Clintonia andrewsiana
Andrews' clintonia
Pacific coast (California and Oregon)
Overview
Clintonia andrewsiana is a rhizomatous perennial in the lily family (Liliaceae) of shaded forest floors, forming a basal cluster of 2-6 large, glossy, oblong leaves 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long that taper to clasping bases. In late spring to summer it sends up a leafless stalk 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall topped by a rounded cluster of 10-30 nodding, bell-shaped flowers, rose-purple to deep pink, sometimes with a paler throat; smaller clusters may appear lower on the stalk. The flowers give way to round, metallic deep-blue berries about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across that persist into fall. The plant spreads slowly by underground rhizomes to form loose colonies. It grows from shaded, humus-rich forest soil and goes dormant in winter, returning from the rhizome in spring. One limitation in the garden is its need for cool, moist shade, which makes it difficult outside coastal forest climates.
Native Range
Clintonia andrewsiana is native to the Pacific coast of the United States, from northwestern California into southwestern Oregon. It grows in the deep shade of coast redwood and mixed evergreen forests, in cool, moist, humus-rich soil.Suggested Uses
This species is grown in shaded woodland and native plant gardens with cool, moist soil, particularly within its coastal range. Its flowers draw bees and its blue berries are taken by birds. The bold foliage and nodding flower clusters suit shaded borders and forest-floor plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
rose-purple to deep pinkFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Clintonia andrewsiana grows in full to partial shade in cool, consistently moist, humus-rich, acidic soil. It depends on the steady moisture and deep shade of coastal forest and declines in heat, drought, or strong sun. Plants spread slowly by rhizome and tolerate little disturbance once settled. A thick mulch of leaf litter keeps the roots cool and moist, mimicking the forest floor. It needs no fertilizer in rich woodland soil. Establishment is slow, and plants are left undisturbed to form colonies over time.Pruning
Pruning is minimal for this woodland perennial. Spent flower or berry stalks and faded leaves can be removed as the plant goes dormant. No other trimming is needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons