Plant of the Month May 2009

Glaucidium palmatum

Glaucidium palmatum; photo by Todd Boland

Glaucidium palmatum; photo by Todd Boland

Description and general information

This woodland plant, native to Japan, is the only member of this genus. The plant is a long-lived perennial that forms a rounded clump about 40 cm in height. Each stem produces a pair of relatively large, lobed leaves and a single poppy or peony-like white or mauve flower. Each flower actually consists of 4 petaloid sepals. They bloom about the same time as Trilliums and Erythroniums.

Cultivation

Prefers cool, moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil in part shade.

Bloom period

Mid-spring along with Trillium and Erythronium.

Propagation

Best from fresh seed; stratification required; plants resent transplanting once mature so start with young plants.

References

The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening