Bluebead Lily
Clintonia borealis
Also listed as Dracaena borealis, Clintonia aitonii
Also known as Bluebead, Snakeberries, Yellow Clintonia
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate woodland perennial bearing clusters of small yellow bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by striking blue berries. Best grown in shaded forest conditions with consistently moist soil.
Why grow it
Clintonia borealis offers reliable performance in deep shade where many flowering perennials struggle, making it useful for understory planting in woodland gardens. The combination of spring flowers and summer berries provides extended visual interest, while the plant's modest stature (typically 12-24 inches) allows it to integrate easily into layered forest compositions without competing for space with larger natives.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistent moisture and may decline in dry conditions or poorly draining soils typical of disturbed sites. Establishment can be slow, so patience is needed before plants reach mature size and flowering begins. Division is possible but the rhizomes are fragile and recovery from disturbance can take a season or more.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Liliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate woodland perennial bearing clusters of small yellow bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by striking blue berries. Best grown in shaded forest conditions with consistently moist soil.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bluebead Lily grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Clintonia borealis offers reliable performance in deep shade where many flowering perennials struggle, making it useful for understory planting in woodland gardens. The combination of spring flowers and summer berries provides extended visual interest, while the plant's modest stature (typically 12-24 inches) allows it to integrate easily into layered forest compositions without competing for space with larger natives.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistent moisture and may decline in dry conditions or poorly draining soils typical of disturbed sites. Establishment can be slow, so patience is needed before plants reach mature size and flowering begins. Division is possible but the rhizomes are fragile and recovery from disturbance can take a season or more.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Liliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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