Lysimachia latifolia, sometimes called Trientalis latifolia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae.[1] [2] [3] It is known as starflower,[4] chickweed-wintergreen, or Pacific starflower.[5]
It is a low-growing, creeping perennial[6] reaching (5to).[7] 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.
Occurs on moist, shaded slopes in deep, light soil rich in organic matter, particularly leaf mould.
The former genus name Trientalis is derived from the Latin ('a third'), and is an allusion to the height of the plant, which is one third of a foot, or 4inches high.[9] Latifolia is derived from the Latin words ('broad or wide') and ('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.[10]