White clintonia (Clintonia umbellulata), sometimes called speckled wood lily or Clinton’s lily, grows in the Appalachian Mountain forests of the United States. The plants produce broad leaves that stay close to the ground and 50 cm-tall flower stalks in late spring. Though not toxic, their small black berries are not considered edible.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Clintonia umbellulata, commonly known as white clintonia or speckled wood-lily, is a species of flowering plant in the lily family Liliaceae. The specific epithet umbellulata means “umbelled,” which refers to the shape of the plant’s inflorescence. Clintonia umbellulata is endemic to the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, from New York to Georgia.
Clintonia umbellulata is a perennial herbaceous plant that spreads by means of underground rhizomes. A plant stands 27 to 60 cm (11 to 24 in) tall with 2–4 dark green leaves, each 18 to 30 cm (7 to 12 in) long and 4.5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) wide. The inflorescence is a single terminal umbel with 10–25(–30) outward-facing flowers on a flowering stalk up to 50 cm (20 in) high.
Each flower has six sepals and six stamens. The tepals are white or greenish white, often marked with purplish brown or green speckles, each tepal being 5.5 to 8 mm (0.2 to 0.3 in) long and 2.7 to 4 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) wide. The stamens are 60% longer than the tepals. The fruits are black (occasionally ultramarine blue) berries, each 6 to 8 mm (0.2 to 0.3 in) long with 2–4 seeds per berry. Each seed is approximately 3.5 mm (0.1 in) long.
In 1803, André Michaux described the species Convallaria umbellulata Michx., a name that was to become a synonym for Clintonia umbellulata (Michx.) Morong. The latter was first described by Thomas Morong in 1894.
In 1933, John Kunkel Small described the segregate species Xeniatrum umbellulatum, a distinction that did not persist. Numerous other synonyms are in use. Perhaps the best known is Clintonia alleghaniensis Harned, which unlike C. umbellulata has ultramarine blue (not black) fruit. It is known to occur at a number of sites in Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia.
Because of their proximity, Clintonia umbellulata and C. borealis are often confused. In this case, Clintonia umbellulata is distinguished from C. borealis by the presence of hairs longer than 1 millimeter on the underside midvein.
C. umbellulata has numerous look-alikes. For example, the inflorescence of the small white leek (Allium tricoccum) is very similar in appearance. To distinguish the two, look at the leaves. The leaves of A. tricoccum have usually wilted by the time the plant is in full bloom while the leaves of C. umbellulata remain throughout the summer months.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight and Soil
White clintonia is a low-maintenance woodland perennial that thrives in shaded, moist, but well-drained soil, reflecting its native forest floor habitat. Key special care points include avoiding excessive sun exposure, which can damage the delicate foliage, and providing a layer of organic mulch to maintain soil moisture and coolness.
Watering
Thriving in its native understory habitat, white clintonia has adapted to the moist conditions of forest floors, requiring consistent soil moisture without being waterlogged. Its preference for humidity is evident, and it exhibits a balanced approach to water uptake. For optimal health, white clintonia should be watered every week. Typically grown outdoors due to its affinity for a natural environment, white clintonia benefits from mulching which helps retain soil moisture and mimics the leaf litter of its woodland home.
Fertilizing
To bolster white clintonia’s growth and enrich its blooms, apply a balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 mix, quarterly. During active spring growth, optimize fertilization to support vigor and flowering. Less is more; use half the suggested rate to prevent root burn. Always water white clintonia well after feeding. In fall, cease fertilizing to let white clintonia prepare for dormancy. Fertilizer acts as a nutrient boost, essential for white clintonia’s health, especially in nutrient-poor soils. Monitor white clintonia’s response to adjust care.
Propagation
White clintonia is effectively propagated through division, a straightforward process suitable for gardeners of all levels. Carefully separate healthy rhizomes ensuring each section has at least one growth bud. Replant the divisions promptly at the same soil depth they were previously, in a shaded area with well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Water white clintonia adequately after transplanting to establish a robust root system. This approach maintains the genetic consistency of white clintonia, resulting in clones of the parent.
Transplanting
For the best start, transplant white clintonia in the gentle awakening of early to mid-spring, when growth resumes. Choose a shady spot with well-draining soil. Remember, delicate handling preserves white clintonia’s roots, fostering a seamless transition.
