blue bead lily
Clintonia borealis
USDA zones2 to 7
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow , green , brown
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Blue bead lily (Clintonia borealis) is a perennial for woodland gardens, ground cover, and low maintenance beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 2, or down to -50°F (-46°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy or loamy soil. Pale yellow-green, bell-like flowers nod above shiny leaves, and bright blue berries follow. Chipmunks and birds relish the berries. A heavy winter mulch of leaves helps it, so watch for slugs and snails too.
Pairs well with Bloodroot, Twinleaf, Virginian bluebells, and Crested wood fern.
Native range
CT, GA, IL, IN, and 21 more places. See all 25
CT, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV; NB, NL, NS, ON, and PE.