Galax urceolata (Poir.) Brummitt
Beetleweed, Galax, Coltsfoot, Wand flower
Diapensiaceae (Pincushion-Plant Family)
Synonym(s): Galax aphylla
USDA Symbol: GAUR2
Spike-like racemes of dainty, white flowers grow on leafless stalks, 8-15 in. high. The round basal foliage is shiny green, leathery, and often has a reddish tint. These evergreen leaves are held on long petioles. Rhizomes are red and spread widely, allowing the plant to colonize.
The long flower stalk rising from the roundish, evergreen leaves identifies this attractive southern wildflower. Its rare smaller relative Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia) is found only in the southern Appalachians. Planted in gardens as far north as Massachusetts, Beetleweed may escape from cultivation. The genus name is from the Greek word gala (milk) and refers to the flower color.
From the Image Gallery
Plant CharacteristicsDuration: Perennial
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Size Notes: Leaves 3 to 6 inches high. Flower stalks 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaf: Bright green
Flower: Flowers in 2 to 5 inch flower spikes
Size Class: 0-1 ft. , 1-3 ft.
Bloom InformationBloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun
DistributionUSA: AL , GA , KY , MA , NC , NY , OH , SC , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: Mts. of MD to KY, s. to GA & AL; also extending to coastal plain of s.e. VA, Zones 6 to 7
Native Habitat: Moist to dry, mountain woods
Growing ConditionsWater Use: Low , Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Rich, loose, acidic, well-mulched, well-drained sand or loam.
Conditions Comments: Does not do well in the disturbed, impoverished soil of typical home landscapes. Needs rich, well-drained woodland soils.
BenefitUse Ornamental: A delicate groundcover for the Southeastern woodland garden
Use Wildlife: Browsed by deer
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: No
PropagationPropagation Material: Root Division , Seeds , Softwood Cuttings
Description: Propagate by fresh seed, cuttings in summer, or root division in spring. Divide large clumps, leaving soil adhering. Seed should be planted as soon as ripe.
Seed Treatment: Use a coldframe.
National Wetland Indicator Status
From the National Organizations DirectoryAccording to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
BibliographyBibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. Wasowski
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Additional resourcesUSDA: Find Galax urceolata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Galax urceolata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Galax urceolata
MetadataRecord Modified: 2014-09-04
Research By: TWC Staff