Clayton's Sweetroot
Osmorhiza claytonii
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States
Joshua Mayer (www.flickr.com) from Madison, WI, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apiaceae
- Genus:
- Osmorhiza
- Species:
- Osmorhiza claytonii
- USDA Symbol:
- OSCL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification and may germinate erratically over several weeks.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are warm and cold stratified
Establishment: H. appendiculatum is found within temperate deciduous forests of North America
Source: npn.rngr.net