Wildflowers
of
Baxter State Park

Clintonia (Corn Lily)
Lily Family
(Clintonia borealis)

This lovely lily-like plant grows in the cool, moist woods and likes the shade. It is a member of the lily family so has the same type of vein- marked leaves. These large wide leaves are actually more striking than the small blossom. Each plant has from two to four shiny green leaves. From amidst these leaves, a single flower stalk rises. At the top of the stalk, from three to six yellow bell-shaped flowers will hang. These are cream-colored or light yellow and look like miniature lilies. Though the blossom itself is not too attractive, the berries which form later make up for this. The cluster of pure blue berries above the shiny wide leaves makes a distinctive picture. Blue is a rare color among wild flowers, but this uncommon color is striking on this Clintonia. For this reason, many call it the Blue Bead Lily. The plant grows to be about a foot high, but varies more or less depending upon the habitat.

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