This genus name, assigned by Linnaeus, does not obviously stem from Greek gálax, “a kind of shellfish.” But late Latin galaxias, “the Milky Way,” seems like a great incentive for naming a species with a starry flower raceme
Wandflower is native to the southeastern United States. It is found in open woodland, in
dappled shade and both moist and dry habitats.
Plants: 8-24″ (20-60 cm) tall, with basal leaves and a tall
flowering spike.
Leaves: Heart-shaped, almost round, evergreen, shiny, hairless, toothed,
1½-6″ (3.8-15 cm) across. Leaf petioles (stems) are 3-8″ (8.3-20 cm) long.
Flowers: Very attractive spikes of white flowers,
8-15″ (20-38 cm) tall and 2″ (5 cm) in diameter. The spike is a bare stem that towers
over the foliage. It flowers from June to July. Individual flowers have five petals and yellow
centers.