Family: Asteraceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 926 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Polymnia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The whiteflower leafcup, known scientifically as Polymnia canadensis, is a charming and distinctive member of the Asteraceae family. First documented by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in “Species Plantarum,” this perennial plant is native to a broad geographic range extending from Southeast Canada down through North Carolina and encompassing various regions of the Eastern United States.
The whiteflower leafcup thrives in moist, shaded areas such as woodlands and the edges of forests. It is particularly noted for its large, lobed, and slightly hairy leaves, which can grow to significant sizes and lend an attractive foliage cover. These verdant leaves provide a lush background for the plant’s unique and delicate flowers.
Flowers of the whiteflower leafcup typically bloom from midsummer to early fall, adding subtle beauty to the plant’s surroundings. Each flower head comprises small, white or whitish florets that are both dainty and intricate, nestled within a cluster that can attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This flowering characteristic not only enhances the visual appeal of natural landscapes but also supports local ecosystems.
The plant’s unique appearance and growth habits have made it a subject of interest for botanists and garden enthusiasts alike. Its preference for shaded, moist environments makes it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and naturalized areas where other plants might struggle to thrive.
In the wild, the whiteflower leafcup plays a crucial role in plant communities by providing habitat and food resources for wildlife. It can also be part of restoration projects aimed at re-establishing native flora in degraded habitats. Given its broad adaptive range and ecological importance, Polymnia canadensis continues to be a valued species for both its ecological function and its contribution to botanical diversity in North America.
Common Names
Eng: whiteflower leafcup, leafcup, white-flowered leafcup, pale-flowered leafcup, small-flowered leafcup
Fra: polymnie du canada
En: Whiteflower leafcup, RAYLESS LEAFCUP, Leafcup, White-flowered leafcup, Pale-flowered leafcup, Small-flowered leafcup
Fr: Polymnie du Canada
Synonyms
- Polymnia radiata ((A.Gray) Small)
- Polymniastrum variabile ((Poir.) Poir.)
- Polymnia variabilis (Poir.)
- Polymnia canadensis f. radiata ((A.Gray) Fassett)
- Polymnia canadensis var. radiata (A.Gray)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Mykala Spangler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2021 by yangsheng zhang (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2021 by yangsheng zhang (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2022 by Mike Mondloch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Cynthia Phipps (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 7, 2015 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 21, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Lincoln (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Mykala Spangler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Mykala Spangler (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 15, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2014 by EOL − Milo Pyne (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 1, 2016 by EOL − Milo Pyne (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 7, 2015 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 16, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken May 16, 2020 by Ko Ko (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Brandon Bautista (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 15, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 15, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5385137)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:239188-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polymnia canadensis L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb