Twinflower (Linnaea borealis, Sp. pl. 2:631. 1753)

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:631. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Linnaea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic & Subalpine Eurasia to Alaska

Description

Twinflower, known scientifically as Linnaea borealis, is a charming plant belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. This delicate perennial is most commonly found in subarctic and subalpine regions stretching from Eurasia to Alaska. It was first classified by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753.

The Twinflower thrives in cool climates, often emerging in forest floors, where it favors the shade of coniferous woods. Its enchanting, diminutive blossoms can be easily identified by their paired, bell-shaped flowers, which dangle gracefully on slender, wiry stems. These flowers, typically a soft pink or white, release a gentle, pleasing fragrance that can attract various pollinators including bees and butterflies.

Adding to the plant’s botanical splendor are its small, rounded leaves, which form a dense, mat-like ground cover. This lush green foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the delicate blooms and often remains visually appealing even after the flowers have subsided.

In the wild, Twinflower spreads via creeping stems called stolons, which root at the nodes and help the plant establish wide patches over time. This growth habit makes it an important species for plant enthusiasts and ecologists as it can stabilize soil and prevent erosion in its native habitats.

Despite its fragile appearance, the Twinflower is a resilient plant that plays a significant role in its ecosystem. Not only does it contribute to biodiversity, but it also offers aesthetic value to natural landscapes, making it a popular subject for nature photographers and wildflower aficionados alike.

Overall, Linnaea borealis stands as a remarkable example of nature’s elegance and adaptability, embodying both the rugged endurance required to thrive in harsh climates and the delicate beauty that brings a sense of tranquility to the northern woodlands.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig linnæa, linnæa
Eng: american twinflower, northern twinflower, twinflower, pink bells
Nor: linnaei-thée, linnaei-urt, narisle-græs, noretle-græs, norisle-græs
Deu: moosglöckchen
Nld: linnaeusklokje
Swe: linnea
Fra: linnée boréale
Sme: vándádivga, biellodaŋas, linnea
Cym: blodau deuben, blodyn deuben, gefellflodyn
Lat: linnaea
En: Twinflower, Longtube twinflower, American twinflower, Northern twinflower, Pink bells
Da: Almindelig linnæa, Linnæa
Nl: Linnaeusklokje
Fr: Linnée boréale
De: Moosglöckchen, Erdglöckchen
It: Linnea
La: Linnaea
Se: Vándádivga, Biellodaŋas, Linnea
No: Linnaei-thée, Linnaei-urt, Narisle-græs, Noretle-græs, Norisle-græs
Sv: Linnea
Cy: Blodau Deuben, Blodyn Deuben, Gefellflodyn

Synonyms

• Obolaria borealis ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 5, 2020 by Ulrika Wiss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2021 by Valerie Desgroseiilliers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Annika K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Noel Benson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2006 by Herman (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Juan TheWorm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2019 by austyn Austyn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2020 by Tylerryan Tyler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Deborah Welch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Noel Benson (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bishop L.E. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2019 by Natacha Ouellet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2015 by EOL − Donna Handley (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by EOL − Mike Leveille (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 6, 2015 by EOL − alstrauss (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 13, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Juan TheWorm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Przykuta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Przykuta (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5334220)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:140689-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Linnaea borealis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb, Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 2