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Shortia galacifolia
Shortia galacifolia Torr. & A. Gray
Oconee Bells, Oconee-bells, Shortia
Diapensiaceae (Diapensia Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: SHGA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A low, spreading, evergreen perennial with long-petioled, shiny, round, basal leaves. A 4 in., erect scape bears a single, large, white or slightly pinkish flower with five, frilled petals. The leaves turn bronze in the fall.
This species is of considerable interest to botanists. Extremely rare, it was not found again for almost a century after its initial discovery in 1788. It grows well in gardens. The species name suggests its resemblance to Beetleweed or Galax (Galax urceolata), but its scalloped leaves are smaller, and the flowers are solitary, not in long spikes. The genus name honors a 19th-century Kentucky botanist, Dr. Charles Wilkins Short.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 4 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: GA , NC , SC , TN , VANative Distribution: Locally in a few GA, NC & SC cos.
Native Habitat: Rich, wooded stream banks
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Description: Well-drained, acid, humus-rich soil.
Conditions Comments: Difficult to establish and slow to spread. Rare in nature, but commonly cultivated as a ground cover.
Propagation
Description: Most easily propagated by division. To produce seed, cross pollination must occur between plants of different clones. The seed should be planted immediately after collection. Give seedlings protection for one year.Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Shortia galacifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Shortia galacifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Shortia galacifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-27Research By: TWC Staff