Twinflower

Notes:

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) is a little waif of a plant found throughout the northern hemisphere in circumboreal habitats. Twinflower occurs in open forests, heaths, and open dry slopes in the mountains across the northern hemisphere from Siberia to Sweden and across North America. The specific epithet borealis means “northern”, referring to the plants geographic distribution. Despite its penchant for cool dark forests, it really seems to have no particular habitat preference. It is just as commonly found under moderate deciduous canopy in either moist or average soil moisture conditions. When not in bloom it is often overlooked, ignored or accidentally crushed beneath the foot of a passing hiker. Twinflower becomes the belle of the forest when in bloom as its pink and white flowers seem to lighten the green mosses and cool dark forests where it grows. The common name arises from the twin like nature its plant parts. The pink to white bell-like flowers are nodding and are born in pairs on short, thin Y-shaped stalks, seldom exceeding six inches in height, hence the common name “twinflower”. The flowers are highly fragrant and last about seven days, typically appearing in June or July. The leaves are also twins, paired on opposite sides of the stem, are round and leathery. The loosely matted plants are semi-woody and evergreen with leafy stems that creep over the surface of the ground from long runners. Maximum height is around 4 inches.