Streptopus spp.
Twistedstalk
Northern Hemisphere temperate forests
Overview
Streptopus is a genus of about ten species of rhizomatous woodland perennials in the family Liliaceae, native to cool temperate forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. Known as twistedstalk, the plants grow 8-36 inches (20-90 cm) tall on arching, sometimes branched stems clothed in alternate, clasping leaves. Small bell- or star-shaped flowers, white to greenish or rose-pink, hang singly or in pairs beneath the stem on slender stalks that are sharply bent or twisted at the middle, the feature that gives the group its name. The flowers are followed by translucent red to orange berries. Streptopus grows in moist, humus-rich, acidic soil in deep to part shade, typically in conifer and mixed forest, on slopes, and along streams. The rhizomes spread slowly into open colonies. It needs cool roots, steady moisture, and shelter from drying sun and wind, and declines in hot, dry, or alkaline conditions. The genus emerges in spring, flowers as the canopy closes, and dies back to the rhizome in autumn.
Native Range
Streptopus is native to cool temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including much of North America, Europe, and Asia. It grows in moist coniferous and mixed woodland, on shaded slopes, and along forest streams, often where snow cover is reliable.Suggested Uses
Streptopus is used in shaded woodland and native plant gardens, in cool, moist borders, and along shaded stream banks. Its arching stems and red berries suit naturalistic plantings beneath trees. It pairs with ferns and other shade perennials in humus-rich soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'
Width/Spread8" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer, generally May to July depending on latitude and elevation, as the woodland canopy fills in. The nodding flowers are partly hidden beneath the foliage. Berries ripen through summer and color red to orange before the stems die down.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to greenish or rose-pinkFoliage Description
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