![]() |
Figure 1.Aletris (Aletris farinosa) |
Habitat and range.Aletris occurs in dry, generally sandy soil, from Maine to Minnesota, Florida, and Tennessee.
Description.This plant is an erect slender herb 1 1/2, to 3 foot tall with leaves only at the base. These are grasslike, of a yellowish green color, and from 2 to 6 inches long. They surround the base of the stem in the form of a star, in this respect differing distinctly from starwort (Chamaelirium luteum), with which it is sometimes confused, as stated. The erect, flowering spike produced from May to July bears white urn-shaped flowers sometimes tinged with yellow.
Other species.Three other species of Aletris, namely, Aletris aurea Walt., A. lutea Small. and A. obovata Nash, bear much resemblance to A. farinosa and are for this reason no doubt frequently collected with the latter.
Part used.The rootstock, which should be collected in autumn.