Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Galax (Galax urceolata)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Diapensiales>Diapensiaceae>Galax urceolata (Poiret) Brummitt

Galax (Galax urceolata) leaves

Galax is an evergreen herbaceous perennial or subshrub with roundish heart-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves. It is very common in the Mountains of North Carolina, and uncommon to rare in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.

Orange Co., NC 10/17/10.

Galax (Galax urceolata) leaves

The inflorescence is a long raceme that ascends straight and towers above the basal leaves.

Planted, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Galax (Galax urceolata)

Galax leaves are malodorous and can be smelled from some distance away. Compare the leaves with those of the similar but very rare Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia).

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

Galax (Galax urceolata)

An alternate common name listed on the USDA site is "beetleweed." Formerly known as Galax aphylla.

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

Galax (Galax urceolata) flowers

The small white flowers appear in late spring.

Wilkes Co., NC 6/15/08.

Galax (Galax urceolata) fruits

Developing fruits.

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

Galax (Galax urceolata)

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

 

More information:
USDA PLANTS database
Wildflowers of the Southeastern US

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