Trientalis borealis Raf.

Starflower, may star, Star-of-Bethlehem

About plant names...

Starflowers are native to wooded areas of North America. The genus Trientalis means “a third of a foot,” possibly a reference to the height of these diminutive plants: about a third of a foot (4 inches). Borealis means northern.

Identification: Plants are 4-8" (10-20 cm) tall. From 5 to 9 narrow leaves are arranged in a whorl around a stem, each leaf 1-4" (3-10 cm) long by ⅜-¾" (1-2 cm) wide. Leaves are light green, and may be smooth or have fine teeth. Usually one, or sometimes two or three flowers, each about ½" (1.3 cm) across, appear on each stem. Flowers usually have seven petals, sometimes 5 or 9. They are white, sometimes pink; stamens are yellow. Flowering is during May and June. The shape of the flowers is probably their most unmistakable feature.

Online References:

Trientalis borealis on

Trientalis borealis at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Trientalis borealis on academics.skidmore.edu

Trientalis borealis on the Connecticut Botanical Society's Connecticut wildflowers site

Trientalis borealis on CalPhotos

Trientalis borealis on Wikimedia Commons

Trientalis borealis on eFloras

4/30/2010 · Stan and Connie’s, Falmouth, Maine · By Constance B. Kent

5/18/2021 · Cathance River Nature Preserve, Topsham, Maine
≈ 5 × 4" (13 × 10 cm)

4/23/2021 · Otter Brook Preserve, Harpswell, Maine
≈ 4 × 2½" (10 × 7.2 cm)

5/4/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, East Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 6 × 4½" (15 × 11 cm)

5/4/2012 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 4 × 3½" (10 × 9.8 cm)

5/20/2014 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hamp­shire
≈ 7 × 5" (16 × 13 cm)

5/12/2016 · Wildlife Pond Trail, Beaver Broo, Hollis, New Hamp­shire

5/18/2018 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 5 × 4" (13 × 11 cm)

5/4/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, East Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 8 × 7" (20 × 18 cm)

5/17/2021 · Bijhouwer Forest, Phippsburg, Maine
≈ 3½ × 2½" (9.8 × 6.6 cm)

Trientalis borealis description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 17 Aug 2021.

© FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved.

5/14/2013 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hamp­shire
≈ 11 × 7" (26 × 17 cm)

5/17/2021 · Bijhouwer Forest, Phippsburg, Maine
≈ 7 × 5" (18 × 13 cm)

5/18/2017 · Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Wildflower Trail, Hollis, New Hamp­shire
≈ 7 × 4½" (18 × 12 cm)

5/18/2018 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 6 × 5" (15 × 13 cm)

5/20/2016 · Jeff Smith trail off Bemis Road, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

5/20/2021 · Eaton Farm Preserve, Wiscasset, Maine
≈ 6 × 4" (15 × 10 cm)

Before flowering. · 5/7/2021 · Long Reach Preserve, Harpswell, Maine
≈ 6 × 5" (15 × 13 cm)

5/20/2012 · J. Harry Rich State Forest, Groton, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 3½ × 3½" (9.4 × 8.7 cm)

5/16/2014 · Acton Arboretum, Action, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 7 × 8" (16 × 19 cm)

5/18/2018 · Willard Brook State Park, Blue Trail, Ashby, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 6 × 5" (16 × 12 cm)

5/21/2013 · Beaver Brook Assn Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hamp­shire
≈ 4½ × 4½" (12 × 11 cm)

5/20/2016 · Jeff Smith trail off Bemis Road, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

Range: Zones 3-7:

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