Clintonia

Description:

Clintonia is a perennial forest plant that is found in Eastern North America. Other common names include: Blue-bead Lily, Clinton's Lily, Corn Lily, Cow Tongue, Yellow Beadlily, Yellow Bluebeadlily, Snakeberry, Dogberry, and Straw Lily. These small plants have yellow flowers at the end of a long stalk. The flowers occur in the months of May and June, and later in the season the plants grow dark blue berries. There is also a white berried variation. Clintonia berries are mildly toxic and taste very unpleasant. The leaves of this plant can be eaten while they are still very young and only several inches tall. Clintonia is a very slow spreading plant and is extremely sensitive to the grazing of White-Tailed Deer.

Habitat:

Clintonia is a native plant of the eastern North American Boreal forest, however it can also be found in other coniferous or mixed forests and in maple forests with cool temperatures. This plant only grows in shady locations and is not found in open spaces.

Notes:

I spotted these pretty little yellow flowers earlier this summer after a rain. They were growing just behind the house. I also observed additional Clintonia in the forest bordering our local marsh. I love the colour of these flowers and how they brighten up the forest floor.