Aletris aurea Walter - Golden Colicroot
Family - Liliaceae, Nartheciaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Basal leaves.
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering - May - August.
Habitat - Savannas, pine flatwoods, bogs, ditches.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found in southern Alabama. The plant can be identified by its rosette of basal leaves, single flowering scape, and bright yellow flowers. Another species, A. lutea Small is similar but is far less common in Alabama.This latter species has longer flowers.
The genus name Aletris is named for a Greek female slave who ground corn, in reference to the mealiness of the perianth.
The species epithet aurea derives from the Latin "aur(e)" meaning "gold" referring to the flowers.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Coon Creek, Tallapoosa County, AL., 6-13-06.