White Twisted Stalk - Streptopus amplexifolius
Streptopus amplexifolius, also known as White or Clasping Twisted Stalk, is a gem of a perennial wildflower native to the Upper Peninsula and just a bit of northern lower Michigan. This is a plant of moist woodlands, streambanks, slopes, cedar swamps, and rich shade. When I first saw it, it was on a breezy day which tipped the mature plant sideways, revealing striking berries evenly spaced under rich foliage like ornaments on a Christmas tree. This is a much larger plant than its cousin, Rosy Twisted Stalk. White Twisted Stalk reaches 3 feet in height with a lush spread of foliage nearly as wide. White Twisted Stalk likes rich soils with steady moisture and full to part shade. It is absolutely beautiful.
The latin name means "twist-footed clasping-leaf" according to the U.S. Forest Service, describing the twist exhibited by the flower stalk as it descends from the foliage. Many sources indicate that the green shoots and berries are edible, with the berries tasting like watermelon and the raw shoots like cucumber. Although I have not yet found reference to any Indigenous names, this plant is described as valued by Native American peoples as both an edible and medicinal plant. Other American common names include Wild Cucumber, Watermelon Berry, and White Mandarin. Significant consumption of White Twisted Stalk has a moderate laxative effect, hence anther common name of Scoot Berries. The species can be mistaken for the poisonous Veratrum, especially when young, so be positive of your identification before consumption, especially of young shoots. We are excited to offer this plant!
It blooms in June, with berries around July. As with many plants found up north, little data is available on insect, bird, or other faunal relationships. Deer apparently find it as tasty as people, though, to the point that Michigan Flora says the species is rare downstate because of deer browse. It appears to do best in the U.P. on slopes that make it awkward for deer to feed heavily. We hope our efforts help keep this plant a not uncommon part of the U.P. ecosystem.