Monday, July 11, 2016

Clintonia Uniflora, Bead-Lily


Day 272: Far from being rare, Bead-Lily is nevertheless one of my favourite wildflowers because it provides a visual treat at two stages in its life-cycle. Its graceful, solitary flower delights the eye in late spring and early summer, held aloft on a narrow stalk above leaves which are reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley, if not quite as large. The 1-2" bloom faces upward, giving rise to the plant's alternate appellation of "Queen-cup." Once you have found it in the wild, make a mental note of its location and return to the spot in a month or so when the fruit has had time to develop. Where once the white lily bloomed, you will find a single dark blue pod, the "bead" which provides the source of its common name.

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