Saxifragaceae: Lithophragma glabrum
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Family Name
Saxifragaceae
Common Name
Smooth woodland star
Description
Lithophragma glabrum is a perennial, herbaceous wildflower growing from a slender rhizome. Stems are slender, erect or ascending, and generally 15–50 cm tall. Leaves are alternate or basal, deeply lobed into 3 to 7 narrow segments, each leaflet about 1–3 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm wide, with entire margins. The leaves are petiolate, with delicate stalks attaching them to the stem. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer (May–July). Flowers have five separate, ovate to lanceolate sepals approximately 5 to 10 mm long and 1.5 to 3 mm wide, which are smooth and glabrous. The five petals are also separate, about 10 to 20 mm long and 3 to 7 mm wide, deeply lobed or divided into narrow linear segments, and white to pale pink in color. Flowers have ten stamens and a superior ovary with a style and stigma. The fruit is a capsule that splits open to release numerous tiny seeds. In South Dakota, Smooth woodland star is native and found in dry open woods, rocky slopes, and foothills, particularly in the Black Hills region.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect seeds from mature capsules in summer.
Germination: Seeds may require cold stratification; sow in well-drained soil in fall or early spring.
Vegetative Propagation: Possible through division of rhizomes.
Soils: Prefers well-drained, often rocky or sandy soils.
Light: Partial shade to full sun.
Water: Moderate moisture; tolerates drier conditions once established.
Additional Notes
Smooth Woodland Star is appreciated for its delicate, fringed flowers and adaptability to rocky, well-drained soils. Primarily valued for its part in native wildflower communities and for supporting pollinators.