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Beetleweed, Galax, Wandplant, Wandflower, Coltsfoot - Galax urceolata


Family: Diapensiaceae - Diapensia family Genus Common Name: Galax Native Status: NativeDicot Perennial Subshrub Shrub Herb
Galax urceolata - Beetleweed, Galax, Wandplant, Wandflower, Coltsfoot. Galax urceolata is monotypic - the only species in the genus. It is a member of the Diapensiaceae family, which in itself is rather small, having only around 14 species. Of these, 6 are found in North America, with the others in Europe and Asia.

While Galax is native to the southeastern United States, disjunct populations that found in New York and Massachusetts are likely not native; probably naturalized garden escapees.

Found in:
AL, GA, KY, MA, NC, NY, OH, SC, TN, VA, WV

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Galax urceolata

Distribution of Galax urceolata in the United States and Canada:
USDA Map temporarily unavailable.
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced

Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

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Site: Polk County, TN Date: 2004-May-30Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Galax' flower cluster terminates the long stem that rises from the basal leaves.
Galax urceolata
Site: Polk County, TN Date: 2009-May-30Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
90mm (135 equiv) Flash: Yes
Click on the photo for a larger image
Galax urceolata
Site: Big Frog Trail, Polk County, TN Date: 2009-May-08Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D60
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro
90mm (135 equiv) Flash: Yes
In the past there was a large industry collecting Galax for the attractive, shiny leaves to use in floral arrangements.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Galax urceolata
Site: Tray Mountain, Towns County, GA Date: 2002-December-20Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Sony Cybershot
Galax is an evergreen in the sense that it doesn't lose its leaves over winter, but "green" may not be appropo. Instead, they usually turn a beautiful burgundy red color. This is one of my earlier wildflower photographs.
Click on the photo for a larger image
Galax urceolata
References used for identification and information:
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Galax urceolata initially published on USWildflowers.com 2008-12-31; Updated 2017-03-02

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