Starflower
Lysimachia borealis
Other names: Northern Starflower
Family: Myrsinaceae (Marlberry family)
Range: Eastern North America
Native: Native
Native Habitat: Woods, slopes, peaty soil
Bloom Time: May to June
Notes:
This is my favorite late spring forest flower – I love happening upon this in the woods, and will look for it whenever I’m in the right habitat.
Formerly called Trientalis borealis, and considered to be part of the Primrose family. This is a great example of how plant classifications are constantly changing – you can easily find it under any of the above listed names online, and it’s not at all clear which is most current.
One of the few flowers that have seven petals, though they can range from five to ten.
The seeds must have a period of cold stratification (aka – they really need a real winter), and they will not germinate until their second fall, which lets them be dispersed by insects.
Locations in Photos:
Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, Boothbay, ME
Donnell Pond, Franklin, ME
Gilsland Farm, Falmouth, ME
Resources:
Wikipedia
3/12/23 Updated to current WordPress format.