Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Nartheciaceae

Genus:

Aletris

Species:

Aletris obovata

USDA Symbol:

ALOB3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

pollinators

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Adapted to fire-maintained pine savannas and flatwoods. Resprouts from root crown after fire, which reduces competition and maintains open habitat.

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:

Prefers open, sunny habitats with poor soil fertility

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination. Sow on surface of acidic media with consistent moisture. Germination may be slow and erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI