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Galax urceolata

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Galax aphylla
Phonetic Spelling
GAY-laks ur-see-oh-LAH-tuh
Description

Galax is a North Carolina native in the Diapensiaceae family that is a common understory species of awide variety of forests in the east-central and southern United States that exhibits shiny, long-stalked, roundish heart-shaped leaves, 2-5 in. wide. The genus name is from the Greek word gala ("milk") in reference to the flower color.

It is a perennial with bright green leaves in summer that become bronzed to reddish in winter.  Small white feathery flowers arranged in a narrow cluster on a naked stalk rise above the leaves in late spring or early summer. The flower stalks are 8-15 inches high.

Galax prefers cool, moist sites with partial shade. It is common in the NC mountains and Piedmont, but unusual in the coastal areas. It grows in slow-expanding clumps and its flowers attract bees. Use this plant in woodland gardens, on banks and slopes, in naturalized areas and cottage gardens.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#native perennial#nectar plant#winter interest#NC native#summer flowers#herbaceous perennial#spring interest#pollinator plant#food source fall#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source herbage#FACU Piedmont Mountains#Coastal FACU#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly#Audubon#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#native perennial#nectar plant#winter interest#NC native#summer flowers#herbaceous perennial#spring interest#pollinator plant#food source fall#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source herbage#FACU Piedmont Mountains#Coastal FACU#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly#Audubon#perennial#wildflower#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Galax
    Species:
    urceolata
    Family:
    Diapensiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Root Cutting
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Ohio to South Eastern U.S.A
    Distribution:
    Southeastern US (except Florida); expanding northward and into the Midwest. Mostly in mountainous areas
    Wildlife Value:
    Bees visit the flowers
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The capsule contains many seeds. Displays from August to October
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small white feathery flowers with 5 petals are arranged in a narrow cluster on a naked stalk that rises above the leaves. Blooms from May to July
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leathery heart-shaped leaves with toothed margins 2-5 inches in size
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Smooth green stem
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Slope/Bank
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Native Garden
    Shade Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Pollinators