Pronounced (approximate): po-LIM-nee-ah kan-ah-DEN-sis
Small flower heads have pale rays around yellow disks. Leaf-like green bracts form a cup around each flower head.
Leafcup (Polymnia canadensis): white rays and yellow disk florets. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Asteraceae
Life cycle Herbaceous perennial
Blooms Summer–early fall
Height 1–4 feet
Habitat Moist woods, shaded slopes, cliffs, and streambanks
Common names
Leafcup · Whiteflower Leafcup · Pale-flowered Leaf Cup
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Moist woods, shaded slopes, cliffs, and streambanks. Flowering season: summer–early fall.
The flowers are small compared with the foliage; include leaves and the branching stem in identification views.
Small flower heads have pale rays around yellow disks.
Broad leaves vary from lobed lower leaves to smaller upper leaves.
Look for herbaceous perennial growth in moist woods, shaded slopes, cliffs, and streambanks. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
6 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it.
Native to southeastern Canada and the north-central and eastern United States.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AL, AR, CT, DC, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Leafcup in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.