Galax spp.

galax

Diapensiaceae

Southern Appalachian Mountains, southeastern United States

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Galax spp. is a genus in the family Diapensiaceae containing the single species Galax urceolata, known as galax, beetleweed, or wandflower, an evergreen perennial native to the woodlands of the southern Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. Plants form low, spreading colonies from creeping rhizomes, with rounded, heart-shaped, glossy, leathery leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) wide held on long stalks. The dark green leaves turn bronze to deep red in winter, especially in sun, and are widely harvested for use as cut foliage in the florist trade. In late spring and summer, slender leafless stalks 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) tall rise above the foliage, each carrying a narrow spike of many tiny white flowers. Galax spp. grows in acidic, humus-rich soil in shade to part shade, spreading slowly into an evergreen groundcover. It is slow to establish and needs cool, moist, acidic woodland conditions, and it grows poorly in heavy, alkaline, or dry soils. Over-collection of wild foliage has raised conservation concern in parts of its range.

Native Range

Galax spp. is native to the southeastern United States, centered on the southern Appalachian Mountains from Virginia and West Virginia south to Georgia and Alabama. It grows in acidic forest soils, on slopes, and along stream banks.

Suggested Uses

Galax spp. is grown as an evergreen groundcover in shaded and woodland gardens, on acidic banks, and along shaded paths, valued for glossy foliage and winter color. It is used as an edging and underplanting beneath rhododendrons and other acid-loving shrubs. The leaves are also cut for use as long-lasting floral greenery.

How to Identify

Recognized by rounded, heart-shaped, glossy, leathery evergreen leaves with toothed margins, held singly on long stalks and forming low colonies. In winter the leaves often flush bronze to deep red. Slender leafless flower stalks bearing narrow spikes of tiny white flowers in early summer confirm Galax spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 1'4"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer, generally May to July. Slender leafless stalks carry crowded spikes of small white flowers above the foliage. The flowers draw small bees and other insects, and a faint scent is sometimes noticeable.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy green, bronze-red in winter

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat sand

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

Slow; 3-5 years to establish

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Galax spp. grows in part shade to full shade in cool, moist, acidic, humus-rich soil, reflecting its Appalachian woodland origin. It is slow to establish and spreads gradually by rhizomes once settled, eventually forming a dense evergreen groundcover. Plants are propagated by division or seed, both of which are slow. A mulch of leaf litter keeps the roots cool and the soil acidic and moist. It grows poorly in alkaline, heavy, dry, or sunny sites, where leaves scorch and plants languish. Few pests or diseases affect it.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed beyond removing tattered or winter-burned leaves in spring. Spent flower stalks are cut back after bloom. Foliage harvested for arrangements is cut sparingly so colonies are not weakened.