White Colicroot
Aletris farinosa
- Native to:
- Canada, United States, Virgin Islands
Doug McGrady (www.flickr.com) from Warwick, RI, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Nartheciaceae
- Genus:
- Aletris
- Species:
- Aletris farinosa
- USDA Symbol:
- ALFA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers open, sunny locations; often found in pine barrens and dry woods
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 2-3 months; germination occurs in spring under moist conditions.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI