A slender flower stalk rises above a basal rosette of narrow leaves. Small white, six-parted flowers have a distinctive grainy surface and cluster along the upper stem.
Colicroot field photographs. Select the photo to open the slideshow.
Family: Nartheciaceae
Growth: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Late spring–summer
Habitat: Open sandy or peaty sites, moist meadows, and woodland openings
Other common names
Colicroot · Colic-root · White Colicroot · Northern White Colic-root · White Stargrass · True Unicorn Root
Bloom timing varies with location and growing conditions. Source: NC State Extension.
Explore photographed sightings and their locations.
Habitat
Open sandy or peaty sites, moist meadows, and woodland openings
Bloom period
Late spring–summer
Native to North America.
Southeastern Canada and central and eastern United States.
Reported U.S. distribution
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV
Reported U.S. distribution from the linked source; occurrence does not imply native status in every state.
Distribution source: NC State Extension.
Observations show reported sightings; they do not define the plant’s complete native range.
Study the photographs and field notes for Colicroot, then practice identifying this and other wildflowers in the quiz.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.
NC State Extension — identification and range
iNaturalist — Colicroot observations
