Family: Nartheciaceae
unicorn root, white colic-root, white stargrass
Kitty Kohout
Robert W. Freckmann
Etymology: Aletris: Greek for "female slave who grinds corn," allusion to apparent mealy texture of the flowers
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-3 1/2' tall forb
Leaves: basal, narrowly lance-like with pointed tips, smooth
Flowers: white, 6-parted, 1/4"-1/3" long, tubular, stalked; inflorescence a 4"-8" spike-like terminal cluster (raceme) on a hairless stalk with bract-like leaves; blooms June-July
Fruits: many-seeded capsule
Habitat: dry; open woods, barrens; in sandy, peaty, gravelly soil
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 2'-3 1/2' tall forb
Leaves: basal, narrowly lance-like with pointed tips, smooth
Flowers: white, 6-parted, 1/4"-1/3" long, tubular, stalked; inflorescence a 4"-8" spike-like terminal cluster (raceme) on a hairless stalk with bract-like leaves; blooms June-July
Fruits: many-seeded capsule
Habitat: dry; open woods, barrens; in sandy, peaty, gravelly soil
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9, Wetland Indicator = FAC USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"
Robert W. Freckmann
Emmet J. Judziewicz