Lysimachia latifolia, sometimes called Trientalis latifolia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae. It is known as starflower, chickweed-wintergreen, or Pacific starflower.

Description

It is a low-growing, creeping perennial reaching (5 to 30 cm). The roots are tuberous, creeping rhizomes. The stems are erect, 10 – high. It has 5 to 7 whorled, lanceolate, entire leaves distributed levelly in a single group. The flowers are white or pink flowers are borne in April or May. Calyx (the collective term for sepals) is 5- to 9-parted and persistent. Corolla (the collective term for petals) is also 5- to 9-parted, rotate, with a very short tube and elliptic-lanceolate segments. Stamens occur in the same number as the corolla lobes (5–9) and are positioned opposite them. 1-3 peduncles, 1-flowered, filiform, and ebracteate. The ovary is one-celled. The style (gynoecium) is filiform.

Habitat

Occurs on moist, shaded slopes in deep, light soil rich in organic matter, particularly leaf mould.

Distribution

Etymology

The former genus name Trientalis is derived from the Latin triens ('a third'), and is an allusion to the height of the plant, which is one third of a foot, or 4 in high. Latifolia is derived from the Latin words latus ('broad or wide') and folia ('leaves') and means approximately 'broad-leaved'. The alternative name "Indian potato" refers to a small subterranean swelling at the stem's base, which is not listed as being edible by modern sources.