Streptopus amplexifolius in fruit, August 14, 2021
Close-up of stalk, August 14, 2021
Common & scientific name
Twisted stalk, Streptopus amplexifolius
Family
Lily, Liliaceae
Location
Weller Lake, elevation 9,800’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
One of our most delightful flowers, and while I missed it in bloom this year, I caught it at its arguably more charming stage, in fruit. Its berries, red or orange, hang from decidedly kinked stalks underneath their elegant, lily-like leaves. They are found in shaded, moist places, like lake inlets. There is some disagreement as to whether the berries are edible or not. Their twisted stalks feel too precious to break, anyway!