Aletris farinosa aka Agueroot

Aletris farinosa is a herbaceous perennial in the Nartheciaceae family. Common names include colic-root, white stargrass, and true unicorn root. It grows wild in southeastern Canada and the central and eastern United States. Its range reaches from Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas. It lives near coasts and lakes, often on damp sand, peat, or gravel. It also grows in grassy woods and some drier sites.

The plant reaches about 2.5 feet [0.76 metres] in height. A low rosette of leaves supports an upright flower stalk. The pale yellow-green leaves have smooth edges and parallel veins. Each leaf is about 0.17–0.58 feet [0.05–0.18 metres] long. Their narrow, lance-shaped blades give the base a grasslike look. A few leaves grow in alternate positions along the stem. Fine hairs cover the lower part of the straight, pale stalk.

White flowers open from April to June along the stalk's upper half. They form a narrow raceme that looks like a spike. Each small flower has six tepals and orange stamens. The flowers have an urn shape, with tips that curve outward. Their rough outer surface gives them a dusted, grainy look. They draw pollinators and supply both nectar and pollen. Small, egg-shaped seed capsules follow in July and August. The capsules split open, and wind carries away their many seeds.

Give this plant full sun, though it can take some shade. It prefers acid soil that stays moist to wet. Sandy or rocky soil should drain well despite that moisture. Plants For A Future suggests peat, leaf mould, and sand. The plant grows best with space around it rather than crowded neighbours. It can cope with some dry spells and wetter soil. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. It also reports cold tolerance down to about −10 to −15°C.

Its white blooms suit native gardens, meadows, and pond edges. They can add a small upright accent among lower plants. NC State reports low upkeep and no major pest or disease problems. It also notes that nurseries seldom sell this plant. The root has a history of use for digestion and other ailments. Those records do not establish that home treatment is safe. Plants For A Future records cooked underground parts as food, but describes a strong bitter taste. It warns that fresh root is mildly poisonous. Eating it may cause stomach pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. That source also advises avoiding its use during pregnancy.