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Streptopus amplexifolius

white twisted-stalk

Liliaceae

Circumboreal: North America and Eurasia

Attracts Pollinators

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 3–7

Overview

Streptopus amplexifolius is a herbaceous woodland perennial in the Liliaceae, forming arching, branched stems 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall from a short rhizome. The thin, oval leaves are 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long and clasp the stem at their bases (the meaning of amplexifolius), arranged alternately along the zig-zagging stems. Small bell-shaped flowers, greenish-white to cream and about 0.4 inch (10 mm) long, hang singly beneath the leaves on slender stalks that are sharply bent or twisted near the middle, the feature behind the name twisted-stalk. The flowers give way in late summer to oval berries 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long that ripen from yellow to translucent red. It grows in cool, moist, shaded forests, stream banks, and subalpine meadows, often among conifers, on humus-rich soil. The hanging flowers and fruit are easy to overlook because they sit below the foliage. Plants spread slowly by rhizome and need consistent moisture and shade; they decline in hot, dry, or sunny sites. The berries can have a laxative effect if eaten in quantity.

Native Range

Native to cool temperate and boreal regions across North America and Eurasia, including much of Canada, the northern and western United States, and northern Europe and Asia. It grows in moist mountain and northern forests, along streams, and in subalpine meadows.

Suggested Uses

Streptopus amplexifolius is used in shade and woodland gardens, native plantings, and naturalized areas under trees in cool climates. Its arching stems and hidden flowers and berries suit moist, shaded borders and stream-side plantings. It pairs with ferns and other shade perennials.

How to Identify

Trace the arching, zig-zag stems with alternate, clasping oval leaves. The bell-shaped greenish-white flowers and later red berries hang singly beneath the leaves on stalks that are sharply kinked or twisted at the midpoint. This twisted stalk distinguishes it from similar woodland lilies whose flowers hang on straight stalks.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Nodding greenish-white flowers open from late spring into summer, roughly May to July depending on elevation. Each hangs below the foliage on a twisted stalk. Translucent red berries follow in late summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-6 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 Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Streptopus amplexifolius grows in part to full shade on cool, consistently moist, humus-rich soil that drains freely. It is suited to woodland and shade gardens in cool climates and does not tolerate heat, drought, or full sun. The plant emerges in spring, flowers and fruits through summer, then dies back to the rhizome in autumn. It spreads slowly and is propagated by seed or careful rhizome division. Seed germinates slowly and may need a period of cold, moist stratification. Established clumps are slow to re-establish if moved, so they are usually left in place.