Clintonia

/klɪnˈtoʊniə/ noun

Definition

A genus of small herbaceous plants native to North America and Asia, related to lilies, with bell-shaped flowers and blue berries.

Etymology

Named after DeWitt Clinton, an American statesman and naturalist of the early 19th century. The Latin scientific name follows Linnaean taxonomy conventions.

Kelly Says

Clintonia flowers attract bees with their delicate bells, but the blue berries confuse birds who expect them to taste good—actually they're pretty tasteless, so birds eat them last as a backup snack.

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