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Aletris farinosa Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Aletris farinosa L. – White ColicRoot, Mealy ColicRoot

Aletris farinosa plant

FamilyLiliaceae

Stems:

N/A

Leaves:

Aletris farinosa basals

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Aletris farinosa flower

Aletris farinosa flower

Flowering – April – July.

Habitat – Dry to moist upland sites, pinelands, roadside ditches.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This attractive species can be found scattered throughout much of Alabama. The plant can be easily identified by its basal rosette of yellow-green leaves, and its mealy, white flowers. The inflorescence is produced on a mostly leaf-less scape.
The genus name Aletris is named for a Greek female slave who ground corn, in reference to the mealiness of the perianth.
The species epithet farinosa derives from the Latin “farin” meaning “flour, coarse meal.”

Alabama Distribution:

Aletris farinosa map

Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 5-15-05.