Ipheion uniflorum (Graham) Raf.

Springstar

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Springstar is an introduced, herbaceous perennial from a bulb in the Amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). It is native to Argentina and Uruguay. It has been widely planted as an ornamental and has naturalized in Australia, Europe, and North America. In Alabama it can be found throughout the state. Springstar grows in lawns, in cemeteries, and on roadsides. It is a scapose perennial from a bulb. Leaves are linear, flat, glabrous, and entire. The leaves have a garlic-like odor when crushed. Flowers are solitary on an erect scape. The flowers are salverfrom to rotate in outline with 6 lobes. The flowers are white, blue, or lavender in color with the midrib darker. The stamens are of 2 lengths, with the longer ones reaching the top of the tube. The stigma is 3 lobed. Each bulb produces multiple flowering stems. The fruit is a capsule with several black seed. Springstar is widely available from nurseries that specialize in bulbs, and several cultivars varying in color are available. It prefers a sunny location and is deer resistant. Springstar can be used in Alpine gardens or naturalized in lawns. It spreads rapidly from off-sets. This species is sometimes listed under the name Tristigma uniflorum (Lindl.) Traub.—A. Diamond

**

Not Native

Sassone, A.B., L.M. Giussani, and S. Arroyo-Leuenberger. 2017. Lectotypification and correct author citation of Ipheion uniflorum (Amaryllidaceae), with a new synonym. Annales Botanici Fennici, 54: 99-103.