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Bluebead Lily (Clintonia borealis)

Posted on Jun 4, 2015

Wildflowers continue to pop as the warm temperatures and sunshine are becoming more abundant. One pretty little flower that is currently in bloom is Clintonia borealis, more commonly known as Bluebead Lily. This plant gets its name not from the flowers it produces, but instead from the beautiful fruits that become noticeable during mid to late summer. As the summer season progresses the flowers will be replaced by little green fruits, that slowly turn white and then eventually a deep blue, looking almost like porcelain beads. While these fruits may look appealing, they are said to be quite foul tasting. This season, be on the lookout for these pretty wildflowers but remember to appreciate them right where they are!

Blue bead lily

Elyse Henshaw
Conservation Technician