Chamaelirium luteum
blazing-star, devil's-bit, fairy-wand, rattlesnake-root
blades spatulate to oblanceolate, 5–20 × 1.5–6 cm, apex obtuse, tapering proximally to broad petiole, 4–6 cm;
distal blades oblanceolate to linear, 3–8 × 1–1.5 cm.
divergent, white;
tepals 3–4 mm;
filaments dimorphic, the outer longer;
anthers white, 0.5 mm;
pistils absent;
pedicel 2–5 mm.
ascending, white;
tepals 2–3 mm;
staminodes present;
ovary elliptic to obovate;
styles 1.5–2 mm;
stigmas sessile.
ovoid-oblong, 7–14 × 5–6 mm.
reddish brown, 1.8–2 mm; 5–6 mm (including winglike aril).
plants 5–20-leaved, 1.5–3.5 dm.
plants 15–50-leaved, 3–6 dm, 1.5 m in fruit.
Chamaelirium luteum
Chamaelirium is rare in southern Ontario (J. H. Soper 1962; D. J. White et al. 1982) and quite local in several eastern states. The flowers turn yellow on drying, hence the specific name. The roots, called “starwort” or “unicorn root,” are used medicinally.
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
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