Plants forming dense colonies. Leaves 15–40 × 2.5–5 cm; petiole 8–24 cm; blade green until frost, veins and veinlets relatively faint in transmitted light, 9–20 cm. Scape 1–2.3 dm. Inflorescences 1/2 length of to equaling proximalmost sheathing leaves; bracts broadly lanceolate, 4–10 mm, shorter than pedicel. Flowers: tepal midribs white; pedicel 7–12 mm. 2n = 38.

Phenology: Flowering early–late spring.
Habitat: Disturbed, open areas
Elevation: 0–1500 m

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

N.B., Nfld. and Labr., N.S., Ont., P.E.I., Que., Sask., Ala., Ark., Conn., D.C., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kans., Ky., Maine, Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., Mo., N.H., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Pa., R.I., Tenn., Utah, Vt., Va., Wash., W.Va., Wis., expected elsewhere, Eurasia.

Discussion

Variety majalis is widely cultivated and naturalized throughout most of eastern North America and elsewhere near cemeteries, gardens, roadsides, and thickets. Rhizomatous spread results in highly dense, ground-covering carpets. Pink and double-flowered horticultural forms are known.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.