Agueroot (Aletris farinosa, Sp. Pl.: 319 (1753))

Family: Nartheciaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 319 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aletris

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Agueroot, scientifically known as Aletris farinosa, is an intriguing species belonging to the family Nartheciaceae. Having been first described and cataloged in 1753, Agueroot has a longstanding presence in botanical history. Its distribution spans from southeastern Canada through central and eastern regions of the United States.

Characterized by its striking appearance, Agueroot typically thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and is often found in habitats such as open woods, meadows, and prairies. This plant is particularly recognized for its unique inflorescence: a tall, slender spike adorned with numerous white, tubular flowers that give it a somewhat frosted appearance, hence the specific epithet “farinosa,” meaning “floury” or “mealy.”

Agueroot’s leaves are basal, long, and narrow, forming a rosette at the base of the plant. This feature is typical of many members of its family and contributes to its distinct foliage. The blooms, which appear from late spring to midsummer, not only add an aesthetic charm to natural landscapes but also play a critical role in supporting pollinators such as bees.

Ecologically, Agueroot serves an important function within its native range. By providing nectar and pollen, it supports various insect species, thus contributing to the biodiversity and stability of its ecosystem. Additionally, its resilience in sandy and nutrient-poor soils showcases its adaptability and importance in maintaining the health of plant communities in these environments.

Despite its ecological significance, Agueroot is not extensively cultivated and retains a more wild and unspoiled presence compared to more commonly gardened plants. This makes its discovery in natural habitats a special encounter for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Understanding and preserving Agueroot is crucial, not only for its unique beauty and role in ecosystems but also for maintaining the biological heritage and diversity of the regions it inhabits. As researchers continue to explore the relationships between plants and their environments, Agueroot stands out as a testament to the intricate balance and interdependence of natural systems.

Common Names

Eng: agueroot, colicroot, crow-corn, mealy star-grass, mealy starwort, unicorn-root, white colicroot, white star-grass, mealy stargrass, unicorn root, white stargrass, white-tubed colicroot
Swe: mjöllilja
Fra: alétris farineux
En: Agueroot, Mealy star-grass, Mealy starwort, White star-grass, Colicroot, Crow-corn, Unicorn-root, White colicroot, Mealy stargrass, Unicorn root, White stargrass, White-tubed colicroot
Zh: 粉条儿菜
Fr: Alétris farineux
Sv: Mjöllilja
Zh-hant: 粉條兒菜

Synonyms

• Aletris alba (Michx.)
• Aletris lucida (Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 10, 2014 by EOL − Jesse Lincoln (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 1, 2015 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by Christina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Skylar Roberson (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 21, 2019 by Anja Collette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 12, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2756106)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319064-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aletris farinosa L.)

Specifications

Growth