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Bunchflower

Melanthium virginicum

Beautiful creamy flowers on elongate candelabra-like spikes; one of our favorites

 

$3.00$181.00

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Description

Melanthium virginicum, also known as Bunchflower, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) found in wet prairies, bogs, fens and open seepages.

Wildlife notes

Deer will eat this plant in early spring but are later deterred by toxic alkaloids in the plant.

Forage notes

All parts of this plant contain toxic alkaloids, which discourages animal herbivory. This plant is especially toxic to horses.

Landscaping notes

Can be grown in a wide range of soil types, including clay, but prefers moist, rich, slightly acidic soils in full to partial sun. In the wild this plant is found in wet prairies, bogs, fens and open seepages. Hardy in Zones 4-8. Wet sites such as rain gardens, low-lying areas, or bog gardens. Could also perform well in a more formal perennial border. Some standing water is tolerated if it is temporary. Several years of development are required before individual plants begin to flower.

Restoration notes

Virginia Bunchflower has been found in open bottomland woodlands, damp meadows, swamps, marshes, fens, floating bogs, and roadside ditches. This conservative species is largely restricted to high quality habitats.

This species is commonly found in the following mixes: Wet Meadow Mix

Videos About This Plant

To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.

Wet Meadow Mix | Native Wildflower Mix

Additional information

Weight N/A
Unit

Packet, Ounce, Pound

Light

Full Sun to Part Shade

Soils

Average, Moist

Height

36"-48"

Bloom Month

Jun, Jul

Color

Off-White

Specialty Uses

Landscaping

What is PLS?

Pure Live Seed (PLS) is the portion of good viable seed per pound. It is a measure of the seed that is alive and able to sprout into plants. This product is sold by PLS ounce/pound. To provide one ounce/pound of viable seed, you will receive more than one ounce/pound of product. Read more about PLS here.