Clintonia borealis aka Blue Bead Lily

Clintonia borealis is a small perennial in the lily family. Gardeners know it as bluebead lily or corn lily. It grows wild in central and eastern Canada. Its range extends into north-central and eastern parts of the United States. It reaches Georgia along the southern part of its range. It grows in cool woods, dense thickets, and mountain sites. Spruce and fir forests also provide its woodland home.

The plant forms clumps and spreads slowly through underground rhizomes. Over time, these stems can form dense patches. Flower stalks reach about 1.7 feet (0.51 metres) tall. Each plant has two to four curved leaves at its base. The leaves are long, broad, and bright green. Their glossy surface has a somewhat leathery feel. Fine hairs line the edges. Leaves measure about 0.3–0.8 feet (0.10–0.25 metres) long. The flower stalk rises above them without leaves.

Flowers open in spring and summer in clusters of four to eight. Each nodding bloom has a bell shape. The colour ranges from yellow to greenish yellow. Three petals and three sepals make up each flower. Bees visit for nectar and pollen. Flies and beetles also feed at the blooms. Blue berries follow the flowers and give bluebead its name. Their colour ranges from light blue to deep blue. Songbirds and chipmunks eat the fruit. In Britain, plants may bear fruit only during warm seasons.

Grow this plant in cool shade with moist, humus-rich soil. It accepts deep shade, dappled light, and partial shade. Acid to neutral soil suits it. PFAF also notes a preference for peaty, sandy ground. NC State warns that heat above 75°F can cause decline. Published USDA ranges differ: NC State gives 2–8; Chicago Botanic Garden gives 4–7. Dormant plants tolerate at least −25°C, according to PFAF. Late frost can harm fresh spring growth. Its slow spread suits woodland ground cover and naturalized gardens. Gardeners can raise it from seed or divide established plants. Slugs and snails can damage it.

Sources describe young leaves as food, eaten raw or cooked. PFAF records past uses for wounds and mosquito protection. These reports do not establish medical benefit. NC State flags the berries as a suspected, low-level human poison. It reports no known poisoning cases and no known toxin. PFAF lists no known hazards. ASPCA lists the plant as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.