University of Alberta Museums Search

Basal, 3-merous, whorls or opposite, blade egg-shaped to wedge-shaped, 0.8-2.5 cm long, 5-12 mm wide, margins entire to finely toothed, hairless, matte dark-green adaxial surface; petioles ascending, 3-10 cm, subtended by bracts

Inflorescence solitary, terminal; radially symmetric; sepals 5 (4), distinct or appressed to the petals, 2-2.5 mm long, 2 mm wide, apex blunt, greenish yellow, marginal hairs; petals 5(4), distinct, egg-shaped 8-12 mm long, 7-8 mm wide, white, wavy margins, faint venation; stamens 8-10, 2 whorls, fused at base, filaments 5-6 mm long, anthers pale yellowish green, faced inward; pistils 1, 5(4)-lobed, ovary superior

Unique adaptations: Pollination occurs by wind, selfing, or buzz pollination Medical uses: Plant extracts contain a derivative of chimaphilin, 8-chlorochimaphilin, exhibtis anti-fungal and antibacterial compounds. Canadian aboriginals reported using the species to reduce pain, alleviate colds and coughs, and treat cancer. Ethno-botanical uses: The plant is edible with a high content of vitamin C.

Alberta: All of central and Northern Alberta, along the Rocky Mountains. CAN (BC, LB, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT); USA (AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, ID, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY); FRA (SPM)