Common Name:
ROUND-LEAVED PYROLA
Synonym:
Pyrola rotundifolia
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Coefficient of Conservatism:
7
Coefficient of Wetness:
0
Wetness Index:
FAC
Physiognomy:
Nt P-Forb
R. W. Smith
P. rotundifolia of Michigan Flora.
Usually associated with deciduous trees in the southern part of the state, but northward often under red and jack pine, or even in cedar swamps and peatlands (fens).
Pyrola americana usually reaches the peak of blooming in the second or third week of July in our area (sometimes as early as the end of June in southern Michigan); it is our latest-blooming species of the genus, with flowers sometimes lingering on until September near Lake Superior.
The large bracts in the inflorescence will readily distinguish this species from P. elliptica, also white-flowered, should there be doubt on other characters. The status of this species is still in doubt. Though now generally considered distinct from the Eurasian P. rotundifolia, some authors treat it as P. asarifolia subsp. americana (Sweet) Křísa.