that includes moist, mountain forests and along streams. Its flowers which range from whitish to rose colored are solitary, 6-parted, and bell-shaped. Its fruit is a red berry that hangs below the leaves. One of the common names, Watermelon berry, refers to the shape of the fruits. The small, greenish-white flowers are solitary, and hang downward from the leaf axils. There are typically 1 to 2 per leaf axil. They are often hidden under the leaves and not visible. The flower stalks can be up to 2" long, bent and or twisted. The flowers are followed by edible, oval shaped berries. The plant's green shoots are also edible and are said to taste similar to cucumber when consumed raw. The fruit is used in the preparation of soups and stews. The tender young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, however, consumption of large quantities is said to act as a laxative. Thus, the common name, 'Scoot berries'. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Often confused with some species of poisonous plants in the Veratrum family. Caution should be used before consumption. More information on Streptopus .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Mountains
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Creeping; Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Lanceolate; Obovate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire; Serrate
Leaf feel
Waxy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The leaves are parallel-veined, egg-shaped with a sharply pointed tip. The underside is a paler green than the upper side and has a waxy feel. The base of the leaves grasps the stem, nearly encompassing the stem.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Green; White
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Bell
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
One or two whitish-rose small rose flowers with recurved petals in each leaf axis.
Fleshy berries hang below the leaves. They can vary in color, ranging from light green to yellow-orange to red to dark purple. They contain many seeds.
Stem detail
The smooth flower stalk has a bend near the middle of the stem. The lower portion of the stem can be hairy.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Temp. Northern Hemisphere, North America, Europe and Asia
Play value
Edible fruit
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Fruit
Harvest time
Fall
Fruit type
Berry
Uses (ethnobotany)
Fruits are consumable.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Pond; Slope/Bank; Woodland
Landscape theme
Edible Garden; Fairy Garden; Native Garden; Shade Garden; Water Garden