Twistedstalk genus is native perennial herb in North America and Eurasia in the lily family. They are primarily found in colder and temperate regions and are primarily shade-loving plants. They will spread by underground rhizomes and produce 1-2 flowers at a time that tend to hide under the leaves. The blooms are white, greenish-yellow or rose in color. They are generally found in deeply shaded areas of forests. Some are listed as endangered in some areas. These plants need shade and humus-rich soils. They can be used as a ground cover for a shaded area or woodland garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
NC region
Mountains
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
The elliptic to ovate leaves are numerous, stemless and clasping at the base. The base is rounded to cordate. Leaves are 2 to 4 inches long, ¾ to 1¾ inches wide. Short hairs are present on the margins
Flower color
Red/Burgundy; White
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Bell
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
White, greenish-yellow or rose, solitary, 6-parted flowers are 1/4-1/2 inch in size. 1-2 blooms are produced on a slender stem arising from a leaf node. Flowers tend to hide under the leaves. Blooms May-June
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Drupe
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Round berry-like drupe is orangish to dark red and hangs below the leaves
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Green stems zig-zag between the alternate leaves giving them a twisted look
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
Temp. Northern Hemisphere
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Shoots
Harvest time
Fall; Summer
Fruit type
Drupe
Edibility
The fruits have been used in soups and stews. The tender young shoots can be eaten cooked or raw and have a cucumber flavor. It is not recommended to overeat this plant due to its laxative effect.