TRIANTHA: THE HIDDEN CARNIVORE

TRIANTHA GLUTINOSA (Michx.) Baker

Common name: sticky false asphodel, northern bog asphodel

A widespread species of northern North America, found from Alaska and Canada south into the northern United States, with isolated populations in the Appalachian Mountains.

A specimen from Kew's Herbarium | Herbarium, RBG Kew

DESCRIPTION

• Rhizomatous perennial growing 20-50 cm tall
• Leaves mostly basal, narrow and grass-like, up to 30 cm long
• Flowers white to creamy yellow, arranged in a spike-like inflorescence
• Stem glandular-hairy below the inflorescence
• Flowers in summer (June to September)

HABITAT

Occurs in wet meadows, fens, bogs, and other wetland habitats, particularly on calcareous substrates. It prefers alkaline soils and waterlogged conditions.

DISTRIBUTION MAP

Fig. 1. Known distribution range of Triantha glutinosa

DID YOU KNOW?

The species epithet glutinosa means "sticky" and refers to the glandular hairs covering the stem, which give it a sticky texture.