Primulaceae: Trientalis borealis Raf.
(northern starflower)
Northern starflower has lanceolate leaves which form a whorl around the stem. It bears one to three, star-shaped 7 (5-9) parted flowers on slender peduncles arising from the centre of the whorl. Northern starflower blooms in mid-June. Widely distributed in North America in open shade and moist woods, northern starflower is considered a subspecies, Trientalis borealis ssp. borealis Raf., distinguishable from the broadleaf starflower of the western part of the continenent, Trientalis borealis ssp. latifolia (Hook.) Hulten.
Trientalis means a third of a foot, referring to the height of the plant.
Sources | Selected Web Resources | Line Drawing
Click on images for larger versions.
| May 30, 2005 Lunenburg County, Indian Path Common. Photographer: Ocotillo. |  |
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Selected Web Resources
- Taxonomic Status (ITIS) Copy the species name above and paste it into a form on this ITIS Canada page to confirm the nomenclature and list synonyms.
- NatureServe Explorer Copy the species name above and paste it into a form on this page to view a map of its distribution within North America and its conservation status by province and state.
Page posted 7 Oct. 2007. Modified 3 Dec. 2008
Copyright © Nova Scotia Wild Flora Society and Photographers