queen cup
Clintonia uniflora
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size6 to 10 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Queen cup (Clintonia uniflora) is a perennial for shade gardens, woodland gardens, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. A single white, star-like flower rises on a short stalk above glossy green leaves. An amethyst-blue berry follows each flower, and ruffed grouse are fond of the berries. It spreads slowly by underground stems, and it needs protection from slugs.
Pairs well with Western sword fern, Red trillium, Bellwort, and Hinoki cypress.
Native range
AK, CA, ID, MT, and 2 more places. See all 6
AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, and WA; BC.