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Chimaphila maculata

Rich acidic woodlands and ericaceous heath belts are the perfect habitat for this classic pipsissewa member either called commonly as striped(for leaves) or spotted (for fruit) wintergreen. Chimaphila spp. in eastern US are really unique members if the Ericaceae and have very unique reflexed(bent back) non gamopetalous/sepalous Urceolate( urn shaped synapomorphic(traits commonly found in taxinomical liniage as an outgrouping character)) flower morphology.

#Chimaphila maculata #chimaphila #botany #plantblr #wildflowers #morphology #kentucky

Spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), also known as striped wintergreen and striped prince’s pine, is now in bloom in the mesic oak-hickory woods along the Mon River Trail. The perennial evergreen’s unusual white flowers - with ten forked stamens surrounding a bulbous green pistil - are very short-lived (about a week or so). Unless you know specifically when a patch of these secretive beauties typically blooms in late June to early July, you’ll miss them altogether.

#appalachia #vandalia #west virginia #flora #wildflowers #spotted wintergreen #striped wintergreen #striped prince's pine #chimaphila #mon river trail

This small wooded area in my front yard has so. many. pipsissewa plants! I counted 20 in bloom, and there are many more that aren't flowering. I'd noticed them before, but hasn't realized how very many there were until they started putting up their flower stalks.

J has asked me what I intend to do with this area. I think the answer has to be "nothing", except maybe adding a couple more rhododendrons, carefully, so these little lovelies can continue to thrive.