Golden Colicroot
Aletris aurea
- Native to:
- United States
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Nartheciaceae
- Genus:
- Aletris
- Species:
- Aletris aurea
- USDA Symbol:
- ALAU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, small pollinators
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Benefits from periodic fire in pine savanna habitats, which maintains open canopy and reduces competition. Resprouts from perennial roots.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in pine barrens and sandy woods
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Slow growing from seed, may take 3-4 years to flower.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI